* Parked, occupied vehicles containing one or...

* Parked, occupied vehicles containing one or more people are

especially significant if observed at an unusual hour. They could be

lookouts for a burglary in progress, even if the occupants appear to

be lovers.

* Any vehicle moving slowly and without lights or following a

course that appears aimless or repetitive is suspicious. Occupants

may be casing for places to rob or burglarize.

* Apparent business transactions conducted from a vehicle,

especially around schools or parks and if juveniles are involved,

could mean drug sales.

* People being forced into vehicles -- especially if they are

juveniles or females -- may mean a kidnapping. Record the license

plates and call police.

* An abandoned vehicle parked on your block may be stolen. Contact

parking control with a license plate number.

* Place gravel outside windows where you’re concerned about

prowlers. The noise of someone stepping on it will serve to alert

you.

* Seemingly innocent activities may be crimes in progress. Be a

good neighbor, be observant and watch for unusual activity.

* A home window with a small break in it may mean a burglary has

occurred. Call police immediately.

* A stranger entering your neighbor’s house when it is unoccupied

may be a burglar.

* A scream heard anywhere may mean robbery or rape. Be observant

and notify police.

* Anyone removing accessories, license plates or gasoline from a

car should be reported.

* Anyone peering into parked cars may be looking for a car to

steal or for valuables left displayed in the car.

* People entering or leaving a business after hours could be

burglars. Safely try to note any vehicles involved and call police.

* The sound of breaking glass or other loud explosive noises could

mean an accident, a housebreaking or vandalism.

* People loitering around schools, parks, secluded areas or in the

neighborhood could be sex offenders.

* Nearly half of the burglaries committed are without force, that

is, through unlocked doors and windows.

* Always lock your doors and windows, even when leaving for just a

minute or when working in your own back yard.

* Whenever you move to a new home, have the locks changed.

* If strangers telephone or come to your door, don’t admit you are

alone. Don’t let any stranger into your home -- no matter what the

reason or how dire the emergency is supposed to be. Make the

emergency phone call while they wait outside.

* If you live in an apartment, avoid being in the laundry room or

garage by yourself, especially at night.

* Install a peephole viewer in your door. Never open your door

without knowing who is on the other side. Also consider calling the

visitor’s business office to confirm the appointment.

* Whenever possible, travel with a friend. Keep your car in good

working order, especially before long trips, and keep the gas tank at

least half full.

* Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible when walking at

night. Avoid walking alone or with your hands full.

* Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace on the side of

the street facing traffic. Criminals look for someone who appears

vulnerable.

* Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where

attackers can hide.

* If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk in the

opposite direction or walk on the other side of the street.

* If you are in danger, scream and run, or yell “fire.” Run toward

lights or people.

* Always lock car doors after entering or leaving your car. Don’t

leave valuables in plain view.

* Have your car keys in your hand and check the back seat area

before entering your car.

* If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or

to a police or sheriff’s station.

* Your best defense is to be prepared -- know your options ahead

of time. Your safety may depend upon your ability to stay cool and

calm.

* Require salespeople or repair people to show identification.

* The No. 1 killer of teenagers, before they go to college, is

alcohol-related highway accidents.

* About one-third of local arrests involve alcohol. Alcohol abuse

impairs judgment, causes injuries and kills.

* Pay attention to your intuition and instinct. If something just

feels wrong, it usually is.

* Keep emergency phone numbers handy or memorize them.

* Discuss safety plans with family, friends, neighbors, children

and baby-sitters.

* Use a purse with a shoulder strap. Carry it with the side that

opens toward you. Hold your purse securely.

* Park away from vans or cars with someone waiting around. Keep a

“Call Police” sign under the front seat of your car.

* If someone signals that something is wrong with your car, drive

to the nearest service station to check it. Do not stop and get out

of your car.

* Never leave an extra key under the door mat, above the door,

under a flower pot, etc. Leave one with a trusted neighbor.

* Have a light on in the room where you are and have a light on in

a room where you are not. It gives the impression of more than one

person being at home.

* List your name on the mailbox and in the phone book with first

initial and last name only.

* Give your home a lived-in look by arranging for newspapers and

mail to be picked up in your absence.

* Never answer questions on the phone until you are certain of the

caller’s identity.

* Teach your children to answer with a simple “hello.” Do not

answer by saying the name of the family.

* Hang up on obscene, threatening or nuisance calls. Make a police

report if they continue. Do not have your phone number printed on

your personal checks. Try to provide only a business number.