Crime Prevention Tips and Information

• Home Burglary Prevention

• Automobile Safety

• Safety while Walking and Jogging

• Rape Prevention

• Home Safety Tips

• ATM Safety

• Free Home Security Inspection

Police Telephone Numbers

• 911 for emergency events -- either immediately damaging to property or threatening serious injury or loss of life.

• (703) 691-2131 for non-emergency events -- report something or someone suspicious.

Prevent Home Burglaries

• DO make your home look like you're there.  Lights turned on and off by timers give your home a "lived in look" when you're away.

• DO have good locks.  A high quality, one-inch deadbolt lock on every outside door is a basic requirement.

• DON'T leave your home unlocked, even for a brief trip to the store or a visit to the neighbors across the street.  Many homes have been burglarized in just such short periods of time.

• DON'T hide a key outside your home.  Leave the extra key with a trusted neighbor or friend.

• DON'T put a name or address tag on your house or car keys.  That's an open invitation to an unwelcome visitor should your ever lose your keys.

• DO plug in a radio into a timer and set it to turn on when you are away.  Set the radio to an all-talk station, leave the volume low, and give a would-be burglar the impression you're talking to someone.  Light and noise are a burglar's worst enemies.

• DO have a free home security inspection (FCPD) and be an active participant in Neighborhood Watch.  Remember, a thief wants to take the path of least resistance.

Automobile Safety

• Always lock your car doors.

• Park in well lit areas.

• Check interior of vehicle before getting in.

• Have keys in hand before you get to your vehicle.

• Do not stop to help a stranded motorist unless it is an emergency.  Call the police and notify them of the stranded motorist.

• If you feel you are being followed, drive to a police station or other place where people will be.  Do not panic, keep your cool and obtain full information on the vehicle and a description of its occupant(s).

Safety while Walking and Jogging

• Do not carry large sums of money.  Avoid carrying a purse whenever possible.  If you carry a purse, hold it firmly in front of you.

• If approached by a car and you perceive a threat, reverse direction and watch the car's occupant(s).

• Whenever possible, stay away from less populated areas such as alley ways, wooded areas, pathways, etc.

• Do not use headphones or radios which take away your ability to hear what is around you.  Walk/jog with a partner.

• Always let a family member know where you are, where you are going, and when you are returning.

• Display only passive resistance if confronted.

Rape Prevention

• Three of five rapes occur in the victim's own home.

• Rape is not a crime of sexual gratification.  A rapist puts the victim in the position of helplessness.

• The rapist's goal is to degrade or humiliate the victim, usually not to kill.  This is why passive resistance is urged.

• Six of ten rapes occur when the victim knows the attacker.  Date rape is an example of this.

• Most rapists commit this crime repeatedly.

• If a woman uses drugs or alcohol she is increasing her risk of attack.

• If someone stops by your home or telephones, never admit that you are home alone or that you live alone.

Home Safety Tips

• Install a peep hole in your door or use a window to see who is at your door before opening it.  Never open your door to someone you do not know.

• Lock windows and doors as much as possible both when you are at home or away.

• What do you do if someone gets into your house during the night while you are sleeping?  Plan ahead; it's not possible to prepare for every situation.  Make a plan and then stick to it.

ATM Safety

• Use ATM's that are used often.

• Go where other people are such as convenience stores at night.

• Prefer ATM's that are monitored by cameras and are visible to passers by.

Free Home Security Inspection

• A qualified, trained officer will inspect the locks, doors and windows of your home with you.

• Exterior lighting, landscaping, alarms and other factors affecting the protection of your home from burglary also will be reviewed.

• The officer will make recommendations for improving your home security.

• You can arrange for a free inspection, at your convenience, by calling the Sully District Station, FCPD, at (703) 814-7000 or 7018.

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