TODAY’S TIP

How to Limit Vulnerability to Street Crime

Police say you can make yourself less likely to become a victim of crime by modifying habitual behavior and thinking smart. Some tips:

Pedestrians:

* Stay visible to other people. If you must walk alone, choose open, well-lighted and well-traveled areas. Criminals don’t like to strike where witnesses can provide the police with a detailed account. Leave your purse at home if possible. If you must carry one, hold it firmly, close to your body. Purse snatchers prefer to grab from behind.

* If you walk or jog, especially at night, consider getting a dog that can accompany you. Criminals say that a dog is one of the most effective crime deterrents. If you work late, arrange to leave at the same time as a co-worker.

* Avoid parking far from your job. Make eye contact with passersby and glance behind you occasionally. This type of body language makes you less attractive to a mugger.

* If you sense you are being followed, change direction or cross the street. If the person persists, run to the nearest place where people are likely to be.

* Don’t allow a stranger to follow you to your doorstep. Go to a public place where you can call the police if you feel threatened. When fleeing from danger, alert others as well as the person posing a threat. Yell “Fire! Fire! Fire!” or activate an alarm device, such as an aerosol shriek alarm.

Drivers

* Avoid fumbling for your keys; have them in your hand as you approach your car. Check the back seat for an intruder before getting in. Keep enough gas in the tank so you won’t get stranded. Keep doors locked and windows rolled up most of the way. Stay on well-traveled, well-lighted roads.

* If you are being followed by another car, drive into an open gas station, stay in your car and ask the attendant to call the police. Or, better, drive to a police station.

* Park only in well-lighted areas at night. Check for strangers who might be surveying the area before you get out of your car. Honk your horn and drive away if anyone advances toward you.

* If you are rear-ended, motion for the driver to follow you to a public place. “Bump and rob” artists stage such accidents to lure drivers out of their cars to rob them. If a driver won’t follow you, obtain as thorough a description as you can and report the incident to the police.

* If your car breaks down, seek a phone or call box only if it is safe to do so. Place a “Call Police” banner in your rear window and raise the hood. If someone approaches, crack a window and ask the motorist to call police or a tow company.

Source: Ventura Police Department