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Neighborhood
Watch
The advantages of a Neighborhood watch...
It is one of
the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime.
It forges bonds among area residents.
It helps reduce neighborhood crimes and creates a partnership
between law enforcement and the community.
It fights the isolation that crime both creates and feeds
upon.
Any community resident can join a Neighborhood Watch; young
or old; single or married; renter of homeowner. Members
can learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out
for each other and the neighborhood, and report suspicious
activities to the local Sheriff's Department or Police Agency.
You can form a Neighborhood watch group for any area: a
street, mobile home park, apartment complex, marina, community
recreation center, or park. Neighborhood Watch groups are
not vigilantes. They are extra eyes and ears for reporting
crime and helping neighbors. Neighborhood Watch builds pride
and serves as a springboard for efforts that address community
needs.
Starting
a Neighborhood Watch....
Contact your
local Sheriff's Station for assistance in training residents
in home security and reporting crime
Select a block captain who will be responsible for organizing
meetings and relaying information to group members.
Encourage participation and commitment among residents and
neighbors. Make a special effort to involve the elderly.
Suspicious Activities To Look For....
Someone screaming
or shouting for help, or being forced into a vehicle.
Someone looking into windows or parked vehicles.
Property being taken out of closed business or houses where
no one is at home.
Vehicles cruising aimlessly.
Someone spraying graffiti on building.
Strangers sitting in a car, stopping to talk to kids.
Abandoned vehicles, suspicious people, unusual noises.
A sudden change in a neighbor's routine: Newspaper pilling
up, drapes drawn, mailbox overflowing with mail, etc.
Enhance Your Community Well-Being...
Organize
regular meetings to discuss current issues such as:
Childcare for school age kids
Drug abuse
Gang activity
Hate crimes
Recreational activities for young people
Encourage the use of deadbolt locks, smoke alarms and other
safety devices in home and commercial buildings.
Adopt a school
or playground; start a block parent program.
Form a disaster
preparedness program for your neighborhood.
Business
Watch
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What You The Business Person Can DO...
The purpose of
Business Watch is to form and support groups with other
business to share information such as:
Business and
emergency phone numbers in the event of emergencies.
Alert each other regarding suspicious persons, potential
shoplifters, etc.
Work with local law enforcement agencies to provide employees
with training on theft prevention and personal safety.
Building
security...
The Address and
name of your business should be visible from the street.
Use large, reflective numbers.
Mark the address on rooftops for helicopter patrols.
Install floodlights for alleyways, rear and front entrances,
parking lots, etc.
Trim shrubbery and plants to prevent access.
Secure fire escape ladders to rooftops.
Don't hang advertisements, flyers or other items around
windows or doors which might obstruct view by cruising patrol
cars.
Leave blinds partially open during closing hours.
Exterior doors should be solid core; rear doors facing alleyways
should be steel.
Glass doors should have mesh grill work.
Mylar window coverings are inexpensive deterrents.
Theft
Prevention...
Maintain an inventory
of all office equipment; include the make, model and serial
number of each item.
Engrave your business name and a traceable number on each
item, i.e., driver's license.
Secure removable equipment with cables.
Keep a log of keys issued to employees; use interchangeable
cylinders on locks; change keys and combinations periodically.
Install convex and wall mirrors.
Place high cost merchandise near cash register.
Small, expensive items should be kept in locked cases.
Forgery
Prevention...
Stolen credit
card losses can be reduced by alertness and proper security
measures by you and your employees.
Check all credit card numbers against current "hot
sheets" listing.
Request valid ID and verify signatures when credit cards
are presented.
Contact store security and card issuer if you suspect fraud.
Robbery...
Install a robbery
alarm.
Place surveillance camera behind the cash register facing
the front counter.
Replace video tapes regularly.
Vary times and routs of travel for bank deposits.
Don't use money bags which make it obvious to would be robbers.
Keep a low balance in the cash register.
Place excess cash in a safe or deposit it.
Comply with a robber's demands. Don't be a hero!
Remain calm and concentrate on being a good witness.
Personal
security...
Keep purses and
personal valuables locked in desks or lockers.
Do not release personal information to strangers.
Have a least two employees, if possible open and close the
business.
Personal
Safety
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In Your Home...
Never open the
door without knowing the person's identity.
Do not be afraid to ask for some identification.
Never let strangers into your home to use the phone. Make
the call for them.
Commit a mental description to mind.
Before entering your home, have your keys ready before you
reach the door.
If you suspect someone is in your home, DO NOT GO IN. Get
to a phone and dial 911.
Install good locks on all doors and windows; use them. never
hide keys outside.
Make sure your garage door is secure.
Close your blinds at night. Always lock the doors.
Do not let callers now you are home alone. Use "we"
instead of "I".
Never give out personal information over the phone.
If you live alone, use your first initial with your last
name on the mailbox of the phone directory listing.
If you get an obscene call, hang up immediately and notify
the Sheriff's Station .
On The
Street...
When leaving
home, make sure all the doors and windows are locked.
Bring a companion whenever possible.
Always try to travel in areas that are well lit and provide
high visibility.
Walk quickly and confidently to your destination while constantly
paying attention to what is going on around you.
Do not be afraid to make eye contact with those around you.
Use mirrors or reflectors see behind you.
Should you find yourself unavoidably alone, be extra alert
before entering an unsecured area.
Walk facing oncoming traffic.
Do not accept rides from strangers.
Do not take short cuts or go through poorly lit areas, deserted
streets, etc.
If you suspect you are being followed, go to the nearest
populated area such as a supermarket; or drive to the nearest
Sheriff's, Police or fire station.
In Your Car...
Always lock car
doors after entering and before leaving your car.
Keep them locked while driving. Have your keys ready as
you approach your car.
Always park in well lit areas.
Do not leave any packages, mail or personal items exposed
in plain view.
If you suspect that you are being followed, drive directly
to the nearest Sheriff's, Police or Fire station, or a well
lit and populated location.
Do not stop to aid stranded motorists. Place a call for
assistance at the next populated stop.
Keep your car in good working condition.
Always travel with a full tank of gas in your car.
If your car breaks down, open the hood and turn on the emergency
lights.
If someone stops to help, ask them to call for assistance.
Keep your car doors locked and windows up until law enforcement
arrives.
Tips
for the Disabled
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Disabled persons face many physical challenges. This could
make them vulnerable to would-be assailants who assume the
disabled are incapable of protecting themselves. If you
are a disables person, or know someone who is, the following
information may be helpful. Take the time to read and remember
these tips. You may be able to prevent yourself or a friend
from becoming a victim.
General
Crime Prevention Tips...
Know and avoid
situations and locations that could invite crime, i.e.,
dark alleys, unlit parking lots, etc.
Decide what you plan to do in the event you are confronted,
i.e., show confidence; scream, etc.
Consider your options in these situations and practice your
responses often so that you can recall them in a real situation.
Home
Security Tips...
Consider having
a peephole installed in your doors.
Make sure you have the proper locks on doors and windows
and use them while you are at home as well as when you are
out.
Never open the door for a stranger.
Always demand verification of the stranger's identify and
the purpose of the visit.
Never tell a stranger calling by phone that you are alone
or that you are disabled.
Plan an avenue of escape from each room in your residence
to use in case of an emergency, such as a break-in or a
disaster.
Consumer
Protection Tips...
Always ask for
identification from all solicitors and call their agency
for verification.
Don't commit yourself to purchase any charitable donations
over the phone.
Ask the caller to mail the information to you so you can
make an informed decision.
If you are not familiar with the company or organization,
consult the State Department of Consumer Affairs of the
Better Business Bureau.
Be sure to read and understand all contracts before you
sign them.
If your sight is impaired, have someone you trust read the
entire document to you.
Beware of anyone who is offering products or services at
a "once in a lifetime" offer.
Consider having your checks mailed directly to your bank
to avoid mail theft or robbery.
Travel
Safety...
Whenever
possible, travel with someone you know. There is safety
in numbers.
Leave word of tour plans with family of friends - including
your ultimate destination and estimated time of return.
When waiting for a bus, train, etc., wait in a centralized
location near other passengers.
Keep your handbags and packages on your lap instead of on
the floor or on the seat next to you.
Consider using travelers checks instead of carrying cash.
Be aware of those around you, particularly when exiting
a bus of train.
If you have a speech or hearing impairment, always carry
a card of communication symbols.
If You
Become a Victim of a Crime...
Get help immediately
by calling: the sheriff's department, the police department,
a doctor, a friend, a relative. Try to remember as many
details about the assailant as possible, such as clothing,
hair color, identifiable marks, etc. Be certain not to destroy
any possible evidence.
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