PERSONAL SAFETY - DON'T BE A VICTIM!!

• When leaving home, make sure all doors and windows are locked, including the garage door.
• If possible, travel with a companion; this is especially important after dark.
• Walk purposefully...head up, eyes forward.
• Limit your contact with strangers on the street.
• At night, travel only well-lighted and well-traveled streets, avoid unlighted areas, walk in the middle of the sidewalk and never linger in deserted areas.
• Wear a "fanny pack" instead of carrying a purse. This leaves both hands free, and it is difficult to steal.
• If you suspect you're being followed, turn and 3w2alk quickly in the opposite direction, and go to a well-lighted and well-populated area.
• Don't carry more money than you actually need. Don't carry credit cards if you aren't planning to use them.
• Walk on the side of the street facing oncoming traffic. This will prevent a car from "sneaking" up on you.
• Carry a small amount ($10.00 or so) of "mugger's money." Sometimes assailants become angry if you don't have any money.
• Be aware of locations and situations which would make you vulnerable to crime, such as alleyways and dark parking lots.
• Don't use an automatic teller machine on the street or behind a building. Go to one located inside a mall where better security is provided
• If you carry a purse, carry it securely between your arm and your body. Although a purse snatcher's intent is to steal the purse, your personal safety may depend on not clinging to it.
• Do not make yourself an obvious target. Avoid wearing expensive, noticeable jewelry or clothing if you are going to be on the street.

• While waiting for a bus or streetcar, stand near others who are waiting and away from the curb.
• If the immediate area is deserted or in darkness, stand near an occupied building or in a lighted area until transportation arrives.
• Know the bus or subway schedule ahead of time so you aren't forced to wait longer than necessary.
• Don't open your purse or wallet while boarding the bus. Have your pass or money already in your hand.
• Travel with a companion whenever possible.
• If the coach is empty or nearly empty, sit as far up front and close to the driver as possible.
• If someone begins to bother you, get up and notify the driver immediately.
• Don't sleep or become too involved with reading while traveling.
• Stay alert, and be aware of the people around you.
• Carry your wallet inside your coat or in a front pocket. A comb, placed horizontally in the fold of your wallet, will alert you if someone tries to remove it from your pocket.
• Keep your purse in front of you, and hold it close to your body with both hand.
• Check your purse or wallet if someone is jostling, crowding or pushing you.
• If you see any suspicious activity, tell the driver.
  

• Observe elevator interior before entering. Wait until the next elevator if you are uncertain of any occupant.
• Women riding the elevator alone should try to stand near the control panel. If accosted, press all buttons.
• If a suspicious person enters the elevator, exit before the door closes.
• Before exiting form the elevator, observe the corridor for suspicious activity.
  

• Never automatically open your front door. Make sure you know your caller's identity before admitting him/her.
• If the person at your door is a stranger, ask for identification to be passed under the door. If they are unable to do this, do not admit them.
• It is advisable to have a wide-angle viewer (peephole) in the door so that you can check a person's identity without unlocking your door.
• If someone comes to your door and asks to use the phone, offer to make the call and have the person wait outside.
  

• Have good locks on all doors and windows, and use them.
• Never leave your house key hidden outside under the doormat, in a flower pot, or on the ledge of a door.
• Always have your door keys ready before you get to the door.
• Your garage doors should have good locks.
• Mark all valuable property with your California Driver's License number or a Department of Motor Vehicles Personal Identification Card number.
• Be a concerned neighbor. If you see a suspicious person, car or situation, contact the police.
• Always close your drapes or blinds at night to help eliminate "peeping toms."
• If you live alone, use initials rather than a full name in the telephone directory or on your mailbox. If a number on your mailbox will do, leave name off entirely.
• Don't ever give information about yourself over the phone, particularly personal ID.
• Never let an unidentified caller know you are home alone. If they ask for your husband, just say he is in the shower, mowing the lawn, etc., instead of saying he is not home or you're not married.
• Use your telephone answering machine for security as well as for convenience.
• Indicate you are too busy to take the call.
• Use "we" instead of "I."
• When leaving on a trip:
  Stop all deliveries.
  Connect a light to a timer.
  Notify the police, and have a neighbor check your home periodically.
  Have someone maintain your lawn.

• When you move into a new apartment, always change locks or ask the landlord if they can change the locks for you.
• Never admit anyone unless you are expecting or know the person.
• Never admit anyone to the complex who is there to see another tenant or to deliver something to another apartment.
• Anyone asking admission so that he can do work for another tenant should not be admitted but should be referred to the manager.
• If you see someone in your building who looks out of place or is acting suspiciously, contact the police. Call 9-1-1.
  

• Make sure your car is always in good working order, with safe tires and an adequate amount of gasoline for your planned trip.
• Always check your car before getting in. Make sure there is no one hiding inside or under it.
• Have your keys in your hand and ready before arriving at your car.
• When driving your car, keep the doors locked and windows rolled up.
• It is best to park in attended lots. If you must leave a key with the attendant, leave only the ignition key. In all other cases, lock your car.
• At night, park only in lighted areas.
• Do not leave packages or personal items in open view in the car. Place them in the trunk.
• If you are in danger of being harmed while in your car, start sounding your horn until assistance arrives.
• If you have car trouble, keep your doors locked and stay with your car. Hang a white handkerchief or rag on your radio antenna as a distress signal. If someone stops to offer assistance, ask them to call the highway patrol, the local police or the auto club. Speak from inside your locked car, with the window rolled down just enough to communicate.
• Don't stop to aid motorists stopped on the side of the road. Go to a phone and request help for them.
• Keep a spare set of car keys with you. If you lose one set or lock yourself out of your car, you'll be able to get going much more quickly.
• Never, never pick up hitchhikers.
  

Courtesy of
The Stockton Police Department
22 East Market Street
Stockton, CA 95202
937-8208

9-1-1 Emergency
937-8377 Information