Crime Prevention

PST Nelson

Safety and Crime Prevention Tips

Three factors must be present for a crime to occur: desire, ability and opportunity. You can have a significant impact on the last one – opportunity - and reduce crime by following these simple crime prevention tips. See the information below and to the left on the side navigation bar for more helpful tips.

At Home

  • Use a door viewer before opening your door. Always demand identification from strangers (even repair or sales persons).
  • Always lock up your home before leaving and don't hide your house keys outdoors anywhere.
  • Have keys ready and in your hand for immediate use when you return home.
  • Use interior and exterior lighting at all times.
  • Shred credit card offers and bank statements before you throw them away if you do not plan on using them.
  • Hide or destroy boxes from expensive purchases.
  • Do not answer personal questions about your home such as type of alarm, daytime occupancy, etc.
  • Do not let people inside your home (to use the bathroom, phone, etc.).
  • Avoid mail theft by obtaining a locked mailbox and dropping off outgoing mail at the local post office.
  • Do not give out your personal information or credit card number over the phone unless you initiated the call.
  • Safeguard your home and yourself while you are away.

Catalytic Converter Theft

Walking

  • Plan your route ahead of time. Never walk alone at night; walk with a friend or your dog.
  • Use well-lit streets, not dark alleys or bushy areas.
  • Carry signaling devices like shriek alarms or a whistle.
  • Carry defensive devices such as pepper spray.
  • Be alert to what’s all around you! Look behind you occasionally.
  • Never ask for or accept a ride from a stranger.
  • Don't carry large sums of money or wear valuable jewelry.
  • Don't resist an armed robber. Hand over whatever is demanded quickly and quietly.
  • Remember, your life and safety is worth more than any personal property.

Purse/Wallet Protection

  • If possible, don't carry a purse. Never carry anything you can't afford to lose in it.
  • Carry your purse across the front of your body, with your forearm across the front of the purse and your elbow held tightly against your side.
  • Carry your keys, wallet or other valuables in pockets in your clothes and not in your hand.
  • Carry minimum amounts of cash and credit cards. Keep a record of all of your card numbers.
  • Check out how to prevent Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim of it.

Driving

  • Always look inside your vehicle before getting in.
  • Lock all doors immediately after you are in the vehicle.
  • Never pick up hitchhikers.
  • If a stranger approaches while you are in a vehicle, keep the windows up, doors locked and engine running.
  • Honk your horn if you need to attract attention.
  • Park in well-lit areas at night.
  • Always lock your car when leaving it.
  • Consider installing an auto burglar alarm system.
  • Don't leave anything valuable in your car if at all possible.
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