Street Safety

1. Street Safety Sgt. Felix L. Mateo Reading Police Department 610-655-6116

2. Street Safety • Purpose: to inform you on some safe actions you can take to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of a crime

3. Street Safety Discuss: • Safety while walking • Safety while driving • Safety while parking • Responding to attack • After an attack • Personal safety in the work place • Dealing with armed Robbers

4. Mental Approach • Mentally prepare yourself for situations that may become dangerous? • Take the necessary steps to reduce your chances of becoming a victim? • Be prepared to act in order to deal with a threatening situation? • Use your instincts, do not ignore them.

5. Walking • Walk with confidence with your head up • Stay alert. Observe people and activities around you • Walk in pairs whenever possible

6. Walking • Walk in the middle of the side walk, away from alleyways and vestibules • Avoid routine routes • Walk in well lit areas • Avoid isolated areas, parks, parking lots • Avoid shortcuts that may expose you to dangers

7. Walking • Avoid flashy clothes and jewelry that might attract unwanted attention • Dress so you can walk or run easily to avoid an attack • Carry only what you need • Carry a wallet in your front or inside pocket . A purse should be close to your body.

8. Walking • Walk the most direct route • If followed or threatened by someone- scream or use a personal alarm, cross the street and run in the opposite direction • Walk where there are lots of people • Always walk facing traffic

9. Suspicious Person • Look at the person, make eye contact. It shows you won’t be taken by surprise • People covering their faces or appear to be hiding something should raise a flag • Watch what they are doing • If it doesn’t feel right, Follow your instincts and do something to avoid a situation

10. Driving • Keep you car in good running order with plenty of gas • Drive with all doors locked • Drive with all windows up whenever possible • Keep your wallet, purse, and valuables out of sight while driving • Do not store valuables in the car

11. Driving • If you see another motorist in trouble, don’t stop. Use your cell phone to call police for help • If someone tries to force you off the road, don’t stop. Find an open business, police, sheriff, fire station. • Try to get a license number, description of the driver and car. Report to police.

12. Driving • Be alert to your surroundings at all times while driving • Don’t let yourself get distracted (phone, cosmetics, reading, etc) • Keep your car keys and house keys separate

13. If followed while driving • Drive to the nearest police or fire station • Drive to an open business, grocery store, or other business where you can safely call the police • Keep driving until you find a safe area. Drive while honking your horn and turn on your flashers to attract attention

14. If followed while driving • Don’t drive home, pull over to the side of the road, or turn onto a driveway. You could be trapped • Attempt to obtain a license plate number and the description of the car and driver and report it to police

15. Parking • Park in areas that will be well lit when you return • Do not park in isolated areas • Check the back seat and around the car prior to getting in • Walk with your keys ready to use when approaching your vehicle • Avoid parking next to large pickup trucks and vans

16. Parking • Be alert to your surroundings at all times, especially getting in and out of your car • Keep valuables out of sight. Store them in the trunk if possible • If you park in a parking lot, walk in the center aisle, rather then close to park cars

17. Responding to an attack • Evaluate the situation • Try to remain as calm as possible • Stay Alert - Listen and observe so you can make the best decision now and provide important information later

18. Responding to an attack • Remember – in an attack - your goals are Escape and Survival • Keep in mind as you decide to react because this the most important consideration • If valuables are what the attacker wants, give them up. Valuables can be replaced, your life can’t

19. Responding to an attack • Decide how to respond • Only you can decide the best response to an emergency • Screaming, hitting, biting may help you escape but may also expose you to danger • Do what ever comes naturally and do it immediately

20. Responding to an attack • The following strategies may be effective in confrontations • Non resistance • Stalling for time • Distracting or diverting the assailant and fleeing

21. After an attack or incident • Cooperate with the local Police department • Be a good witness - Try to make mental notes such as hair color, height, weight, clothing description, facial hair, direction of travel, vehicles, when and where it occurred, voice, limps, scars, tattoos and any other thing that can help police during the investigation

22. After an attack or incident • Be available to police • Assist in prosecuting the criminal • Report all crime even if it is only an attempt • Crime can’t be controlled or prevented if it is not reported • By reporting crimes and suspicious activity, you can protect yourself and others

23. Home Safety • Have lights at all entrances • Have a wide angle door viewer • Have good locks at all doors and windows and make sure you USE them • Check to see who is at the door before opening

24. Home Security • Do not hide extra keys in accessible areas – Criminals will find them • Ask for photo IDs for repair person – If you’re suspicious, call their employer • Do not let strangers into your home or apartment to use the phone • Never give personal information to phone solicitors

25. Home Security • Make sure sliding doors have some type of security bar • If you’re going away, have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail • Use timers – Lights, radios, TV's • Keep curtains open

26. Home Security • Do not leave phone messages telling people you’re away • Leave car parked in driveway • Secure air conditioners • Don’t rely on garage door opener for security

27. Home Security • Prune shrubbery near windows to avoid giving burglars hiding spots • Keep the perimeter of the house well lit – use motion sensor activated lights • Alarm systems – including signs on windows and lawns • Organize a community watch program

28. Conclusion By being aware of your surroundings and preparing yourself to act, you can reduce the chances of becoming a victim of a crime. The Reading Police Crime Prevention Unit would be happy to assist you! Call 610-655-6346. Sgt. Felix Mateo