| * Never text while walking, your attention needs to | | | | * Copy down serial numbers on any electronics to |
| be on your surroundings and alert to anyone following | | | | make recovery easier. |
| you. | | | | * Never keep your Social Security card in a purse or |
| * When walking, stay close to the street and away | | | | wallet. |
| from thick bushes, dark doorways, alleys and access | | | | * Take as little with you as necessary when making |
| doors to vans. Watch for cars driving slowly behind | | | | routine trips to the store, beach, park, school or |
| or just in front of you. They may be waiting to grab | | | | other places. |
| you off the street. Try to go into a lighted building | | | | * If you can, park inside your garage instead of in |
| with people, or evade them in some other way, if | | | | the driveway. Use garage door opener so you do not |
| possible. | | | | have to get out of the car to open the door. When |
| * Avoid threatening situations altogether. If you see | | | | closing the garage door stay in the car with the car |
| a person or persons around that look threatening | | | | doors locked, engine running and watch the rear view |
| cross to the other side of the street or go into a | | | | mirrors for someone sneaking in behind you. If you |
| public place. Remember, do not ever look scared. | | | | do see someone, open the garage door and back |
| Stay confident, walk with a sense of purpose, and | | | | out ASAP. Call 911 ASAP. |
| keep to yourself. | | | | * Always walk alertly, with a purpose and look |
| * Women should always carry their purse over the | | | | comfortable with your surroundings, whether or not |
| shoulder and close to the body. If carrying a large | | | | you are familiar with the area. Do not show fear. |
| amount of cash or valuables, hide it someplace under | | | | * When defending yourself, strike above the collar |
| your clothes. Men should carry their cash in a money | | | | bone, face and neck, or below the waist, groin |
| clip in their front pants pocket. | | | | knees, shin and top of foot and toes. Do so with |
| * Thieves cruise parking lots of shopping centers, | | | | force, stepping into the attacker. Do not try to run |
| day care centers, parks and beaches looking for cars | | | | while he is still on the attack un less you have a good |
| to burglarize. They often target cars of women who | | | | chance to escape. |
| leave their purses, cell phones, purchases, and other | | | | * Spend a few dollars to learn how to defend |
| valuables in the vehicles. Lock these items in the | | | | yourself. DVD's are available showing simple things to |
| trunk of the car. | | | | do when someone means you harm. |