Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office Presents Personal Safety

Personal Safety We face a 99 percent chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The odds are four out of five that we will be a victim of violence. The odds can be changed.

Topics of Discussion When your alone When your walking In your car At work At home

When your alone Trust your instincts. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid dangerous. Situations.

Protecting your self on the street Stay alert to those around you. Stay in groups. If you must be alone, walk with confidence.(Don’t be a victim).

Protecting Your Self on the Street Avoid isolated areas. Stick to well-traveled streets. Don’t wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements.

Protecting Your Self on the Street Carry a purse close to your body and a wallet in a front or inside pocket. Carry only what you need.

In Your Car A vehicle is stolen every 19 seconds in the united states. Everyday, cars and trucks are stolen from malls, streets, driveways, parking lots and garages and car dealerships.. A few common sense steps can help you avoid being a victim of the nations fastest growing property crime.

In Your Car Never leave your car running unattended. Never leave your keys in the car or ignition. Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is in front of your home.

In Your Car Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. This is the number one reason cars are broken into. Put them in the trunk out of sight. Always park in busy, well-lighted areas. Investigate the purchase of a auto security system if you live in a high-theft area or drive a theft-prone vehicle.

In Your Car Always leave just the ignition key with the attendant, if you park in a commercial garage or lot. Make sure no identifying information is attached. Do the same when you take your car for repairs. Carry your registration and insurance card with you. Don't leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle.

In Your Car Copy your license plate and vehicle identification (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them with your driver's license. If your vehicle is stolen, police will need this information promptly.

At Work Lock your car and park in well lit areas. If you are first to arrive be observant for changes. If you are the last to leave at night, lock the door,set the alarm system, or notify security. Arrive and leave in groups.

At Work Employees should have visible I.D.’S at all times. Visitors should sign in and be given a visitors I.D. Insist on identification of any strangers who ask for confidential information, or want to enter an area restricted to employees. All deliveries should be documented and identification should be checked.

At Work Keep valuables with you or locked in a cabinet,drawer or closet. Never leave valuables in open sight. Keep small amounts of cash in registers. If you bank for your business, vary your rout and times for transporting deposits.

At Work Never give out the personal phone numbers of your boss or co-workers. Avoid telling clients your boss or fellow workers are out of town. Be discreet. Don’t advise your social life or vacation plans and those of your co-workers to strangers.

At Work Be extra cautious when using restrooms, stairs and elevators that are in isolated locations or open to the public. Report broken lights in stairwells,outside and in hallways.

At Work Know the emergency procedures for your business. Practice the plans often. Know the telephone numbers for security,police and fire.

At Home The key to home security is prevention and awareness. Nothing can replace common sense security measures. The following tips can help you better secure your home:

At Home Good lighting around your residence can be an excellent deterrent. Keeping your porch light on every night will only cost you about $1.50 per month. If you are away,use a timer to turn lights on and off.

At Home Spare keys should never be hidden outside the home under door mats, rocks, etc. Burglars are aware of those places and many look there first. If you have a key pad system change the code frequently.

At Home Doors should be solid core with a minimum thickness of 1 3/8 inches. Install 190 degree door viewer. Strike plate should be installed with four 3 inch screws. French doors. One of the doors must be made inactive.

At Home Sliding doors and windows should have a secondary locking device. Check all exterior doors for hinges located on the out side. Remove any knobs or rings from an automatic garage door release.

Windows Keep lower level windows locked when away. Secondary locking devices available at minimal cost.

Vacation Don’t cancel newspapers, garbage collection, milk or mail when on vacation. You have no idea who you are telling that you will be away from the residence. Have relatives, friend or neighbors collect those items and deposit trash for you to give the residence a lived-in appearance.

Alarms / Security Survey Alarms: Get at least 3 estimates. Look in old phone books and ask for references. What are the limitations? Where is it monitored? Security Surveys: Specialist in crime prevention through environmental design will provide on request, an on-site survey with recommendations for enhancing security.

Remember Being proactive is always better than reactive. You can prepare yourself for crisis by thinking and planning ahead. This can save you crucial time and increase your chances for success.