Three factors must be present for a crime to occur: desire, ability and opportunity. YOU can have a significant impact on the last one, OPPORTUNITY, and can significantly reduce crime by taking simple crime prevention steps.

At Home

• Use a door viewer before opening your door.
• Always demand identification from strangers (even repair or sales persons).
• Always lock up your home before leaving.
• Don't hide your house keys outdoors anywhere.
• Use interior and exterior lighting at all times.
• Have keys ready and in your hand for immediate use when you return home.
• Join Operation Identification - most burglars will not steal marked property.

Walking

• Plan your route ahead of time.
• Never walk alone at night; walk with a friend or your dog.
• Use well lit streets; not dark alleys or bushy areas.
• Carry signaling devices like shriek alarms or a whistle.
• Carry pepper spray (requires a short training course first).
• BE ALERT ! Look behind you occasionally.
• NEVER ask for or accept a ride from a stranger.
• Don't carry large sums of money or wear valuable jewelry.
• Don't resist an armed robber - hand over whatever is demanded quickly and quietly.
• Your life and safety are worth more than any personal property.

Purse Protection

• If possible, don't carry one !!
• Never carry anything you can't afford to lose in it.
• Carry your purse across the front of your body, with your forearm across the front of the purse and your elbow held tightly against your side.
• Carry your keys, wallet or other valuables in pockets in your clothes.
• Carry minimum amounts of cash and credit cards.
• Keep a record of all of your card numbers.

Driving

• Always look inside before entering your car.
• Lock all doors immediately after you are in the car.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• If a stranger approaches while you are in the car, keep the windows up, doors locked and engine running.
• Honk your horn if you need to attract attention.
• Park in well lit areas at night.
• Always lock your car when leaving it.
• Consider installing an auto burglar alarm system.
• Don't leave anything valuable in your car if at all possible.

Garage Sales

• Garage sales are generally safe. HOWEVER, here are some precautions.
• Do not advertise garage sales as a "moving sale;" this implies that the house may be vacant for extended periods of time.
• Do not answer personal questions about the house such as type of alarm, daytime occupancy, etc.
• Do not let people inside (to use the bathroom. phone, etc.)
• Hide or destroy boxes from computers, TV's, VCR's, etc. Don't accidentally advertise that you own such items.