Some tips for while you are at home:

• Always keep your doors and windows locked. Install dead-bolt locks on all doors. Keep your home well-lit at night, inside and out, and keep your curtains closed at night.

• Install a peephole in your front door so you can see visitors without opening the door. 

• Ask for proper identification from delivery men or strangers. 

• Don’t be afraid of asking, if they are legitimate they won't mind. 

• Never give your credit card, phone card, social security, or bank account number to anyone over the phone unless you've placed the call. 

• If a stranger asks to use your telephone, offer to place the call for him/her yourself. Never let a stranger into your home. 

• Do not leave notes on your door when you are gone, and do not hide your keys under the mat or in other conspicuous places. 

• Never give out information over the phone indicating you are alone or that you won’t be home at a certain time. 

• When you are away for more than a day, make sure your home looks and sounds occupied —use automatic timers to turn on lights and a radio or television. Pause or cancel your mail and newspaper deliveries. 

• If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be inside, DO NOT GO IN. Leave quietly and call 911 to report the crime.  

Some tips for while you are out:

• If you are attacked on the street, make as much noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle. Do not pursue your attacker.  Call 911 and report the crime as soon as possible.  

• If you have been swindled or conned, report the crime to your local police or district attorney’s office.  

• Carry your purse very close to you — don’t dangle it from your arm.  

• Never leave your purse in a shopping cart.  

• Don’t carry more cash than is necessary.  

• Avoid walking alone at night.  

• Have your paychecks or government checks sent directly to your bank account.  

• Never withdraw money from your bank accounts for anyone except YOURSELF.  

• Be wary of con artists and get-rich schemes that probably are too-good-to-be-true. 

Some tips for while you are driving:

• Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly maintained to avoid breakdowns.  
•  Always lock your car doors, even when you’re inside and keep your windows rolled up. Driving with the windows closed also improves gas mileage. 

• Lock packages and other valuables in the trunk. Do not leave them on the back seat or on the floor of the car where they can be seen.
• When you return to your car, always check the front and back seat before you get in.

• Never pick up hitchhikers.  

• If your car breaks down, pull over to the right as far as possible, raise the hood, and wait inside the car for help. Do not get out of the car or roll down the window until the police arrive.