One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your belongings is to be aware of what is going on around you at all times. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, be aware of who is around you and what they are doing.
Beyond that, here are some more suggestions for you.
- Walk with confidence and be aware of your surroundings. After dark, walk with others.
- Avoid dark alleys, short cuts and vacant lots, particularly at night.
- Don't wear an iPod or MP3 player when walking or jogging alone.
- Always carry your pepper spray and know how to use it.
- If you are being followed, stay in a lighted area, seek safety in a public place and call the police for help.
- Keep your purse close to your body. Use a purse with a zipper or a flap that fastens.
- Carry a cellular phone in the car or on your person. This is the fastest way to get help in an emergency.
- Always keep your doors locked when you drive. If possible, keep windows up in what you might think is a high crime area.
- Have your keys in your hand when you approach your car. Check the floor and back seat before getting in.
- Park in well-lit areas and park as close as possible to the building you are visiting.
- Never pick up hitch-hikers.
- Don't drive alone at night when possible.
- Don't let strangers into your home. If someone wants to use your phone, offer to make the call for them.
- Install a peep-hole in your front door and use it.
- Ask for ID from any "official looking" people who want to come into your home. This includes the police.
- Never reveal your number to a wrong number caller. Ask what number they dialed and advise them to try again.
- Don't reveal to a caller that you are alone, and hang up on obscene callers.
- Don't give out any personal information (name, age, sex, etc.) to a stranger on the phone.
- Use plenty of outdoor lighting around your home at night.
- Use dead bolt locks on all exterior doors.
- Install an alarm system.
- Report unauthorized persons or suspicious behavior to the police immediately. If you return home and find your residence burglarized, don't go in. Instead, call the police.
- If someone breaks into your home, call police and get out if possible.
- Don't advertise when your are going to be away from home. Have a neighbor pick up your mail.
- Take security measures seriously for your own protection as well as that of others.