West Miami
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Crime Prevention &
Safety tips
WHEN YOU’RE AT HOME
1.
Replace or re-key all
locks when you move into a new home or apartment.
2.
Install ONE inch case
hardened steel deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
3.
Keep windows and
doors locked at all times.
4.
Have curtains or
blinds on all windows, and keep them drawn.
5.
Install a 180-degree
door viewer or door scope in your front door. Look before opening your door to
anyone. 8
6.
Require
Identification from all repair persons or public service individuals without
opening the door.
7.
Hang up on
frightening or obscene calls. Invest in an answer machine and screen your calls.
8.
On your answer
machine message, never say you’re not at home. Just say you’re not by the phone.
9.
If a prowler enters
your home, GET OUT!! Go to a neighbor and call the police.
10.
If you come home and
you think someone is in your home, DO NOT ENTER!!
11.
Go to a neighbor and
call the police.
Contact the WMPD Crime Prevention Specialist at our station and schedule a
free home security survey.
WHEN YOU’RE WALKING
1.
Always be aware of
your surroundings, and the people who are around you.
2.
Avoid walking alone;
either walk with someone, or walk in areas where others are near.
Stay in well lighted areas, away from alleys, bushes, and doorways.
3.
Avoid shortcuts
through alleys, parks, vacant lots, or other deserted places.
4.
Walk in the middle of
the sidewalk facing traffic.
5.
NEVER HITCHHIKE OR
ACCEPT RIDES FROM STRANGERS!!
6.
If the driver of a
car stops and harasses you, walk in the opposite direction.
7.
If you are walking to
your car in a parking lot, and anything makes you feel uncomfortable, TRUST
YOUR INSTINCTS, go back in the store. Get someone to walk with you to your
car.
8.
When you approach
your car, check the back seat and glance under the car.
9.
Have your keys in
your hand. Enter the car, lock the doors, and drive away.
10.
DO NOT SIT IN THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT AND CHECK YOUR PACKAGES!!!
11.
ALSO: If you have a
cell phone, carry it with you when walking or driving and be prepared to use it
to call for help. Know what numbers to call and be prepared to give your exact
location to the emergency operator.
WHEN YOU’RE DRIVING
1.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
2.
Keep the car doors locked and the windows rolled up at all
times.
3.
Keep your car properly maintained and be sure you have enough
fuel.
4.
Leave enough space from the car in front of you to maneuver.
5.
Look for pedestrians, many carjackers approach on foot.
6.
Learn your area, especially your neighborhood.
7.
If you feel you are being followed, DO NOT GO HOME!!
8.
Go to an open business, or a Police Station or Fire Station
to get help.
9.
If you are bumped in the rear, DO NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR!!
10. Go to an open business, or a Police Station or Fire Station
and call the Police.
11. Try to park your car in well lighted areas, as close to the
door as possible.
12. Avoid drive through ATM’s at night after the banks are closed.
Again, carry and be prepared to use your cell phone.
SEXUAL ASSAULT
PREVENTION
1.
Make sure all
your windows and doors are locked, even when you are at home.
2.
Never allow
strangers in your home.
3.
Single women,
last name only on your mail box.
Avoid parking in isolated areas
PERSONAL SAFETY
1.
Be especially
alert in unattended parking lots and enclosed parking garages.
2.
If you drink
alcoholic beverages, be very cautious where you drink, and who is with you.
3.
Never leave
clubs or night spots with strangers.
4.
In elevators,
stand near the control panel. If someone gets on the elevator that makes you
uncomfortable, GET OFF THE ELEVATOR.
5.
If attacked in
an elevator push as many floor buttons as possible.
6.
Be very
selective of whom you date.
7.
If your car
breaks down, open the hood, turn on the flashers, and get back in the car and
lock the doors. If someone stops to help, crack your window and ask them to
phone
for help.
8.
If you get a
flat, drive on the rim to an open business to get help.
A cellular phone is an excellent security investment.
AT THE WORK PLACE
1.
Never leave
valuables or keys lying about on your desktop.
2.
Engrave all
personal items such as calculators or radios that you bring to work, with
your Drivers License Number.
3.
Lock up all
valuables before leaving your work area.
4.
If you notice
anything suspicious: persons, vehicles, or objects; always notify your
supervisor, and security personnel.
5.
If you work
late, move your vehicle close to the entrance before dark, and make sure all
exterior doors and windows are closed and locked.
6.
Always try to
leave the building with co-workers, and have your car keys in your hand ready to
use.
7.
Get to know
your co-workers, and look out for each other.
8.
Always let
someone know where you’ll be in case of an accident or confrontation with a
hostile client.
9.
Insist on
identification for repair persons who come to your work place, and stay extra
alert while they are there.
Report all potentially violent encounters with, or threats from co-workers to
your supervisor.
