Personal Safety & Crime Prevention
Personal Safety Tips
At home:
• Keep all entrances to your home well-lit…trim heavy bushes and trees near windows and doors.
• Make sure you know who is at the door before you open it and install a viewer in your door if there is not another way to see. Insist that repair and sales people identify themselves. If in doubt, call their company to verify their identity.
• If you arrive home and suspect a stranger is inside, DO NOT ENTER! Leave quietly and notify your local law enforcement agency immediately.
• Make sure your home is properly secured. Contact the SLO Sheriff’s office for a Home Security Survey or for home security literature.
On the street:
• Give yourself the advantage. If you must walk somewhere alone at night, wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement. Walk with confidence. Make eye contact with people when walking.
• BE ALERT…notice who passes you and who is behind you. Always walk in well lit areas, away from bushes and dark alleys. Carry your cell phone…if it has a flashlight app, use it as necessary; if not, be sure to carry a flashlight!
• When using an outside ATM (not recommended), be aware of your surroundings. If there is someone in the area that appears suspicious, come back at a later time.
• Keep large wads of bills, gold chains and other flashy jewelry out of sight.
• Avoid isolated bus stops and stand away from the curb until the bus arrives. Go to the bus stop just a few minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
In your car:
• Always check beneath your car before entering and check your back seat. Lock your car doors after leaving and entering your car.
• Park in well-lit areas and observe your surroundings when you leave your car at night…be sure to evaluate where you are parking in the day time hours if you will be returning to your vehicle after dark.
• Have your keys ready in your hand when you are headed to your vehicle…do not allow yourself to be distracted while you search for your keys.
• NEVER PICK UP HITCHHIKERS!!
• Don’t stop to aid stranded motorists…request help for them from a distance
• Keep your vehicle in good repair; keep the gas tank at least half full, if possible.
Take action to avoid potentially dangerous situations!
For more tips regarding Personal Safety, contact the Crime Prevention Unit to schedule a Personal Safety Presentation for you and your neighbors or your service club at (805) 781-4483.
Information provided by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Prevention Unit
