Keep your doors and windows locked. Too often, criminals get into homes through unlocked doors and windows.
Consider installing solid core entry doors with reinforced door frames and dead bolt locks.
Identify a safe room inside the home where residents can go in an emergency. This room should have reinforced doors, an exit to the outside and a telephone.
Always verify by telephone that the person works for the company they say they represent and has been sent for a reason. A peephole with a 180 degree viewing angle is excellent for you to verify who is on the other side of your door.
Never open your door to anyone you do not know. Exterior lighting provides additional protection from intruders. Remember that criminals may hide in shadows.
Always acknowledge a caller at your door to determine who they are and what they want. Some burglars ring the door bell, and if there is no answer, they break in.
Vehicle Safety
Park in a well-lit area so you can see your car and the surroundings from as far away as possible.
Have your car key ready before you approach the car so that you can make your entry into the vehicle as quickly as possible. When you are looking for your keys, you may be distracted from what is going on around you.
Glance into the back seat and floor boards of your car before you enter and check for anyone who may be hiding inside. This is particularly important if you drive a van type vehicle.
Always lock all doors whether you are in or out of your car. Keep the windows rolled up enough so an arm cannot be inserted through the opening.
If you think you are being followed, do not go home. Go to a safe place such as a police station, fire station, business, or other populated area.
Home Robbery Tips / During the Robbery
Remain calm and do not resist
Do not try to be a hero. Take no action that would jeopardize your own safety
Follow the robber's directions, but do not volunteer more than he asks for
Advise the robber of any unusual moves you must make. Assure him you will cooperate
If possible, activate the alarm only if you can do so safely without detection
Make Mental Notes
Make a mental note of the robber's race, age, height sex, clothing, complexion, color of hair and eyes, etc. Note anything unusual about the robber, such as scars or tattoos
Note the number of accomplices and how they left the premises, direction of travel, type and color of the car and the license number
Note type, size, and color of the weapon
Watch where the robber puts his or her hands or whether he or she touches anything; fingerprints might be left behind
Home Robbery Tips / After the Robbery
Call the police immediately after the robbery. The person who calls the police should be able to stay on the phone if the dispatcher requests
Lock all doors and ask all witnesses to remain until the officers arrive. If a witness must leave, obtain his or her name and address
All witnesses should write down a description of all the suspects. Do not discuss the robbery or compare notes about the robber's appearance with anyone
Protect the crime scene. Do not touch anything
If you were given a note by the robber, handle it carefully. Hold it by the edges so that fingerprints on the paper will not be smeared. Put it in a safe place and keep it for the police. This is an important piece of evidence
Be Informed, Be Prepared
Actively participate in all training sessions offered to become thoroughly familiar with your home safety plan
Have a plan
Mentally review as often as possible the actions you must perform if confronted with an emergency