Neighborhood Watch 242

·         DO NOT PANIC — get a grip on yourself and stay calm. Take some deep breaths.

·         DO NOT RESIST — the robber wants your valuables, not you. “Things” can always be replaced … you can not.

·         OBEY THE ROBBER’S INSTRUCTIONS — listen closely to what the robber says and do not argue. Try to remember the exact words spoken by the robber as it may help with the police investigation.

·         BE ALERT — notice what is happening.

·         LOOK FOR DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS — look for things that can not be changed such as scars, marks, tattoos, limps, accents, etc.

·         WEAPONS — take careful note of any weapons. You will have to describe it later to the police. If the robber indicates that there is a weapon in his pocket, assume it is a gun. If the robber has a gun, assume it is loaded.

·         DESCRIPTION OF ROBBER — compare the robber to your own height and weight to estimate the size of your attacker.

·         COOPERATE WITH THE POLICE — if you are robbed, or see someone else being robbed, report it to the police immediately.

How Can I Protect Myself?

·         Be aware of your surroundings. Walk with a purpose, head up, and looking around. Stay in lighted areas at night. The robber doesn’t want to be seen.

·         Stay with the crowd — there is safety in numbers.

·         Women should carry their wallet in their pocket, not their purse.

·         If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body, like a football player carries a football. Do not place the strap across your body or over your shoulder. When the robber grabs your purse, you may be pulled along with the robber until the strap breaks and you are injured.

·         Don’t leave a purse on a counter or in a shopping cart unattended.

·         Men should consider carrying two wallets, one of them filled with cut up paper. Most robbers are not going to go through the wallet until they have fled to safety.

·         Be cautious when wearing “flashy” jewelry.

·         Be conscious of people just “hanging around” anywhere, especially near pay phones, public rest rooms, building entrances and garages.

·         Notify the police of strangers who are hanging around your home, apartment or place of business for no apparent reason.

·         Take the profit out of robbery by not carrying large sums of money, or credit cards on your person whenever possible.

·         Vary your routine — don’t do the same thing at exactly the same time every day.

ABOVE ALL, BE AWARE OF THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU. 
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT.

Information Most Needed By Police:

1.    Car license, make or model and color

2.    Race of assailant

3.    Approximate age, weight and height

4.    Hair color and length of hair

5.    Color of eyes

6.    Clothing

7.    Any unusual marks, scars, tattoos, ring, etc.

8.    Any facial hair or odors

Practice being observant so that, if you are raped or attacked, you will be able to remember and identify the assailant. 

Safety Tips While Walking

• When possible, avoid walking alone. Walk with someone, or walk in areas where other people are near.
• Stay in well-lighted areas, away from alleys, bushes and entry ways.
• Avoid shortcuts through parks, vacant lots and other deserted places.
• Don’t hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
• If a driver stops to ask you directions, avoid getting near the car.
• If you are being followed, go to the nearest business or residence for help.
• If you are harassed by the occupants of a car, simply turn and walk the other direction. The driver will have to turn around to follow you.
• Hold your purse close, not dangling, and avoid carrying extra money or valuables on your person.
• When you return home, have your door key ready so that you can enter without delay.

 Avoid unsafe situations and strangers. If you are being followed, go to the nearest police or fire department, or any place where several people will be (convenience stores, gas station, etc.) Walk in groups at night.

Flee if you are in a potentially dangerous situation. Yell or scream to attract attention. Carry a whistle that will make a loud noise.

Engage in passive or active resistance. Passive resistance is to think and talk your way out of a situation. Active resistance is to react immediately to startle your attacker. Use any available item (HAIRSPRAY, KEYS, PURSE) as a weapon.

Think! Keep using your mind to think of alternative actions for escape.

You are responsible for your own safety. Call your local police department or rape crisis center and set up a schedule for a Law Enforcement Officer to speak to your employees or neighbors.