Being Out Side Alone

* At night, try to stay on well-lighted streets; avoid doorways, shrubbery, dark shadows near buildings, and other potential hiding places. Carry a flashlight.

* Stay away from deserted laundromats or apartment house laundry rooms, parking lots or ramps at night; be cautious even in the daytime.

* Be cautious around elevators; if you are at all suspicious of another passenger, wait for the next car. Stand near the control panel while you ride. If you are threatened or attacked, hit the alarm and as many floor buttons as you can.

* While walking or jogging, be aware of your surroundings. Look alert and confident. Make quick eye contact with people around you. Dress so you can walk or run easily to avoid attack.

* If you are being followed by a car, change direction. If followed by a person, turn and look at him. This gives you time to think and lets the person know that you are alert. In either case, walk to the nearest public place.

* Have a plan and know what you are going to do if attacked - resist or appear to cooperate, and look for a chance to escape.

* If possible, walk with a friend, use an escort service provided by many businesses or take a bus. If there are few people on board, sit near the driver. Don't fall asleep.

* In a cab or a friend's vehicle, ask the driver to wait until you signal you are safely inside your house.

* When you take out your wallet, don't reveal your money or credit cards.

* A woman should carry her handbag next to her body, with the flap or clasp toward her. A man should carry his wallet in an inside or front pocket.

* Don't leave or set your purse on the back of the door or on the floor in restrooms, theaters, restaurants, or other public areas. Don't leave your purse open or unattended in a shopping cart. Carry your keys in your coat pocket.

* Don't be a hitchhiker.

Alone In Your Car

* While walking to your car, have your door key ready in your hand as you approach. Before getting into your car, glance into the back seat and floor for someone hiding there. Get into your vehicle and lock the door behind you before settling yourself and your packages.

* Look for a well-lighted parking place and lock your car - even if you're just running into the store for a minute. Never leave your purse in your car and place your briefcase out of sight or in the trunk.

* If you must leave your key with a parking attendant or service garage, leave only your car key, never the keys to your house. These can be duplicated while you're gone.

* Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up most of the way, especially while in heavy traffic. Keep your purse out of sight.

* If someone tries to break into your car, honk your horn repeatedly and try to drive away if you can.

* If you are being followed, don't drive directly home. Drive to the nearest 24-hour police or fire station, hospital emergency entrance, all-night restaurant, gas station or other place where there are people.

* You should not travel, especially at night, when you know you have car trouble or are low on gas.

* If your vehicle does fail, turn on your emergency flashers, raise the hood and hang a handkerchief from your window to attract attention or use a "call police" sign in the windshield. If someone stops, stay in your vehicle and ask them to call for police assistance.

* Don't leave mail or packages with labels listing your name and home address in view, inside of your car. Don't leave your work 10 attached to your purse strap.

At Home

* Anyone living alone should use only their first initial and last name in the phone book and on the mailbox. Don't be tempted to list information about your children or your employment in any directory.

* When changing addresses, change your locks, too. Install a deadbolt lock and a high security strike plate as well as a peephole.

* Don't leave keys hidden outside. They're too easily found.

* If you suspect your home has been broken into, immediately call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's home. Don't go inside and risk confronting the burglar or destroying evidence.

* Never allow a stranger access to your home to use the phone - even if they claim it's an emergency. Speak to them through your locked door and offer to make the call for them.

* Always check the I. D. of any trades people, sales representatives, police officers or other professionals who wish to come inside your home.

* Report unusual, suspicious or obscene phone calls to the police and the phone company.

* Instruct children and babysitters not to give out any information about who is home, who is out or for how long.

* Always lock your doors, draw your shades at night and leave a few interior and exterior lights on. Timers are also a good idea.

* Windows on the first floor of a house left open while you sleep, or on any floor of an apartment with balconies, should be secured in place to allow only a six inch opening.

* Invite a friend or neighbor to visit or visit on the telephone when a repair person is in your home.

In Trouble

* Being selective about new acquaintances can help to prevent you from being the victim of a forcible sexual encounter sometimes referred to as a "date rape".

* If a robber demands your valuables, give them up! Your money or jewelry is not worth risking injury or your life.

* Carrying a gun or any weapon is not a good idea. It can easily be used against you.

* If you are confronted by an attacker, especially one with a weapon, stay calm. Evaluate the situation and look for a chance to escape. Think about your options.

* If you are going to fight back, don't hesitate to mark your assailant with bites, scratches or kicks. The marks can be helpful in locating and convicting the offender.

* While you are waiting for an avenue of escape, look at your attacker - one feature at a time, and make a mental note of hair, eyes, eyebrows, nose, moustache, mouth, voice, breath, age, scars, etc.

* Be vocal, if you can - shouting or screaming may catch him off guard and is likely to scare him off if there's a chance someone is nearby to hear you.

* Don't depend on talking your way out, but appearing to cooperate with your attacker may give you the time you need to devise a means of escape.

* As soon as you can, call the police and write down everything you can remember about your assailant.

* Don't change your clothing, bathe or apply any medication. Although this would be your natural reaction, don't do it. You could be destroying physical evidence that will be important in the apprehension and prosecution of your attacker.

FACE TO FACE CONFRONTATIONS

* When faced with danger, trust yourself and your instincts. Your single most effective weapon is your own judgement. Rely on it to choose what you think is the best response at the time, whether it is to:
* RUN . SCREAM TO ATTRACT
* STALL ATTENTION
* NOT RESIST . DISTRACT OR DIVERT
* NEGOTIATE THE ASSAILANT
* PHYSICALLY RESIST - . VERBALLY ASSERT
* FIGHT OFF THE ATTACKER YOURSELF

---

FACTS AND MYTHS ABOUT CRIME

Opinion polls show that fear of crime is one of the greatest causes of worry for older people. Concern can be healthy when it leads to reducing the chances of being victimized. On the other hand, living in constant fear takes the enjoyment out of life. Attention to crime by newspapers and television may lead to the impression that crime is everywhere and that senior citizens are prime victims.

Here are some facts about crime:

* Generally, older persons are not victimized by crime to a greater extent than the rest of the population, except in crimes such as purse snatching.

* Crimes of violence, although feared the most, happen the least.

* Most murders and assaults are committed by relatives or acquaintances as the result of a dispute. Very few are committed by strangers.

* Despite widespread fear, the crime of rape rarely happens to women over 65. In fact, only about one percent of all known rape victims are women over 50.

* The most frequent crimes are property crimes, such as burglary and theft from yards, and are most likely to happen when residents are away.

As an older person, you need not be paralyzed by fear of crime, especially if you take a few simple steps to reduce your chances of becoming a victim. You can even make your neighborhood a safer place to live.

Burglary

Burglary is the crime most likely to affect people of any age. Burglars look for easy targets because most are amateurs, not accomplished professionals. The amateur looks for opportunities to get valuables in the easiest possible way without being seen or heard. The easier you make it for the burglar, the more likely you are of being burglarized.

Discourage the thief by removing opportunity ...by being prepared. By making it harder for the thief-by increasing the time it takes to forcibly enter a house and by increasing the chances of being seen or heard-crime can be discouraged.

Here are a few steps you can take to reduce the chances of your home or apartment being burglarized.

Operation Identification

Property marking is one of the oldest and best methods of crime prevention. Today, the most effective method of property marking is known as Operation Identification.

There are three good reasons why you should join Operation Identification.
1. In the first place the Operation Identification sticker on your
property discourages forced entry.
2. If your things are stolen (or even lost and later recovered) your
permanent I.D. number provides instant identification of the rightful
owner. This is true even if the property is recovered in another county
or state, thanks to the law enforcement computer network.
3. Your permanent I.D. number will positively identify stolen property as yours when found in the possession of a thief. This is helpful in
prosecuting those who have stolen property in their possession.

This is how Operation Identification works:

* Obtain an electric engraving tool at no charge from the crime prevention officer of your local police department or buy one for $5-$10 at a hardware or department store. Invisible ink markers are available from some agencies and stores. They can be used to mark items not easily engraved, such as fur coats, paintings, crystal, antiques, etc. It is also a good idea to take a photo of any such items.

* Mark those items which are most commonly stolen-televisions, stereos, cameras-with your Permanent Identification Number (PIN). This number is assigned to you by your local police or sheriff's department when you enroll in Operation Identification.

* Keep your valuables listed on a log. In the event of a theft this will help you determine what is missing so you can describe your loss to police and insurance adjusters.

* Finally, advertise your efforts. Place a large Crime Watch sticker in a prominent place on or near exterior doors of your residence so everyone knows you've joined Operation Identification. You might also place smaller Crime Watch stickers on larger items, such as your television. These stickers are available from your local law enforcement agencies.

For further information on the Operation Identification program in your community call your police department.

Securing Your Home

A second fundamental of burglary prevention is having good security features on your windows and doors. This section of the booklet highlights some security features you should consider. The crime prevention unit of your local police or sheriff's department can provide you with more details and, in many areas, will send someone to do a "premise survey" which will pinpoint the security strengths and weaknesses of your home. The service is free and the changes recommended can usually be made at modest cost.

Locks

Amazingly, 30 to 50 percent of home and apartment burglaries happen because someone didn't lock a door or window. In the case of windows, often they were even left open. The practical advice which follows doesn't do any good if you don't learn to close and lock doors and windows as a matter of habit, even if you're going to be gone only for a few minutes. Remember: a lock is not a lock unless you lock it. Many homes and apartments, particularly modern ones, have locks burglars can open with relative ease. Make sure all exterior doors are equipped with good locks. Though there are many types of locks, most law enforcement experts suggest that residential doors should be equipped with one-inch deadbolt locks. This lock can be purchased from a local locksmith or hardware store where any questions regarding its installation can also be answered.

An inside chain guard is no substitute for a proper lock. If you have difficulty identifying visitors without opening the door, a wide-angle peephole can be installed in the door. It is far better than a chain guard.

Doors and Casings

The best exterior door for a home or apartment is solid wood. Hollow-core doors are too fragile and should never be used for the exterior of a home or apartment. Your local crime prevention staff can evaluate your doors and make recommendations.

There are ways of strengthening less-than-adequate doors at modest expense. For example, if a door has a large piece of glass in it, you can install a metal grill, or substitute unbreakable plastic. A chain is only as good as its weakest link, so consider strengthening the casings around your exterior doors and the hinges that attach the door to the casing. Otherwise, a swift shove could open your door by breaking the hinges or the casing. Remember that a side or back door, being less visible, may be subjected to a stronger attack than your front door. Good security is important for all exterior doors on every home and apartment.

Sliding glass doors in homes and apartments are a particular security problem because they can be forced open easily. To prevent forced sliding, have special locks installed; or place a broomstick or piece of wood in the track and simply slip it out when you want to open the door from the inside; or mount a Charley bar which folds down from the side for the same purpose. It's not difficult to pry these doors from their tracks. To prevent that, insert a couple of sheet metal screws through the upper track in to the frame with their heads protruding far enough so that the door just clears.

Windows

Most windows come equipped with locks. Remember to lock windows, especially when leaving, even if only for a short time. Because many window locks do not provide ideal security, it's a good idea to supplement them. Special locks are available to provide extra security for various types of windows. In addition, here are some inexpensive techniques:

* For windows that slide sideways, use the same broomstick method described for sliding doors.

* Install a wood block in the track of the window frame to prevent the window from being opened more than the few inches required for ventilation.

* For traditional, double-hung windows, drill a small hole at a slight downward angle through the first sash and into but not through the second (back) sash. Then slip a large nail into the hole.

Outside Your Home

Good visibility will discourage any potential burglar. Standard exterior lighting is important, and in some cases additional lighting may be required to ensure security, particularly at back or side doors. Even landscaping may require some attention. Heavy landscaping can provide a welcome screen for an intruder. If entrances and the windows are hidden from view, additional pruning or transplanting may be necessary.

Don't leave "hidden" house keys nearby. Most hiding spots are well-known to burglars.

Make sure the mail box is large enough to totally conceal mail, or better yet, install a slot in the door. Uncollected mail suggests no one is home.

Ladders should be kept inside to prevent use in reaching high windows.

Garages

In an attached garage, make sure the connecting entrance is secured as tightly as the front door. A door from the garage into the house is often the easiest point of entry for a burglar. A solid door with a one inch deadbolt lock should be used.

Apartments

Persons living in apartments or retirement facilities may not be able to implement some of these suggestions themselves. However, talk to the manager about a specific plan to upgrade security in your building. It probably will be more effective to approach the manager with other tenants together with a representative from the police department. Official security standards have been adopted in some areas and should be of assistance.

When You’re Away

During extended vacations, overnight trips or short walks, make sure your home looks lived-in.

* Try to keep your garage door closed at all times so no one can see when your car is away or what items you have in the garage.

* Either purchase an automatic timer or recruit a trusted neighbor to turn lights on at dusk and off at your usual bedtime. Vary the lights to be turned on and occasionally have the radio turned on.

* Ask a neighbor to close your drapes at night and pick up your newspaper and mail. Never tell your newsboy that you will be gone. Cancel your paper rather than entering a "vacation stop".

* For longer absences, ask your local law enforcement agency to keep an eye on your place. This is another free police service.

* If you are associated with a group tour, see that your travel plans are not announced by the news media.

Personal Security

Though it's unlikely you'll be personally victimized, remember that your own personal security depends on your ability to develop and maintain good safety patterns. If you live in an area where crime is a serious problem, try following some of these suggestions to reduce crime opportunities.

* At Home - For maximum protection against strangers, install a wide-angle peephole in your door. If you're unable to identify your visitor, ask to see identification. If you are at all suspicious, use the telephone to verify the I.D. before opening the door. It's better if someone who wants to use your phone remains outside your locked door while you offer to make the call.

If you return home and suspect someone is inside don't go in. Go to a neighbor's place and call the police.

It's unlikely you will ever be confronted by an intruder in your home, but if it does happen, remain calm and quiet. If in bed, stay quiet until you can call the police.

Try to observe both the intruder and the type and color of the getaway vehicle. If you can,
note the escape direction and the license number.

Avoid physical violence at all costs.

* Walking - Try to plan your trips during morning hours and, if possible, go with at least one other person. Stay on busy, well-lighted streets and walk close to the street instead of next to buildings. Avoid night trips whenever possible. Rather than carrying weapons which can be turned against you, carry a whistle in a handy spot. If you are being bothered at all or feel you may be attacked, blow the whistle in repeated bursts and sit down on the ground (to reduce the chance of getting knocked down), unless you can get to a safer place nearby.

* The Telephone - Unidentified callers have no right to invade your privacy. Your best defense is a police-type whistle kept near your phone. In the event of a persistent or obscene call, blow it as loudly as you can into the voice portion of the receiver. Single women should use initials instead of first names in the telephone book listings.

* Your Money - If you get social security or certain other retirement payments, have them deposited directly into your bank account. This eliminates the chance they'll be taken from your mailbox, or that you'll be observed taking a month's livelihood to or from the bank.

* When Traveling - Whether you drive or use public transportation, travel with at least one other person.

Use a bus schedule to minimize the length of time you have to wait ---perhaps alone --- at the bus stop.

Keep your car locked at all times when it's parked and when you're driving it. Keep the windows rolled up high enough so that an intruder can't reach inside. Do this as a matter of
habit.

If harassed by someone on foot, honk your horn in short blasts and drive off. If followed by another car, honk your horn in the same way and pull into a police or fire station, drive-in
restaurant, gas station or some other well lighted place where others can help you. Never
go home while still being followed. If you do, you will be indicating your address to the person following you.

When returning to your par ked car, have your key ready to unlock the door without a lengthy pause. However, look inside the car first to make sure someone isn't hiding inside.

If you have car trouble, raise your hood and turn on your emergency flasher, but wait inside with the doors locked. If people stop to help, don't get out. Rather, ask them to call the police. If they really want to help, they'll make the call.

If you see a car in trouble, don't stop to help. Go to the next available phone and notify the police.

As a habit, keep valuables out of sight. Lock bags and packages in the car trunk.

Don't pick up hitchhikers.

Purse Snatching

Older women are particularly vulnerable to this special category of personal crime. It is a crime which usually occurs during the daytime.

The best way to avoid purse snatching is not to carry a purse. This is not really as impractical as it may seem since one of the biggest reasons for carrying a purse is force of habit. It might be well worth modifying the habit in order to reduce the opportunity for crime.

Try keeping a small amount of cash and/or a credit card in either a wallet or a compact cosmetic case to be carried in a concealed coat pocket. Women can have small hidden pockets sewn on the inside of their coats for the same purpose.

If you must carry a purse, carry house keys separately. That way, if your purse is lost or stolen, the keys won't be there along with your address. Try carrying the keys on a chain around your neck or on a rubber band around your wrist.

Carry your purse close to your body, preferably in front. Avoid wrapping the strap around your wrist; you're likely to get hurt if a robber yanks hard.

Never carry large amounts of cash. Use checks to pay for all bills, groceries and other purchases. Many banks provide checking accounts with no monthly service charge to persons over 65 (you pay only for the printing of the checks).

If you need to withdraw savings for a special purchase, get the amount as a check from the bank, not in cash.

 

NEED ANSWERS? Below you will find information on Signs of Drug Use and Gang Activity

Signs of Drug Use

Methamphetamines: "Wired," sleeplessness for days and weeks at a time, total loss of appetite, extreme weight loss, dialated pupils, excited, talkative, deluded sense of power, paranoia, depression, loss of control, nervousness, unusual sweating, shaking, anxiety, hallucinations, aggression, violence, dizziness, mood changes, blurred vision, mental confusion, agitation.

Cocaine: Impaired thinking, confused, anxious, depressed, short tempered, panic attacks, suspiciousness, dilated pupils, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, decreased sexual drive, restlessness, irritability, very talkative, scratching, hallucinations, paranoia.

LSD (Acid): Dilated pupils, skin discoloration, loss of coordination, false sense of power, euphoria, distortion of time and space, hallucinations, confusion, paranoia, nausea, vomiting, loss of control, anxiety, panic, helplessness, and self destructive behavior.

PCP: Sometimes violent or bizarre behavior, suicide has often occurred, paranoia, fearfulness, anxiety, aggressive or withdrawn, skin flushing, sweating, dizziness, total numbness, and impaired perceptions.

Inhalants: Short-lasting euphoria, giggling, silliness, dizziness. Then come the headaches and full-blown "faintings" or going unconscious. Longterm Use: Short-term memory loss, emotional instability, impairment of reasoning, slurred speech, clumsy staggering gait, eye flutter, tremors, hearing loss, loss of sense of smell, and escalating stages of brain atrophy. Sometimes these serious longterm effects are reversible with body detoxification and nutritional therapy; sometimes the brain damage is irreversible or only partially reversible.

Heroin: Chemically enforced euphoria. "Nodding," which is a dreamlike state, near sleep, drifting off for minutes or hours. For long time abusers heroin may act like a stimulant and they can do a normal daily routine; however, for others, it leaves them completely powerless to do anything.

Marijuana: Compulsive eating, bloodshot red eyes that are squinty (they may have trouble keeping them open), dry mouth, excessive and uncontrollable laughter, forgetfulness, short term memory loss, extreme lethargy, delayed motor skills, occasional paranoia, hallucinations, laziness, lack of motivation, stupidity, sickly sweet smell on body, hair, and clothes, and strong mood changes and behaviors when the person is "high".

Depressants (Tranquilizers and Barbituates): Decreased inhibition, slowed motor coordination, lethargy, relaxed muscles, staggering gait, poor judgement, slow, uncertain reflexes, disorientation, and slurred speech.

---

What is a Gang?

A gang is defined as an organization, association or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, which has a common name and/or common identifying signs or symbols, whose members individually and/or collectively engage in criminal activity.

 

Why Do Kids Join Gangs?

• Identity through recognition
• Perception of belonging
• Peer pressure
• Intimidation
• Protection (real or perceived)
• Lack of family life
• Family ties to gangs (it is expected or acceptable to join a gang)
• Brotherhood/interpersonal bonding
• Low self-esteem

•  

How Do Gangs Recruit Members?

Gangs influence youths into joining by using the following methods:

• Peer pressure, offers protection
• Monetary enticements
• Challenging kids to take risks
• Invitations to parties where gang-related activities are occurring
• Family members already belong
• Affection and attention shown to the youths by gang members that may not be given at home

 

What Are The Consequences of Gang Involvement?

Short Term Consequences

• In trouble with law enforcement
• Drop in performance at school
• Withdrawal from family
• Drug and alcohol involvement
• “Dirty work” for the gang, earning their “bones” or “stripes”

Long Term Consequences

• Loss of opportunities for education/employment due to criminal record
• Time spent in jail or prison
• Possibility of losing family or friends
• Risk of personal injury or death
• Risk of family members’ lives
• Increased risk of violence in criminal activity

 

What Are Signs of a Gang in My Neighborhood?

Graffiti

Youths hanging out

Increase in crime- Gang-related acts such as burglary, vandalism and assaults.

 

 

How Can Neighbors Help?

You and your neighbors can work to eliminate gangs and drugs from your community and neighborhoods. They key is organization:

1)      Get to know the neighbors on your block.

2)      Contact your local law enforcement agency for advice and assistance for organization tips.

3)      Contact Crime Stoppers

 

What Are Signs of Gang Involvement?

Changes in attitude or behavior

Openly admits gang affiliation

Showing colors (bandanas, t-shirts, jackets, shoes, ball caps)

Association with known gang members

Unwillingness to discuss their activities

Loss of family interest

Reluctance to be seen with other family members

Unexplained injuries (cuts and bruises)

Trouble with law enforcement or at school

Has unexplained cash or goods (clothing, jewelry, electronics)

New Friends

Tattoos or graffiti-style writing on clothing or books

Disregard for persons or property

Exhibiting signs of alcohol and drug use

 

How Can Parents Intervene?

• Spend quality time with your child.
• Encourage your child to become involved in athletics or other group activities that have adult supervision.
• Set reasonable rules and enforce them consistently.
• Demonstrate how to set goals.
• Monitor and support child’s progress.
• Teach social skills that enhance self-esteem and how to cope with peer pressure.
• Educate the teen or child about the dangers of gang involvement.
• Provide strong religious background.
• Keep an open line of communication with your child.
• Know your child’s friends and where they hang out.
• Keep track of your child’s work at school.
• Teens and children need to be involved with positive activities without a lot of leisure time.
• Keep them involved in after-school activities, athletics or a job along with family time.