|
|
|
|
"LOCK OUT CRIME" PREVENTION TIPS
(A2 Student Living Web Page:
www.a2gov.org/goblue )
- Lock your doors and windows to prevent Crimes of Opportunity. Over 90% of Ann Arbor's crimes are thefts of property. 55% of these thefts are through unlocked doors-with most of these incidents occurring within the near-campus area. These are preventable thefts. Lock Out Crime!
- Keep your car locked and your valuables stored securely. Secure CD cases, purses, radar detectors, cellular phones, portable stereos, and other valuables in trunk. Conceal otherwise conspicuous stereo equipment.
- Reject strangers' offers to help you move into your residence. Don't welcome strangers to hang out on your porch.
- Keep conspicuous valuables out of view, such as computers, electronics, purses, etc. Secure these items out of sight when not in use.
- Report suspicious strangers or activities by dialing 9-1-1. Get to know your neighbors, at least by sight.
- Become familiar with your neighborhood. Learn routes between your residence and key campus/city locations. Note locations of emergency phones. Create a support system by sharing schedule with friends and family.
- Maintain identification records (make, model, serial number, original cost) of all valuable property. If possible, photograph or otherwise maintain visual record of valuables. ID engraving are available for your use from the Police Desk at City Hall, 100 N. Fifth Ave.
- Travel with friends when attending a bar or party. Keep drinks in hand when circulating. Discard any drink you've left unattended. Remember: Drugs used in date rapes are odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
- You're Smart. Be smart. Be Aware. Be Safe. Lock Out Crime.
Holiday Crime Prevention Tips
Tips for Home:
- Lock your doors and windows when you go out. Don't leave the drapes open with your presents in plain view. If you leave your drapes open, place gifts where they can't be easily seen.
- If you are leaving town for the holidays, make sure your home appears occupied. Leave inside and outside lights on timers and have your neighbors pick up newspapers, mail, and take flyers off your door. Ask neighbors to park in your driveway. Put a timer on a talk radio station.
- Never leave tree lights on when no one is at home. Remember, ornaments can also burn. If you choose to have a live Christmas tree, make sure it is always properly watered.
- Never leave tree lights on when no one is at home. Remember, ornaments can also burn. If you choose to have a live Christmas tree, make sure it is always properly watered.
- Don't put out empty boxes advertising your new purchases. Open boxes completely to flatten and turn product illustrations "inside" to conceal images. Tie or tape into a bundle 2'x3' and up to 6" thick before placing next to your recycling stacking bin or tan "Papers" recycling cart.
- If you have a garage door opener, do not leave the control openly displayed in your vehicle. Keep the door leading from your house to your garage locked, and the garage door closed.
Tips for shopping:
- Use the trunk of your vehicle to keep your packages out of sight. Keep your car locked at all times. Be sure and make several trips to your car to deposit packages in the trunk.
- Don't allow yourself to become so burdened down with packages that you become a tempting target. When walking through parking lots, be aware of your surroundings. Walk with authority. Don't look like a victim!
- Be aware that thieves and pickpockets also do some of their biggest business during the holiday season. Keep your purse tucked tightly under your arm. Avoid carrying your checkbook, cash, and credit cards all together in one wallet, because if a thief gets the whole package together, they can cash checks with your identification and run up a credit card bill in a short amount of time.
- Don't display large rolls of money in public. You never know who's watching! Also, spread your money around in different pockets. That way a pickpocket can't clean you out in one fell swoop.
- If you go to an automatic teller machine, try to go during the daylight hours. If you must go at night, pick a machine that is well lighted and visible to passing traffic. If anyone is lurking near the machine, pass it up and find another.
- Never give your credit card number over the telephone to anyone when you did not initiate the call. And be sure that you are dealing with a reputable company when ordering merchandise over the telephone.
Just by using a little planning and some good common sense, most holiday crimes can be avoided.
|
|
|