Avoiding Violent Crimes
Sexual Assault
1. Use initials instead of first names on mailboxes and phone
listings.
2. Avoid remaining alone in an apartment laundry room or
parking garage.
3. Never admit on the telephone or at the door that you are
alone.
4. It is risky to accept a ride home from someone you have just
met.
5. If you decide to physically resist assault, remember that
your goal is to incapacitate the attacker long enough to run to
safety and get help.
6. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, call police
immediately. Do not bathe or change clothes or you may destroy
evidence.
Robbery
1. Avoid carrying valuable items or large amounts of money.
2. Always think ahead. For example, when traveling at night,
have your keys ready to enter the house or to start the car.
3. If you are confronted by a robber, the best advice is to
cooperate.
4. If you resist, there is a greater chance that you may be
hurt.
Bank Machines
1. When using an automatic bank teller (ATM), always be
watchful of any suspicious people around you.
2. The chances of being robbed at night are much greater,
especially if you are alone.
3. If you find someone waiting and watching outside in the area
of an ATM machine, do not use it. Leave the area and report the
incident to the police immediately. You could save someone else
from being a victim of crime.
Street Safety - Use Common Sense
1. Stay in well-lighted, busy areas. Avoid walking alone and
avoid known trouble spots.
2. When you carry a purse, hold it close to your body rather
than by the handles. Do not wrap purse straps around your wrist,
because you can get hurt in a struggle. 3. Carry only what you
need in a purse or wallet, not everything you have. 4. Avoid
using shortcuts through dark alleys, fields, or vacant lots. 5.
If you think you're being followed, cross the street and change
directions a few times. Go quickly to a well-lighted place with
lots of people. Do no go home. You don't want an attacker to
know where you live.
For products to help keep you safe, visit Urban Safety
Supplies.