Just for Women

Although there’s no fool-proof way to stop crime, by incorporating the following safety and security tips into your daily life, you can significantly decrease your chance of becoming a victim.

At Home

  • Your door should be equipped with a door viewer and deadbolt lock, with a one inch throw.
  • All windows should be secure. Draw window shades or drapes after dark.
  • All entrances and garages should be well-lit.
  • Never remain alone in an apartment laundry room, mail room or parking garage.
  • Avoid feminine identification. Do not put your first name on your mailbox, or in the telephone book. Use two initials and your last name.
  • Unknown persons should not be admitted to your premises unless proper credentials are presented.
  • Should a stranger request use of your phone, do not allow the person to enter. Offer to make the call yourself.
  • Should you return home to find windows or doors tampered with, do not enter or call out! Go to a neighbor and call the police.

On the Street

  • Plan your route and avoid short cuts through parks, vacant lots or unlit areas.
  • Do not overburden yourself with packages and a bulky purse.
  • Walk near the curb and away from alleys and doorways.
  • If you suspect you are being followed, cross the street; go to the nearest home, service station or open business premises and call the police.

Public Transportation

  • Try to avoid isolated bus stops.
  • Sit near other women or near the driver.
  • If someone bothers you, tell the driver immediately.

Hitch-Hiking

Police implore women not to hitchhike under any circumstances.

Public Places

Use caution in conversations with strangers. Avoid giving your name, address or place of employment.
In theaters, avoid dark corners and sit near the aisle.

Baby Sitting

  • Leave information with your family about babysitting location, phone number and time expected home.
  • Once inside the house, lock all doors and windows.
  • If you hear strange noises outside the house, call the police.
  • Be escorted home after dark.

If Attacked

  • Run to the nearest residence or business. Cries for help can discourage criminals and may result in their arrest.
  • If you choose to physically resist, take advantage of any ‘weapons’ you may have – such as a purse or umbrella.
  • Attempt to determine points of identification such as clothing, glasses, scars, hair color and height. Call the police immediately.
  • The choice of whether or not to physically resist attack can only be made by you. If the assailant is armed, your options are limited. There is no way to predict an attacker’s actions.

Hello

Do Not:

  • carry a bag that makes you a target. A bag that dangles from the shoulder can be easily yanked off your shoulder by someone coming up from behind.
  • carry your bag in such a manner that you can’t let it go if you have to. Many women have been injured because their own bags acted as handcuffs as a purse snatcher yanked it away.

Do:

  • be aware of your surroundings and carry your bag close to your body, tucked in the bend of your elbow.
  • minimize the amount of money and credit cards that you carry with you on a daily basis. Divide your money between pockets and bags.

If you are the victim of a purse snatch do not fight to hold onto your bag, especially if there is a weapon involved.

Coming Home Late at Night

  • Avoid shortcuts that are not well traveled or well lit.
  • Know what reputable stores are open in your neighborhood late at night. If you suspect that you are being followed stay away from lonely quiet blocks and head for the store you know to be open.
  • When walking to your car or on your way home, keep your keys in your hand until you are safely inside for added protection.
  • If someone drops you off at home by auto, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.
  • If a motorist bothers you while you are walking turn around and walk in the opposite direction of the car. Do this as often as necessary and he should get discouraged.

If You Are Driving

  • Keep windows rolled up, except for a small. ventilation space and keep your doors locked.
  • If someone attempts to force you off the road, don’t panic….. blow your horn constantly to attract attention. If you are forced over, as soon as you stop put your car in reverse and back away. Keep blowing the horn and moving the car as much as possible.
  • If you suspect that someone is following you make a few turns down active streets if possible. If the auto you suspect is following you makes the same turns as you then head for the nearest police station, fire house or open store. Don’t try to make it to your own quiet residential area.
  • Try to park your car in a well lit area, this is not only good from the standpoint of discouraging a personal attack on you but also for reducing the chance of auto theft. Look around before you get out of your car.
  • Before getting into your car, look inside first to make sure no one is hiding in the back seat. When leaving your car, make sure it is locked.

At Home You Should

  • Have your key ready before you get to the front door.
  • Make sure your entrance area is well lit.
  • If you live in an apartment don’t be polite and hold the lobby door open for a stranger who has been waiting.
  • List only your last name and first initial in your mailbox.
  • Don’t buzz someone inside unless you know them.
  • If a stranger wants to use your phone for any kind of call from business to emergency, keep him out and you make the call for them! Any problems or in doubt? Call the police!
  • If you arrive home and find your door open DO NOT GO INSIDE call the police from a pay phone or neighbor’s house and ask them to meet you.
  • Don’t get on the elevator with a stranger if your own good judgment warns you against it.