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By taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risk to yourself, and also discourage those who commit crime.

 

  • Be prepared. Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics.
  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings (such as alleys and dark parking lots) and the people around you, especially if you are alone or it is dark.
  • Whenever possible, travel with a friend.
  • Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
  • Walk close to the curb and avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
  • Walk confidently and at a steady pace.
  • Make eye contact with people when walking.
  • Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street, continue walking.
  • Always lock car doors after entering or leaving your car.
  • Park in well-lighted areas.
  • If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door.
  • Always have your car keys in your hand so you can enter your car quickly. After entering your car do not linger, leave quickly.
  • Check the back seat before entering your car.
  • If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police, sheriff or fire station.
  • If your car breaks down, open the hood and attach a white cloth to the car antenna. If someone stops to help, stay in the locked car, roll down the window a little and ask them to call the police or sheriff or a tow trucking service.
  • Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.
  • Don’t stop to aid motorists stopped on the side of the road. Use your cell phone or go to a phone and request help for them.

Traveling by bus • Avoid isolated bus stops.

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  • Stand away from the curb until the bus arrives.
  • During off-hours, sit as close to the bus driver as possible.
  • Stay alert – and be aware of the people around you.
  • If someone bothers you, change seats and/or tell the driver.

 

Click here for more car safety tips from the American Automobile Association