• 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.