Basic Street Sense
Wherever you are - on the street, in an office building or shopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus -
stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings.
Send the message that you are calm, confident and know where you are going.
Trust your instincts. If something makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave the area.
Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire stations,
public telephones, hospitals and restaurants or which stores are open late.
On foot
Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets. Avoid short cuts through dark areas, parking lots or alleys.
Don't flash large amounts of cash or other temptations like expensive jewelry or clothing.
Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat pocket or front pant pocket.
Try to use ATM's in the daytime. Have your card in hand and don't approach the machine if you're uneasy about people nearby.
Don't wear clothing or shoes that restrict your movements.
Have your car or house key in hand before you reach the door.
If you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or lighted house. If you're scared, yell for help.
Have to work late? Make sure there are others in the building, and ask a colleague or security guard to walk you to your car.
Don't jog or walk early or late when the streets are quiet and deserted.
On Wheels
Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there is enough gas to get you where you're going and back.
Always roll up the windows and lock the car doors, even if you're coming right back to your car in a few minutes.
Check inside and out before getting in.
Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in lots and underground parking garages.
If you think someone is following you, don't head home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, gas station,
other open business or public area to get help.
If your car gets rear-ended or "bumped", survey the situation before you get out of your car. Are you alone? Is it dark and /or at an isolated location? Is there more than one person in the car that hit you? If you feel uneasy, drive to the nearest police or fire station, gas station or public area to get help.
Don't pick up hitchhikers. Don't hitchhike.
Get a DC adapter for your cell phone and plug it in.
Lock the car doors immediately after getting in, even before buckling the seat belt.
On buses and subways
Use well-lighted busy stops.
Stay alert! Don't doze or daydream.
If someone harasses you, don't be embarrassed. Loudly say "Leave me alone". If that doesn't work, hit the emergency button.
Watch who gets off with you. If you feel uneasy, walk directly to a place where there are other people.
If Someone Tries to Rob You
Don't resist. Give up your property, don't give up your life.
Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent others from being victims.
Take a Stand
Make your neighborhood and work place safer by reporting broken street lights, cleaning up parks and vacant lots, and lobbying local government for better lighting in public areas.
Join a Neighborhood Watch and look out for each other and help the police.
Help out a friend who's been a victim of crime. Cook a meal, baby-sit, find the number for victim services or a crisis hotline. Listen, sympathize and don't blame.
Look at the root causes. Work for better drug treatment services, crime & drug abuse prevention education and job & recreational opportunities for young people in your community.
