Miramichi Crime Stoppers wishes to thank the many law enforcement agencies for providing the material used in creating these safety tips for the public. We hope you find some information to increase your security at home, in public, and on the job.

Check out your Building...

• Is there some kind of control over who enters and leaves the building?
• Are walkways, entrances, parking areas, elevators, hallways, stairs, laundry rooms and storage areas well-lighted 24 hours a day?
• Are fire stairs locked from the stairwell side above the ground floor so that you can exit but no one can enter?
• Are things well maintained? Are burnt-out lights fixed promptly, shrubs trimmed, trash and snow removed?

Houses

• clearly delineate private property (e.g., yard, driveway, walkway) from public space (e.g., street, sidewalk) through shrubbery, alternate paving stone colour, and changes in grade
• provide unobstructed views of surrounding area
• ensure entrances are visible and overlooked by window
• avoid landscaping that may conceal offenders
• install bright security lights
• use solid-core exterior doors
• use solid door frames with proper strike plates

• Use common sense; plan your route to avoid lonely areas such as parks, parking lots and garages and alleyways; stick to well lit areas.
• Men carry wallets in your front pants pocket - hip pockets and inside vest pockets are the first places a pickpocket looks.
• Women carry billfold or coin purse in inside packet of your coat. Carry your purse like a football under your arm by turning it upside down and keeping your fingers on the clasp or zipper. Don't put purse straps over your shoulder or around your neck. A quick swish of a knife or razor can loose the purse.
• Carry minimal possessions; overloading yourself interferes with your vision and makes you appear more vulnerable.
• Get into the habit of paying close attention to your surroundings, and avoid "automatic pilot".
• Walk with purpose; project an assertive or businesslike image.
• Look ahead and anticipate potentially dangerous situations.
• If you see trouble, do you have a plan? Would you be willing to cross the street? Duck into a store or business that's open.
• If a car follows you or beckons you while you are walking, do not approach the car; instead, turn and quickly walk the other direction.
• If someone is following you on foot, cross the street and change direction.
• Watch your body space; don't let people get too close, even if they appear to have a reason, like asking for time, change, etc.
• Consider low profile shoes and clothing, especially when walking, waiting for a taxi, etc.

TRANSPORTATION

Car Safety

• Have keys in hand as you leave the building.
• Parked cars provide good hiding places (inside and out). Be alert as you approach your car.
• Back off if you see anyone loitering near your car.
• Enter your car quickly and lock the door immediately.
• If followed or bothered, drive to a public place, store or business and honk your horn to attract attention.
• Consider car-pooling, not just at work but for leisure time activities as well, particularly when parking is at a premium.
• Make it a habit to leave car locked and empty of possessions.

Car Jackers

• Drive with your windows closed and your doors locked.
• Park in populated and well lit areas.
• Don't take unfamiliar shortcuts.
• If trapped in traffic, flash lights to get attention.
• When approaching an intersection, leave enough room to be able to pull out and get away from the car in front of you.
• If actually confronted, don't resist. Get out of the car promptly and head in opposite direction.
• Keep home driveway well lit. Check surroundings before getting in or out of the car. Check inside and under the car before getting in.
• When renting a car, ask for one without rental stickers.
• Keep plenty of gas in the tank and try to avoid using self-service gas stations at night.
• Consider buying a car phone.
• If bumped from behind and you feel suspicious, don't get out of the car. Motion the other driver to follow you and then go to the nearest well-lit public place where you feel safe, such as a fire station or police station.
• Above all, remain calm. Take careful note of all physical aspects of the robber, the vehicle and the direction of flight.

SMALL BUSINESS

• Leave cash registers empty and open after hours to deter burglars.
• Make sure all exterior doors have adequate locking mechanisms or install a secondary lock, i.e. deadbolt locks.
• Leave an interior light on all night.
• Check interior for possible access to the roof and secure all ladders and garbage dumpsters.
• Use exterior lighting to increase the visibility in parking lots and entrances.
• Move valuable merchandise away from the door or windows to prevent smash and grab thefts.
• Install a safe or strong security cabinet to store valuable documents or keys used in your business.
• Install an enunciator on entrances to alert you that a customer has entered.
• Don't tag your keys with the name of your business. Change locks if keys are lost or not returned by a former employee.
• Don't open the door until you are fully ready to do business, and don't count receipts until you lock up.
• Never resist an armed robber.
• Call 9-1-1 for all medical, fire and police emergencies, and anytime you believe there is a need to send police, fire or medical personnel to the scene.

Remember...