STREET SENSE

Walk confidently and be alert. Notice who passes you and who is behind you. Beware of cars that pass by repeatedly. Turn and walk in the opposite side of the street if possible.

Dress practically. Do not wear clothing that restricts your movements. Whenever possible wear shoes that you can run in.

If possible do not ask strangers for directions. Ask a policeman, a public employee or at an open business. If you are concerned about crime in the area, ask a friend to go with you. There is safety in numbers.

Watch for persons following you when you leave the bank. If approached by a robber do not resist. Your property is not worth risking your life. Chances are that the robber is as nervous as you are. Try not to aggravate the situation. Remain as calm as you can, follow directions precisely, get the best description without being obvious, then call the police as soon as possible.

Keep your purse close to your body. Cover the clasp with your hand or forearm. If you suspect that your purse is about to be snatched, use the upside down carry technique: unsnap the lid and hold it closed in an upside down position. If it is snatched the contents will fall to the ground. The thief probably will not stick around trying to decide what to leave and what to take.

If your purse is snatched remember that personal safety is most important. You need to distance yourself from the attacker. Do not give chase, let the fleeing felon do the work of distancing you from the potential threat. The best way to avoid a purse snatching is: NOT TO CARRY A PURSE.

Do not invite crime. Stay out of risky areas. Stick to well lit and well traveled areas. Avoid dark doorways, shrubbery and other dark areas where someone can hide. Do not take short cuts through parks, tunnels, lots or alleys. Trust your instincts. If something looks suspicious, turn around and go the other way.

Know where police and fire stations are located. Should someone follow you, change directions but do not go to your home. Head for the nearest police or fire station instead. If someone tries to attack you yell "FIRE" as people are more likely to pay attention and help you. Run and scream if a suspicious person comes to close. Don't worry about appearing foolish.

When using public transportation do not fall asleep. Stay awake and alert. Do not exit at unfamiliar areas. Consider carrying a whistle or some other type of personal alarm or device. Do not wear expensive jewelry or flash a large amount of cash.

To deter pickpockets do not carry your wallet in your rear pockets, known as the "sucker pocket." Carry your wallet in your front pocket. Placing a rubber band around it will make it more difficult for a pickpocket.

Always carry coins in a pocket so your can call for assistance if your wallet or purse is stolen. Maintain a list of your credit card companies at your residence so that you can promptly notify them if they are stolen. Prompt notification significantly reduces your liability if the cards are abused.

Do not display your address on your key ring, and keep your keys in a pocket rather than your purse. That may prevent a theft from obtaining your keys and address simultaneously, thus removing the aggravation and expense of re-keying your residence.

Reduce your vulnerability by carrying your keys in your hand as you approach your car or residence so you will not have to fumble for them. If someone drops you off insist that they wait until you are safely inside.

Remember that many every day items may be used as a weapon in an emergency. Many books and courses are available on the subject.

Any weapon introduced into a situation prematurely, or by an individual not trained and prepared to use it, significantly increases risk as any weapon that you may carry in your vehicle or on your person may be taken away and used against you. Also remember Health Sciences Center policy: .....ONLY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER POLICE OFFICERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO CARRY FIREARMS WITHIN THE HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER COMPLEX.....