Crime Prevention Tips

• Auto Theft Prevention
• Con Artist Tactics
• Residential Burglary Protection
• Domestic Violence Prevention
• Gang Prevention for Parents
• Personal Safety
• Safety While Shopping
• Date Rape
• Sexual Assault

Auto Theft Prevention

1. Lock your car and take your keys
2. Park only in well lighted areas
3. Park in attended lots
4. Install an alarm on vehicle
5. Don’t put the alarm decal on the vehicle – a thief now knows it’s alarmed And may know how to defeat the alarm
6. Install a secondary (hidden) ignition switch that has to be switched on Before the car can be started
7. Park with your wheels turned all the way toward the curb (makes towing From the back more difficult
8. Remove coil wire from distributor
9. Use your steering wheel lock
10. Close windows all the way when parked
11. Don’t hide a second set of keys in the vehicle
12. Never leave car running unattended
13. Don’t let a potential car buyer test drive your car alone
14. If you have a garage – USE IT
15. Lock your garage door and lock car doors when the vehicle is in the garage
16. Don’t keep anything in vehicle that has your name/address on it. A car Thief who steals your car now knows where you live.
17. Don’t loan your car to someone you don’t know very well
18. Don’t leave packages, cell phones, etc in plain view – remove them from the Vehicle
19. Use the parking brake when parked
20. When using valet parking, give the attendant only the ignition key – no house Keys

    **PURCHASING A CAR:

1. If buying from an individual, be sure he is who he says he is
2. Be sure you can locate the seller after the sale
3. Check the VIN to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with
4. See if VIN matches the number on the sellers title
5. Be suspicious of a fresh paint job on a newer car
6. Ask for the manufactures keys not a replacement set – be suspicious If you’re given replacement keys on a newer car
7. Be suspicious if asking/settling price is “too good to be true”

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Con Artist Tactics

Avoiding Ripoffs - The Con (Confidence) Artist

1. Anyone can be a victim
2. Con artists (according to Federal Trade Commission) cost citizens billions Of dollars per year
3. Beware of the person who makes an offer that is “too good to be true”. He’ll have an answer to every concern you have
4. Beware of “High pressure sales” the salesman who says “today” or “right Now is the only time you can get this offer
5. If you’ve been defrauded call the Police, the department of Consumer Affairs and the State Attorney General’s Office
6. Tell your friend, neighbors and family how you’ve been defrauded so They don’t succumb to the same rip off
7. Don’t wait to report a fraud due to embarrassment, the thief will be long gone- The person who thinks “I'll never fall for this” is the kind of person the con Artist is looking for
8. If someone wants money “RIGHT NOW” it has the makings of a con

Some Deceptive Tactics Used:

1. Vagueness about the product/service
2. Pressure for you to separate with money immediately
3. Instant phone purchase by credit card number
4. Unanswered questions
5. Dodging of questions
6. Playing on emotions
7. No “on site” visits if it’s a “land/home” deal

*Check All References

-Investigate the person/organization as thoroughly as possible. A legitimate Salesman/business will not mind. A Con Artist wants his money “NOW” A legitimate business will wait even weeks if necessary. If after Investigating you still have questions- ask the person GET ANSWERS

Example of an Investment Fraud:

*An “investor” says he can double your money in a short time (usually a day to a month) if you give him $1000.00. You give him the money. He in the prescribed time gives you a check for $2000.00. He now offers to again double your money if you give him 10,000 you give him the money. In the prescribed time he returns with a check for $20,000 He now has gained your trust and offers you a ”windfall” of possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions if you give him 50,000. You give him the money and he disappears. The checks he has given you are worthless.

Things To Look Out For:

1. Beware of the person who comes to your door saying you need a new Roof or other repair on your house. And that he/she was just driving by and Saw it. Home repair fraud just like is big business!!
2. Beware of someone who may be trying to distract your attention while you’re talking to him/her at your front door. This is common with Gypsies who will have someone quietly enter through the back door And burglarize your house while you’re distracted at the front door
3. Beware of someone trying to sell something dirt cheap. EX-VCR in box at truck stop for $50.00. You pay and find only a brick in the box when you open it

Remember:

Con Artists don’t care about you your circumstances, health, etc. In fact if you divulge something personal such as you’re dying of cancer, The Con Artist will use that in his favor to try to get you to go along with his con. Most successful Con Artist believe the victim deserved to be out of their money “for being so stupid” Con Artist usually want cash only and sometimes ask the victim not to tell anyone of the transaction. Check contests to make sure they aren’t a come on to dray you into a money losing scheme be wary of any pressure that you must act immediately be wary of cheap vacations, like 29.00 to Hawaii.

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Residential Burglary Protection

INVEST IN HOME SECURITY

If you’re locked out of your home, can you still get it?.... through an unlocked window in the back, or using an extra key hidden under a flowerpot or up on top a ledge? If you can break in, so can a burglar. A small investment of time and money can make your home more secure and can reduce your chances of being a victim of burglary, assault or vandalism. Get to know your neighbors. Watchful neighbors who look out for you as well as themselves are a front line defense against crime.

CHECK THE LOCKS

In almost half of all residential burglaries, thieves walk in through an unlocked door or crawl through an unlocked window.

• Make sure every external door has a deadbolt lock.
• Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available locks or with a broomstick or wooden dowel in the track to jam the door if someone tries to pry it open. Insert a pin in a hole drilled in the sliding door frame that goes through to the fixed frame to prevent anyone from lifting the door off its track.
• Secure double-hung windows by sliding a bolt or nail through a hole drilled at a downward angle in each top corner of the inside sash and part way through the outside sash. Secure basement windows as well.
• Don’t hide keys in mailboxes, planters, or under doormats. Give an extra key to a neighbor you trust.
• If you just moved into a new house or apartment, rekey the locks.

CHECK THE OUTSIDE

To discourage burglars from selecting your home as their target of opportunity, make sure to:

• Prune back shrubbery that hides doors and windows. Cut back tree limbs that could help a thief climb into windows.
• Light porches, entrances, and yards-front and back. Consider timers that turn on outside lights or install motion detectors.
• Keep your yard well-maintained. Store ladders and tools inside your locked garage, basement, or storage shed when you’re not using them.
• Clearly display your house number so police and other emergency vehicles can fine your home quickly.
• Help the neighborhood stay in good shape. Dark alleys, broken street lights, abandoned cars, vacant buildings, graffiti, litter, and run- down area attract crime. Work with the local government and neighbors to organize community clean-up days.
• Put lights and a radio on timers to create the illusion that someone is at home when you go away. Leave shades, blinds and curtains in normal positions. Stop the mail and newspapers, or ask a neighbor to take them in.
• Update your home inventory, listing things like VCR’s, stereos, cameras, sports equipment, and computers. Take photos or make videos of items, list descriptions and serial numbers. Check with law enforcement about Operation Identification-engraving your valuables. If your home s burglarized, this can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to find.

WHAT ABOUT ALARMS?

If you have valuables in your home, or live in an isolated area or a neighborhood vulnerable to break-ins, consider an alarm system. Before you invest in alarms:

• Check with several companies and decide what level of security fits your needs. Sources of information include your local police or sheriff’s department, the public library, and the Better Business Bureau.
• Look for an established company and check references before signing a contract.
• Learn how to use your system properly. If you continually set off false alarms, your neighbors will ignore the noise and you could be fined.

BURGLARS CAN TAKE MORE THAN YOUR PROPERTY

Burglars generally don’t want to run into their victims. But if they’re surprised by someone coming home or pick a home that’s occupied, someone may get hurt.

• If you see a screen slit, a window broken, or a door ajar, don’t go in. Call the police from a neighbor’s house or a public phone.
• If you hear a noise in the night that sounds like someone breaking in or moving around, call the police and wit for them to come. If you can leave safely, do so. Otherwise lock yourself in a room or, if the intruder is in the room, pretend to be asleep.
• Think carefully before buying a firearm for protection. Guns can be stolen and sold to anyone, or captured and used on you or the police. If you do own a gun, lock it up and learn how to use it safely.

LOOK BEYOND LOCKS AND ALARMS

• Join a Neighborhood Watch group. If one doesn’t exist, ask your police or sheriff’s department to help you start one.
• Look around for things that could contribute to crime-poor street lighting, abandoned cars, vacant lots, littered playgrounds with broken equipment, homes that elderly owners have trouble maintaining. Help organize a clean-up/fix-up day.
• If your neighbors are ever victims, help out. Offer sympathy and support, and help with meals, repairs, or babysitting.

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Domestic Violence Prevention

As many as four million women in this country suffer some kind of violence at the hands of their husband or boyfriend each year. Very few will tell anyone- a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or the police. Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, all cultures, all income groups, all ages, all religions. They share feelings of helplessness, isolation, guilt, fear, and shame.

Are You Abused?

Does the Person You Love...

• “Track” all of your time?
• Constantly accuse you of begin unfaithful?
• Discourage your relationship with family and friends?
• Prevent you from working or attending school?
• Criticize you for little things?
• Anger easily when drinking or using other drugs?
• Control all finances and force you to account in detail for what you speed?
• Humiliate you in front of others?
• Destroy personal property or sentimental items?
• Hit, punch, slap, kick, or bite you or the children?
• Use or threaten to use a weapon against you?
• Threaten to hurt you or the children?
• Force you to have sex against your will?

If you find yourself saying yes to any of these-it’s time to get help.

Don’t Ignore The Problem

• Talk to someone. Part of the abuser’s power comes from secrecy. Victims are often ashamed to let anyone know about intimate family problems. Go to a friend or neighbor, or call a domestic violence hotline to talk to a counselor.
• Plan ahead and know what you will do if you are attacked again. If you decide to leave, choose a place to go; set aside some money. Put important papers together-marriage license, birth certificates, checkbooks-in a place where you can get them quickly.
• Learn to think independently. Try to plan for the future and set goals for yourself.

If You Are Hurt, What Can You Do?

There are no easy answers, but there are things you can do to protect yourself.

• Call the police or sheriff. Assault, even by family members, is a crime. The police often have information about shelters and other agencies that help victims of domestic violence.
• Leave, or have someone come and stay with you. Go to a battered women’s shelter- call a crisis hotline in your community or a health center to locate a shelter. If you believe that you, and your children, are in danger-leave immediately.
• Get medical attention from your doctor or a hospital emergency room. Ask the staff to photograph your injuries and keep detailed records in case you decide to take legal attention.
• Contact your family court for information about a civil protection order that does not involve criminal charges or penalties.

Have You Hurt Someone In Your Family?

• Accept fact that your violent behavior will destroy your family. Be aware that you break the law when you physically hurt someone.
• Take responsibility for your actions and get help.
• When you feel tension buildings, get away. Work off the energy through a walk, a project, a sport.
• Call a domestic violence hotline or health center and ask about counseling and support groups for people who batter.

The High Costs of Domestic Violence

• Men and women who follow their parents’ example and use violence to solve conflicts are teaching the same destructive behavior to their children.
• Jobs can be lost or careers stalled because of injuries, arrests, or harassment.
• Violence may even results in death.

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Gang Prevention For Parents

GANGS DEFINED:
Gangs are groups of people who form an allegiance for a common purpose and commit violent, unlawful or criminal activities. Today’s street gangs may claim control over a certain territory in their community, and create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation there. Gangs are often in the sale of drugs.

WHO JOINS GANGS:
Gang members generally range in age from 13-21 years old but can be as young as 9 years old. Those who join gangs often have a low self esteem, feel uninvolved at home, do poorly in school, and have a hard time making decisions and communicating with others. Many come from single parent homes. Most gang members are boys, but 10% of all gang members are girls and the number is rising.

WHY DO KIDS JOIN GANGS:
Kids join form many reasons and each case is individual. However reasons include: Excitement and fun, a sense of belonging, companionship, peer pressure, attention or status, financial gain, intimidation, protection, living in gang infested area or having a family member in a gang. Some other reasons included: A. No hope B. Too much unstructured non-supervised time C. Artificial strength in number while committing a crime D. Lack of positive social activity. E. Not wanting to feel different F. Trying to emulate older kids G. Not enough attention at home, lack of parental interest an support H. Media that glorifies violence I. Parental denial of gang membership

What Are The Dangers Of Being In A Gang:
*Gangs often have guns and drugs, exposing kids to the dangers of both. Members can be seriously hurt or killed during gang fights or criminal acts. Gang membership can also hamper education, since schools are viewed negatively by gangs. Extensive Police records limit future employment Opportunities. Families of gang members also face danger for their own safety from feuding gang members.

Signs Of Possible Gang Involvement:

• Sudden poor school grades and disinterest in school
  
• Withdrawal from family activities
  
• Use of unknown vocabulary (gangs have many slang words)
  
• Sudden change in friends (may refuse to tell you about them)
  
• Evidence of drugs use/abuse
  
• Sudden affluence
  
• Use of hand signs
  
• Desire for excessive privacy
  
• Having a new nickname
  
• Developing a bad attitude toward family, school, and other authorities
  
• Purchase or desire to buy clothing of all one color or style
  
• Changing appearance with special haircuts, tattoos, etc
  
• Use of gang graffiti on folders, desk, walls and buildings
  
• Shows fear or hatred of Police
  
• Signs he/she has been in a fight (bruises, scratches) and will not explain
  
• The presence of weapons (guns, Knives, etc)
  

Things Parents Can Do:

• Get involved, become active in your children’s education and in your community. Organize or join in neighborhood watch groups. Discourage gangs from hanging around your area. When incidents occur-report them to your police.
• Know who your children are hanging out with and how they and your children are spending their time. If children choose friends that are mostly from gangs, they are probably, involved or will become involved in gangs
• Develop open, frequent communication with your children. Be positive, allow your children to come to you to discuss any topic or problem. Tell your children you love them. Allow them to express themselves.
• Plan activities the whole family can enjoy. Expose children to different Places outside of your neighborhood, such as parks, museums, the beach. Let children know you want to be with them.
• Don’t let children stay out late or spend a lot of unsupervised time in the streets. Many gang members start with curfew violations.
• Help children develop respect for each other’s property and pride in their community. Give them responsibility at home and reward them for a job well done. Teach them to set positive goals for themselves, to set high standards, and to prepare for a positive future. Teach good values
• Do not allow your children to watch violent movies of T.V. shows. Watching a lot of violence may not cause someone to commit a violent act, but it will de-sensitize the viewer to violent acts. Some music and video games do this also. Say “NO” to violent media.
• Encourage your children to be involved in healthy activities such as Sports or drama, or any number of other outlets
• Be a positive role model. Deal with anger in a healthy way so children learn from you
• Establish a “ZERO TOLERANCE” for gangs at home and in your community
• Avoid denial if your child is showing signs of possible gang involvement

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Personal Safety

Safety Traveling

1. Before leaving make sure the house “Lived in”

• Hide empty trash cans
  
• Put lights on timers, including a T.V.
  
• Stop mail delivery or have friend/neighbor pick it up daily and keep lawn mowed or snow shoveled
  
• Leave blinds in a normal position
  
• Leave a key with a trusted friend/neighbor
  
• Store valuables in a safe deposit box
  
• Tell a neighbor or friend your departure date and return date and leave them an itinerary with a phone number you can be reached at
  
• Put house on police vacation check
  
• Lock all doors and windows
  

2. While on Vacation:

• Carry a minimum amount of cash. Use travelers checks and credit cards, but keep a record of their numbers in a separate and safe place with the numbers to call if they do get lost/stolen
  
• Keep careful tabs on your travel tickets. Carry them in an inside pocket, not protruding from a jacket or bag
  
• If driving, plan your route carefully. Stay on main roads and use maps have your car and tires serviced before leaving.
  
• Don’t tell strangers about your vacation plans
  
• Always keep car locked when parked and valuables with you inside
  
• Never pick up hitchhikers
  
• If you stop overnight, take all luggage and valuables with you inside
  
• If you are in a foreign country, learn the words for “police officers”, and “doctors or Hospital”. Also know the location of the nearest U.S. Consulate
  

3. Motel Security

• Use all locking devices on door
  
• Know who’s knocking before opening door
  
• never leave cash, credit card or keys in room, take them with you
  
• inventory your belongings daily
  
• report suspicious people to management immediately
  

4. Sight Seeing

• Learn about your surroundings. Ask local residents about problem areas and avoid them
  
• Choose reputable guided tour only
  
• Make sure your children know the name/address and telephone number of hotel
  
• Avoid advertising that you’re a tourist by your dress
  
• If older children go off on their own, have them stick to pre-arranged meeting times

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Safety While Shopping

1. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, pay with a check or credit card when possible
2. If you carry a wallet, keep it in front pants pocked or coat breast pocket
3. If you carry a purse, keep it close to your body, in front of yow where you can see and cover the clasp or flap with your hand or forearm
4. Never flaunt your money or expensive jewelry
5. Walk confidently and be alert, notice who passes you and who is behind you. Be especially mindful of pickpockets on crowded buses, trains, and among crowds of holiday shoppers
6. Never over burden yourself with packages-being loaded down may make it difficult for you to keep track of your purse or wallet or to respond to a personal threat
7. Park in a well lit space and always lock the door, close windows and lock packages in trunk
8. Watch your credit card during transactions to make sure it’s used to print only one slip. Tear up carbons on credit card receipts.

Date Rape

Date Rape Is A Power Trip Rapists aren’t always strangers When someone you know – a date, steady boyfriend, or casual friend- forces you to have sex, it’s still rape. Date or acquaintance rape is about power, control, and anger- not romance and passion. Date rape is a serious crime. It’s a betrayal of trust and can have long-lasting emotional injuries.

Why Does it Happen?
Let’s look at sexual stereotyping and how men and women talk to each other.

• Although things are changing, society still frequently encourages men to be competitive and aggressive and teaches women to be passive and avoid confrontation.
• Men often misunderstand a women’s word and actions- the “She said no, but she meant yes” excuse.
• Some People still believe that it’s okay for a man to demand sex if he buys a women dinner or gifts, and it’s not wrong for a man to rape a women who previously had sex with him or other man.

Preventing Date Rape As a Woman, You Can…

• Talk openly about sex, and keep talking s you get deeper into a relationship.
• Be careful not to let alcohol or other drugs decrease your ability to take care of yourself and make sensible decisions.
• Trust your gut feelings. If a place or the way he acts makes you nervous or uneasy, get out.
• Check out a first date or a blind date with friends. Insist on going to a public place like a movie, sporting event, or restaurant. Carry money for a phone call and taxi, or take your own car.
• Don’t leave a party, concert, game, or other social occasion with someone you just met or don’t know well.
• Take a look at the men around you and be wary of anyone who puts you down, or tries to control how you dress or your choice of friends.

As a Man, You Can…

• Ask yourself how sexual stereotypes affect your attitudes and actions toward other women.
• Accept a women’s decision when she says “no”. Don’t see it as a challenge.
• Avoid clouding your judgment and understanding of what another person wants by using alcohol and other drugs.
• Realize that forcing a woman to have sex against her will is rape, a violent crime with serious consequences.
• Never be drawn into a gang rape- at parties, fraternities, bars, or after sporting events.
• Seek counseling or a support group to help you deal with feelings of violence and aggression against women.

If Date Rape Happens…
Get help. Phone the police, a friend, a rape crisis center, a relative. Don’t isolate yourself, don’t feel guilty, and don’t try to ignore it. It is a crime that should be reported. Rape by someone you know is a violation of your body and your trust.

• Get medical attention as soon as possible. Do not shower, wash, douche, or change. Valuable evidence could be destroyed.
• Get counseling to help deal with the emotional trauma caused by rape.

If It Happens To Someone You Know…

• Believe her.
• Offer comfort and support. Go with her to the hospital, police station, or counseling center.
• Let her know she’s not to blame.

Take A Stand Against Date Rape!

• Ask your student government or a parent group to sponsor a workshop on date rape and sexual stereotyping for middle and high school students. Work with a hotline or crisis center to persuade rape survivors to join the panel.
• Volunteer at a rape crisis center or hotline
• Monitor the media for programs or videos that reinforce sexual stereotypes. Write or call to protest. On the other side, publicly commend the media when they highlight the realities of date rape.
• Ask college or professional athletes or other role models to talk to high school students about sexual stereotyping and responsible behavior.
• Ask your church or civic group to organize a speaker and panel discussion on the theme, “Please listen to me-How men and women talk to each other.

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Sexual Assault

RAPE IS ABOUT POWER, CONTROL, AND ANGER Think about the unthinkable. Don’t mask the facts about rape with myths and stereotypes.

THE TRUTH IS………

• RAPE is an act of violence. It is an attempt to control and degrade using sex as a weapon.
• RAPE can happen to anyone-children, students, wives, mothers, working women, grandmothers, the rich and poor, and boys and men.
• RAPISTS can be anyone-classmates, co-workers, a neighbor or delivery person, ugly or attractive, outgoing or shy, often a friend or family member.
• RAPISTS rape again and again, until caught.

Use your head

• Be alert! Walk with confidence and purpose.
• Be aware of your surroundings-know who’s out there and what’s going on.
• Don’t let alcohol or other drugs cloud your judgment.
• Trust your instincts. If as situation or place makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, leave!

COMMON SENSE INDOORS

• Make sure all doors (don’t forget sliding glass doors) and windows have dead bolt locks, and use them! Install a peephole in the door. Keep entrances well-lighted.
• Never open your door to strangers. Offer to make an emergency call while someone waits outside. Check the identification of any sales or service people before letting them in. don’t be embarrassed to phone for verification.
• Be wary of isolated spots-apartment laundry rooms, underground garages, parking lots, offices after business hours. Walk with a friend, co-worker, or security guard, particularly at night.
• Know your neighbors so you have someone to call or go to if you’re scared.
• If you come home and see a door or window open, or broken, don’t go in. call the police from a public phone or neighbors home.

COMMON SENSE OUTDOORS

• Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Stay in well-traveled, well lighted areas.
• Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
• Be careful if anyone in a car asks you for directions-if you answer keep your distance from the car.
• Have your key ready before you reach the door-home, car, or office.
• If you think you are being followed, change directions and head for open stores, restaurants, theaters, or lighted house. COMMON SENSE OUTDOORS
• Park in areas that will be well lighted and well-traveled when you return.
• Always lock your car-when you get in and when you get out.
• Look around your car and in the back seat before you get in.
• If your car breaks down, lift the hood, lock the doors, and turn on flashers. Use a Call Police banner or flares. If someone stops, roll the window down slightly and ask the person to call the police or a tow service.
• Don’t hitchhike, ever. Don’t pick up a hitchhiker.

WHEN THE UNTHINKABLE HAPPENS How should you handle a rape attempt? It depends on your physical and emotional state, the situation, the rapist’s personality. There are no hard and fast, right or wrong answers, surviving is the goal.

• Try to escape. Scream. Be rude. Make noise to discourage your attacker from following.
• Talk, stall for time, and assess your options.
• If the rapist has a weapon, you may have no choice but to submit. Do whatever it takes to survive.
• If you decide to fight back, you must be quick and effective. Target the eyes or groin.

SURVIVING RAPE

• Report rape or any sexual assault to the police or rape crisis center. The sooner you tell, the greater the chances the rapist will be caught.
• Preserve all physical evidence. Don’t shower, bathe, change clothes, douche, or throw any clothing away until the police or rape counselor says it’s okay.
• Go to a hospital emergency room or your own doctor for medical care immediately.
• Don’t go alone. Ask a friend or family member to go with you or call a rape crisis center or school counselor.
• Get counseling to help deal with feelings of anger, helplessness, fear, and shame caused by rape. It helps to talk to someone about the rape, whether it happened last night, last week, or years ago.
• Remember, rape is not your fault. Do not accept blame for being an innocent victim.

IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN RAPED

• Believe him or her.
• Don’t blame the victim.
• Offer support, patience, and compassion to help the rape victim work through the crisis, heal, and emerge a survivor.

TAKE A STAND

• Ask a Neighborhood Watch group, school, employer, church, library, or civic group to organize a workshop on preventing rape. Make sure it addresses concerns of both men and women.
• Volunteer at a rape crisis center.
• If you see a TV program or movie that reinforces sexual stereotypes and sends the message that women really liked to be raped, protest. Write to the station, the studio, or the sponsors. On the other side, publicly commend the media when they do a great job in depicting the realities of rape.

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