It is estimated that $65 million is lost each year in the United States in home invasions, muggings and in other violent crimes. It is also estimated that $600 billion is lost per year due to fraud. Additionally, work place violence caused an estimated $30 billion to American businesses last year.
It is important to be aware a crime can occur, anticipating the location, time and taking action to reduce the chance of it happening. Crime prevention is key to stopping the ability and opportunity for a criminal. The use of instinct, knowledge, common sense and awareness can make you a tough target.
Three basic rules
Stay alert and keep your mind on your surroundings, who’s in front of you and who’s behind you. Don’t get distracted.
Walk purposefully, stand tall and make eye contact with people around you.
Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave.
Personal protection
Make yourself a tough target.
Don’t think that it can’t happen to you.
Should you resist? Everyone and every situation is different.
Always be aware of your surroundings.
If being followed or stalked, call 911 or drive directly to a police station.
If you are attacked
Keep your head. Stay as calm as possible and evaluate your options and resources.
It may be more advisable to submit than to resist and risk severe injury or death. You will have to make this decision based on the circumstances. But, don’t resist if the attacker has a weapon.
Keep assessing the situation as it is happening. If one strategy doesn’t work, try another. Possible options include negotiating, stalling for time, distracting the assailant and fleeing to a safe place, verbal assertiveness, screaming and physical resistance.
You may be able to turn the attacker off with unusual behavior such as throwing up, acting crazy or stating you have a sexually transmitted disease.
Additional crime prevention tips
After a sexual assault go to a safe place and call the police.
The sooner you report the crime, the greater the chances your attacker will be caught.
Do not shower, bathe, douche or destroy any clothing you were wearing. Do not disturb any physical evidence.
Go to a hospital emergency room for medical care.
Call someone to be with you. You should not be alone. Contact a rape treatment or crisis center to help you deal with the consequences of the assault.
While driving
Keep your car in good condition with the gas tank at least half full.
Park in well-lighted areas and lock your doors, no matter how long you’ll be gone.
Put valuables out of sight or in the trunk.
Check front and rear seats, and floorboards before entering your car.
Drive with all doors locked and windows rolled up.
Never pick up hitchhikers. If your car breaks down, put the hood up, lock the doors, turn on the flashers and move to the passenger seat. Do not leave your car. If someone stops to help, roll down the window slightly and ask them to call the police or a tow truck.
Avoid underground and enclosed parking garages if possible.
When parking or returning to your vehicle, carry your keys and be aware of your surroundings.
Consider investing in a cell phone.
Public transportation
Try to use well-lighted and frequently used stops.
Try to sit near the driver or conductor.
Avoid sitting near exits. An attacker can reach in and grab a purse or jewelry as the bus or subway pulls away.
Be alert to who gets off the bus or subway with you. If you feel uncomfortable, walk directly to a place where there are other people.
In elevators
Look in the elevator before getting in.
Stand near the controls.
Get off if someone suspicious enters. If you’re worried about someone who is waiting for the elevator with you, pretend you forgot something and don’t get on.
If you’re attacked, hit the alarm and as many floor buttons as possible.
City-wide property crime statistics
Auto theft
June – 1
July – 1
Aug. – 2
Residential burglary
June – 7
July – 5
Aug. – 7
DUI
June – 5
July – 4
Aug. – 3
Vandalism
June – 9
July – 6
Aug. – 7
Neighborhood watch statistics for August 2010
Belmont Woods
Auto theft – 1
Cedar Downs
Burglary – 2
Eastwood Forest
Burglary – 1
Maple Ridge
Vandalism – 1
Rosewood Parke
Burglary – 1
