The purpose of this information is to close some of the loopholes in people’s private lives that may make it easier for them to become a victim of crime. Naivety is a thing of the past and all members of society should concentrate on acquiring skills in risk management, strategic living and, above all else, wisdom.
1. Protect your vulnerability. Vulnerability is beneficial as it keeps us connected with our humanness. Conduct a lifestyle assessment and make the necessary changes to protect yourself and your family as much as possible from the risk of crime.
2. Carefully choose your company. It has been said that “bad company corrupts good character.” People also judge you on the company you keep.
3. Avoid allowing strangers into your home or living space. You can easily invite a vicious criminal into your home or onto your property without being aware of it. Also, be skeptical of your home assistants. Try to use a reputable agency to locate these people. Check their credentials and references or ask for proof that it’s been done by the hiring agency, not just them telling you it was done.
4. Spend a little extra money on home security. Keep your bushes trimmed, invest in key-operated dead bolts and get good lighting, window locks and dowels for any sliding door tracks.
5. Be cautious with dangerous objects in your home. Keep handguns, long guns and other weapons secured and out of sight of any intruders that may be used against the residents of the house, or accidentally used by residents in the house.
6. Keep valuables locked up. Items such as expensive jewelry should be kept under lock and key when not in use and don’t make the presence of a personal home safe known, including your children. Sometimes they innocently share too much information with friends.
7. Take advantage of neighborhood watch. Thieves would rather bother areas that don’t have these little inconveniences.
8. Avoid walking alone at night or in potentially unsafe areas. There is an element of safety in numbers and to deny this is foolishness. Walk with purpose. Look like you know where you’re going and how to get there.
Don’t let people stop you. If someone tries to ask you something, keep moving. Carry your keys in your hand when approaching your car. Be sure to check the passenger seats before you get in.
Tina Ransom is a dispatcher with Boulder City Police Department.