Wednesday, November 4, 2009

CRIME PREVENTION WEEK NOVEMBER 1 – 7, 2009

PREVENTION PAYS – GET INVOLVED. IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY. IT’S YOUR FUTURE

The following tips and reminders are aimed at heightening awareness about what you can do to help reduce the risks to you, your family and your home.

Protecting Yourself

• Do not leave keys hidden in obvious places outside.
• When in public, always be aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of people loitering or acting suspiciously.
• If you live alone, use only first initials with surname on mailboxes, directories, etc.
• Arrange a system so that someone has a key to your home and is aware of your whereabouts at all times, especially if you live alone.

Protecting Your Children

• Remind your children:
o To tell you where they are at all times. Tell them, their schools, their daycare provider, etc., where to reach you in an emergency;
o To go directly to a cashier or information booth if they become separated from you in a public area;
o If they are home alone, not to answer the door, or if on the phone, not to say they are alone.

Protecting your Home and Vehicle

• Keep a lived-in look when you are away. Have mail, newspapers, etc., picked up, lawns cut or snow removed.
• Insure your home and contents, and store valuables in a safety deposit box.
• Install smoke alarms and test monthly. Plan and practice an escape route with all household members.
• Don’t put your name or address on your house or vehicle keys, and keep them on separate rings.
• Always check the interior and under the vehicle before entering, especially at night. It’s good practice in two-door vehicles to move the front seat forward when the vehicle is unoccupied.
• If you are going to be away overnight or for extended periods of time, use automatic timers to turn lights on and off in various parts of the house at night.

For more information on how you can help your community and police, and to obtain more tips, call the
Sault Ste. Marie OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.