At Home
- Lock all doors and windows before leaving the house.
- Do not display gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway.
- Before going out in the evening, turn on lights and a radio so the house looks occupied.
- If going on an extended vacation, get neighbors to watch your house, shovel snow, pick up newspapers, and park their car in the driveway from time to time.
- Make sure items like DVD Players, stereos, cameras, microwaves etc. are marked with a unique identification number to help police recover it in case of theft.
- Be wary of strangers coming to the door asking for charitable donations. Ask for identification, if the donations are tax deductible, and how the funds are going to be used. If you aren’t satisfied with the answer, do not contribute.
- Beware of package deliveries where the couriers have the wrong address. Write down tag numbers of suspicious delivery attempts.
- Prevent children from playing with tree lights and/or electric connections
When Shopping
- Be careful of people loitering around parking garages, parking lots, and out side of stores. Go the other way.
- Never park in an unlit lot, no matter how convenient it is.
- Shop before dark if possible.
- Lock doors and close windows even if planning to be gone for only a few minutes.
- Lock packages in trunk.
- Check interior of car before getting in, esp. back seats.
- Park near street lights, and have keys in hand when you return to your car.
- Don’t carry excess credit cards. Keep credit card numbers recorded & keep this information in a safe place.
- Carry purse under arm and keep wallet in inside pockets, not in back of trousers.
- Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard if they get separated from you.
- They should never go into a parking lot alone.
Help Prevent Office Theft and Other Related Crimes
- Keep Purse, wallet, Keys, or other valuable items with you at all times, or locked in a drawer or closet.
- Check identity of any strangers who are in your office- ask whom they are visiting and if you can help them find that person. If this makes you uncomfortable, inform security or management about you suspicions.
- Always let someone know where you’ll be- whether it’s coming in late, working late, going to the photocopier or mail room, going out to lunch or a meeting.
- Report any broken or flickering lights, dimly lit corridors, doors that don’t lock properly, or broken windows. Don’t wait for someone else to do it.
- Be discreet. Don’t advertise your social life or vacation plans and those of your co-workers to people visiting or calling your place of work.
- Stairwells and out-of-the-way corridors- Don’t use the stairs when alone. Talk to the building manager about improving poorly lighted corridors and stairways.
- Elevators- Don’t get into elevators with people who look out of place of behave in a strange or threatening manner. If you find yourself in an elevator with someone who makes you nervous, get off as soon as possible.
- Restrooms- Attackers can hide in stalls and corners. Make sure restrooms are locked and only employees have keys. Be extra cautious when using restrooms that are isolated or poorly lighted.
- After hours- don’t work late alone. Create a buddy system for walking to the parking lots or public transportation, or ask security to escort you.
- Parking lots or Garages- Choose a well-lighted, well-guarded parking garage. Always lock your vehicle and roll the windows all the way up. If you notice any strangers hanging around the parking lot, notify security or the police. When you approach you car, have the key ready. Check the floor of both the front, and the back seats before getting in your car. Lock your car as soon as you get in- before you buckle your seat belt.