SAFETY TIPS - POLICE

[ Return to First safety page ]

PERSONAL SAFETY

Outdoors

• Tell others where you are going and when you are expected to return.
• Walk with confidence - be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Take the safest route possible.
• Have your house keys or car keys ready in your hand.
• Avoid overburdening yourself with parcels - carry your purse close to you, but DO NOT wrap it around your neck or wrist.
• Carry only the cash and credit cards that you need.
• If you suspect you are being followed, cross the street and go directly to the nearest occupied building - ask for the Police.
• It is dangerous to hitchhike or get into a car with someone you do not know.

At Home or Work:

• Report anything or anyone suspicious to the police.
• Use only your surname and initials on your mailbox, building and telephone directory.
• Ensure that you keep doors and windows secure. Have a door viewer, deadbolt lock and safety chain installed.
• When you move - change the locks.
• Ask for and inspect credentials of delivery and service people - even police officers - before you allow them to enter.
• Avoid giving out personal information on the telephone. Never say you are alone.
• Discourage obscene callers by using the “No Reaction” tactic and hang up immediately.

Elevators/Public Transit:

• If possible use the elevator with people you know.
• Stand by the door near the controls and keep your back to the side wall.
• On the bus, sit near the driver.
• On the subway, the first car with the amber light on the outside has TTC personnel on board.
• Use the Designated Waiting Areas (DWA) - these areas are monitored by video cameras.
• Use the ‘yellow alarm strip’ on the subway when necessary.
• Note the locations of telephones on the platforms and in stations.

In Your Vehicle:

• Always keep your vehicle doors locked. Look inside the vehicle before entering and lock the doors when you are inside.
• If you suspect you are being followed by another vehicle, drive to the nearest police station, service station or restaurant and blow your horn.
• If you have car trouble, raise the hood, get back in your car and lock it. If someone offers assistance, remain in the car and ask that the person call the police.

PROTECT YOUR CHILD

Teach Your Child

• His/her name, age, telephone number including the area code, address, city and province.
• How to contact you, the police, fire department, or ambulance service in the event of an emergency.
• To keep you informed as to his/her whereabouts at all times.
• Never to admit to being alone in the home when answering the telephone.
• Never to invite strangers into the house OR even answer the door when home alone.
• Never approach or enter a stranger’s car.
• That he/she should never hitchhike.
• That you are sensitive to their fears and he/she can talk to you about them.
• That a police officer is a friend who can be relied upon when he/she is lost or needs help.
• Never to play alone - always be with friends.

Also, Discuss With Your Child:

• That he/she should trust their feelings and say NO to an adult, especially if that adult wants them to do something that is wrong.
• Not to accept gifts from strangers.
• That adults rarely ask a child for help.
• To tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you.
• That no one has the right to touch any part of his/her body that a bathing suit would cover.
• That if he/she is being followed, he/she should run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help.
• To report to you, school authorities or a police officer, anyone who acts suspiciously towards him/her.
• Not to enter anyone’s home without your permission.
• Never to play in deserted buildings or isolated areas.
• Avoid taking shortcuts through parks or fields.
• Carry enough money to make a phone call home.
• Never to show his/her money, and if attacked for it, give it up rather than risk injury.

And you should:

• Provide schools or daycare centers with the names of person(s) to whom your child may be released, AND inform them who to notify in the event the child does not arrive.
• Avoid clothing or toys with your child’s name on them, as children are less likely to be fearful of someone who knows and calls them by name.
• Never leave your child alone in a public place, stroller or car - even for a minute!
• Always accompany children to the bathroom in a public place and advise them never to loiter in or around these areas.

HOME SECURITY

We all have the potential to be victims of crime. Each of us can REDUCE THE RISK of our homes/property being victimized by eliminating the opportunity.

Window Security:

Most windows can be pinned for security.

• Drill a 3/16” hole on a slight downward slant through the inside window frame and halfway into the outside frame - place a nail/pin in the hole to secure the window.

Sliding glass doors/windows can be lifted out of their tracks with relative ease.

• Install self-tapping screws in the upper track that allow the door/window to slide into place.
• Place a piece of wood snugly into the bottom track - this will resist lateral forcing.

Door Security:

• Locks with key holes in the knob are NOT reliable - they can easily be forced.
• Doors should be mounted so hinge-bolts are not facing outwards.
• Install one-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
• Chain locks are poor security - install a wide angle viewer instead.
• Padlocks should be ‘heel-and-toe’ locking.
• If keys are lost or if you move, locks should be changed.

Going On Vacation:

• Inform a neighbour of your departure and return dates.
• Where possible, cancel all deliveries.
• Arrange to have the lawn cut and walkways cleared.
• Use clock timers to activate lights/radios at various intervals.
• Have a neighbour pick up newspapers and mail.
• Store small valuables in safe deposit box.
• Ensure all entry points are secured, including mail chutes, milk chutes, garage doors and upstairs windows.
• DO NOT leave notes indicating you are not at home.

Helpful hints:

• Keep a record of your valuables.
• Identify your property by engraving an identifying mark - proper identification makes it easier for the police to return personal property.
• When engraving, hold the engraver straight up NOT on a slant.
• The identification should be readily visible without marring the appearance of the item.
• Be a good neighbour and report any suspicious activity.

If a crime has occurred:

• DO NOT enter - the criminal may still be inside.
• Use a neighbour’s phone and call the police.
• DO NOT touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
• Note the licence number of any suspicious vehicle.
• Note the description of any suspicious person(s).

Always remember to operate and test your Burglar Alarm System.

Due to a lack of space, we could not expand on the following categories. For more information on:

* Apartment Building Security * Purse Snatch and Theft Prevention * Elder Abuse * Auto Theft Reduction Program – 2000 * Robbery Prevention

* Babysitting Safety *Internet Safety for Parents and Kids * Taxi Driver Safety * You and Your Bicycle * Graffiti Crime and Prevention * Mental Health Issues

* Hate Motivated Crime * Halloween Safety Tips

Please contact your local police department, or Security ONE at:
24 Oak st East, Leamington Ontario. N8H 2C2 (519) 326-2020.

[ Return to First safety page ]