Butler's High Ridge

Crime Prevention Tips

Personal / Home / & ATM

General Crime Prevention Tips from the Columbus Police Dept and the National Crime Prevention Association.

Be streetwise and safe:

Stand tall and walk confidently. Watch where you're going and what's happening around you.
Stick to well-lighted and busy streets. Walk with friends. Avoid shortcuts through a dark alley or a deserted street.
If harassed from a car, walk quickly or run in the opposite direction to safety. If you are really scared, scream!!
Never hitchhike. Accept rides only from people you know and trust.
Don't flash your cash; only the money you need that day. Always have emergency change for a telephone call.
Know your neighborhood. What hours are stores and restaurants open? Where are the police and fire stations, libraries, and schools? You might need them in an emergency.
If you go out for a late night snack or a midnight movie, take a friend. Don't go alone. Most assaults happen to a lone victim.
Let someone know where you are going and when you will come back . Call if you're going to be late.
If you are driving, park your car in well-lighted places and lock it when you leave. Check for uninvited passengers in the back seat or on the floor before you get back in.
Have your keys in hand when approaching your car. Don't wait until you get to the car to look for your keys.
Alter your routine. Change your daily patterns and, if possible, take different routes to work or to school. Park in different locations.

When jogging or bicycling:
Go with a friend and take familiar and well-traveled routes.
Don't jog or bike at night.
Try it without your stereo headphones. It's safer to remain alert to what's around and behind you.

Home Safety Tips
Use deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Keep your doors locked at all times, even when you're inside.
Protect windows and sliding glass doors with good locks or other security devices.
Make your home appear occupied when you go out by using a timer to turn on lights and a radio.
Never let strangers in your home without checking their identification. Call their company if you're not sure.
Install a peephole in your door and use it.
If you live alone, don't advertise it. Use only your first initial in phone books, directories, and apartment lobbies.
Get to know your neighbors and keep their phone numbers handy for emergencies.
Work out a "buddy" system with a friend or neighbor to check on each other daily.
Engrave your valuables with a unique identification number, such as your birthdate or social security number.
Keep bonds, stock certificates, seldom worn jewelry, and stamp and coin collections in a safe deposit box.
Don't hide extra house keys under a doormat or other obvious spots.

Automatic Teller Machine Safety Tips
ATM Machines have become the target of criminal opportunities such as robberies, purse thefts, and other personal crimes. The following is a list of suggestions to help reduce your vulnerabilities and criminal opportunities.

Always be aware, alert and prepared to act when visiting an ATM Machine.
If possible, do not use an outside machine.
If you use an outside machine, use one that is well lit and visible.
Try not to visit a machine alone. REMEMBER: The is safety in numbers.
Don't just walk up to the machine. Look around for suspicious cars or persons.
Don't flash cash. Don't dress expensively.
Cover PIN numbers so no one can read them.
Don't leave receipts lying around. (Take them with you.)
Trust your instincts. If you feel something is wrong, go to another machine.
In most cases a drive up machine is safest. If there is any sign of trouble, drive off.
Know your neighborhood. Look for an inside or drive-up machine in a safe, well-lit, visible area.





Tips for Handling Panhandlers
Be aware, alert, confident, and prepared to act.
You are entitled to your space, and do not have to be intimidated or harassed.
Do not give money to panhandlers.
Panhandling for drugs or alcohol is common.
Acknowledge a panhandler with a nod, and answer the request for money by saying"no." Then walk away. Don't be angry or feel guilty.
Some of the ploys panhandlers use...
My wife is sick, or pregnant and I need money for....
I'm out of gas, can you spare some change.................
I need money for an important phone call.................
Imagination is their only limitation...

Note: If you wish to give money, have it out ready to give. Do not go into wallets, pockets or purses in front of panhandlers.

It is not illegal to ask people for money, but it is illegal to aggressively beg or intimidate passersby, to intentionally touch or cause physical contact, to follow or persist in begging after a negative response has been given, or obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic. It is also illegal to beg for money within 20 feet of the entrance to or exit from a check cashing business or ATM machine. It is illegal for anyone to approach your vehicle and perform an unsolicited service (such as washing your windshield) and then demand payment for it. Anyone who feels threatened, annoyed, or intimidated should call the Division of Police at 645-4545, as soon as possible. Give a description of the panhandler, location it occurred, time of occurrence and direction of travel when the panhandler left. Be willing to assist the police with prosecution if necessary.

Seniors against Crime

Senior Citizens Against Crime

Crime prevention is everyone's responsibility, not just a job for the police. And crime can be reduced by simple measures like remembering to lock a door, knowing about common con games, and watching out for your neighborhood.

Although surveys consistently show that persons over 65 are victims of crime far less frequently than young people, many senior citizens are so worried about crime that they shut themselves up in their homes and rarely go out. Isolating ourselves behind locked doors or not getting together with our neighbors actually makes it easier for criminals to work in our neighborhood. Seniors are more vulnerable to certain crimes; purse snatching, mugging, and fraud. But you can reduce opportunities for criminals to strike by being careful, alert, and a good neighbor.

When You're Out:

If you must carry a purse, hold it close to your body. Don't dangle it.
Never carry a wallet in your back pocket. Put it in an inside jacket pocket or front pocket.
Make sure someone knows where you're going and when you expect to return.
Avoid dark, deserted routes, even if they're the shortest.
Carry change for emergency telephone and transportation use.
Whenever possible, travel with friends to stores, the bank, or the doctor. Check with your senior citizen centers about escort services.
When using the bus or other public transportation, sit near the driver if possible.
Don't overburden yourself with packages and groceries that obstruct your view and make it hard to react.
Have your car or house key in hand as you approach your vehicle or home.
Carry a shriek alarm. In some areas, community groups offer free alarms to seniors.
When you drive, keep doors locked and windows up. Park in well-lighted, busy areas. If you have car trouble, be wary of strangers who offer help. Stay in your car and ask them to call a service truck or the police.
If a friend or a taxi takes you home, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.
Communicate the message that you are calm, confident, and know where you are going. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave.
When You Are At Home:

Use deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Keep your doors locked at all times, even when you're inside.
Protect windows and sliding glass doors with good locks or other security devices.
Make your home appear occupied when you go out by using a timer to turn on lights and a radio.
Never let strangers in your home without checking their identification. Call their company if you're not sure.
Install a peephole in your door and use it.
If you live alone, don't advertise it. Use only your first initial in phone books, directories, and apartment lobbies.
Get to know your neighbors and keep their phone numbers handy for emergencies.
Work out a "buddy" system with a friend to check on each other daily.
Engrave your valuables with a unique identification number recommended by the police. Local youth groups may provide this service free to seniors.
Keep bonds, stock certificates, seldom worn jewelry, and stamp and coin collections in a safe deposit box.
Don't hide extra house keys under a doormat or other obvious spots.
Protect Your Money!!

If you receive checks in the mail regularly, arrange for them to be sent directly to the bank instead.
Avoid carrying large sums of money. If you must take a large sum, have a friend accompany you.
Don't display large amounts of cash in stores or other public places.
Don't sign a check or contract until you're sure it's for a legitimate reason and know the details. Check with a friend, lawyers, or police officer if in doubt.
Never put your purse or wallet on a counter while you examine merchandise in a store.
Don't Be Conned!!

According to the American Association of Retired Persons, older citizens are victims of fraudulent schemes far out of pro portion to their population numbers. Keep informed about the latest con schemes in your community by reading the local newspaper.

Be skeptical about any proposal that sounds too good to be true or has to be kept secret. Don't rush into anything. Check it out with friends, lawyers, the police, the Better Business Bureau, and your state or county consumer affairs department.

Be especially wary of:

"Get rich quick" schemes for which you have to put up "good faith" money.
"Good deals on expensive repair or home improvement jobs.
Investments that promise unusually large returns.
Someone claiming you owe money for an item ordered by a deceased spouse or relative.
Work at home schemes, door-to-door sales, supplemental Medicare insurance, miracle cures, glasses and hearing aids at bargain prices.
If you are the victim of fraud, call the police immediately!! You may be embarrassed because you were tricked, but your information is vital to catching the con artist and preventing others from being victimized.

Take Action today!

Take Action - Today!
Staying active in your community will help you to feel safer, and help to make your neighborhood a better place to live.

Join a citizen patrol, participate in your neighborhood association, or start a Blockwatch
Become a foster grandparent or block parent for children who may need help in an emergency.
If a friend has been a victim of crime, be supportive. Listen carefully and be nonjudgmental, cook a meal, help repair damage or replace belongings. Accompany the victim to the police station and to court.
Volunteer for a local Court Watch to help make courts more responsive to citizen needs.
Ask the community liaison officer from your local law enforcement agency to talk to your citizens' group. The Columbus Division of Police Community Liaison Unit can be contacted at 645-4610.

If you are a victim of crime:
If someone attacks you, try not to panic. Look at the the attacker carefully so you can give a good description to the police. Try to remember key things like age, race, complexion, body build, clothing, height and weight, hair, eyes, or unusual features.

Report all crimes to the Columbus Police. For non-emergencies call 645-4545 and ask for Radio. For life-threatening emergencies call 9-1-1.

If the attacker has a weapon and only wants your money or possessions, don't fight back! Your life and safety are more important than your purse or possessions!

If you're harassed by a gang, go to an open store, gas station, firehouse or anywhere there are people present.

Contact your local victim assistance agency to help you deal with the trauma that all crime victims experience. They can help you learn more about counseling, victim compensation laws, and how to follow your case's progress.

Take Action Today!!