Crime Prevention Link: National Crime Prevention Council

2006-03-29T18:59:00.000-06:00

The National Crime Prevention Council is a non-profit educational group formed to address the causes of crime and violenc eand reduce the opportunities for crime to occur. Their informative site features crime prevention news and tips, publications, programs, and training. They have campaigns focusing on identity theft prevention, internet safety, bullying prevention, and an area for law enforcement. Also available is a printable tip sheet for parents to use when talking with kids about crime.

General Holiday Safety Tips from LAPD

2004-11-03T18:09:00.000-06:00

The following advice includes some general holiday safety tips offered by the Los Angeles Police Department:

Driving

Avoid driving alone or at night.
Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
When approaching and leaving your vehicle be aware of your surroundings.
Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

Shopping

Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
Dress casually and comfortably.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
Always carry your California Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
Keep cash in your front pocket.
Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Children

If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

At Home

Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.

Strangers at Your Door

Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
Donate to a recognized charitable organization.

Hosting a Party

Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all.

Attending a Party

Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.
Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body.
Know your safe limit.
Never drink and drive.

Crime Prevention Tips Blog

2004-10-25T19:33:00.000-05:00

Hello, and welcome to the "Crime Prevention Tips" weblog.

The goal of this site is to give you a wealth of crime prevention and safety information, gathered from various security, safety, and law enforcement experts throughout the world.

You will find articles and links that will help keep you safe at home, on the road, on vacation. Use these tools to educate your family and friends and learn how to prevent crime in your neighborhood.

Please don't forget to bookmark this site, and keep checking back for updates. We will have some important holiday safety tips to post in the next few days.

Thanks for visiting, and STAY SAFE!

Halloween Safety Tips

2004-10-25T16:35:00.000-05:00

The safest way to celebrate Halloween is to participate in an organized event coordinated by a local school or church. For those who still want to observe the day in the traditional manner, the Houston Police Department suggests following these tips:

* Children should wear light-colored costumes with reflective tape for better visibility and short enough to prevent tripping.
* Children should be able to see properly through a mask.
* Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times, should stay within their neighborhood, and only visit homes of people they know.
* Stay on sidewalks, obey traffic signals and don't cut across yards or driveways.
* Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house.
* Carry a flashlight after sunset.
* Adults should examine all candy or treats at home before allowing children to eat them. If any candy appears to be tampered with, it should be thrown away.
* Keep costumed children away from pets since the animals might panic and not recognize the child.
* Avoid hard plastic or wood props such as daggers or swords. Foam
rubber is a good substitute.