It seems like we see more and more crime related news on television or read more horrific headlines in the newspaper every day. The government tells us that crime is going down and maybe it is. But it seems that we hear of a purse snatching, armed robbery, car burglary, home invasion, or any number of other dangerous and violent crimes on at least a daily basis. What can we do to protect ourselves? Here's a few tips and guidelines to follow.
Personal Security
- If you can avoid it, never go out alone; especially at night. If you do go out alone, frequent only places that are well lighted, public and provide security. If you're out late at the mall or a shopping center where security is available, ask them to escort you to your vehicle.
- Always remember exactly where you park and have your keys in your hand before you get to your vehicle. Be cognizant of your surroundings and of other vehicles parked around you.
- Carry a personal security alarm. These alarms are extremely loud and will often scare off a would-be assailant.
- If you frequently work late or travel alone, consider taking a professional self-defense course.
- Always let someone else know where you're going and when you expect to be back.
Vehicle Security
- LOCK YOUR CAR! Unlocked cars are easy targets.
- Install an alarm and anti-theft system. Most insurance companies give nice discounts for car alarms and anti-theft systems.
- Do not leave purses, wallets or any other valuables in plain view. If you must leave your valuables inside the car, lock them in the trunk or glove box. Never leave firearms inside your vehicle overnight or for other extended periods of time.
- Tint your car windows. Tinted windows are more difficult to see into. Most car burglars are only looking to steal what they can immediately see.
Home Security
- Start by printing our Home Security Checklist and conducting an inspection of your home.
- Teach your children about home security. Go over the Home Security Checklist with your children so they know what you expect of them.
- Contact the Leesburg Police Department Community Services Division and request a Home Security Survey. We'll be happy to come out and conduct a security survey of your residence and make suggestions as to what you can do to improve the security and safety of your home. Our surveys are conducted by police officers who have been trained and certified by the Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute in residential crime prevention. To schedule a home security survey, give us a call at 728-9859.
- Always make sure you know who is at your door before opening the door. Check the person's identification through your peephole and verify it with their employer before you let them in.
- Report suspicious persons and activities. If your neighborhood does not already have one, establish a Neighborhood Watch program. Read more information about Neighborhood Watch programs.
Financial Security
- Never give out personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller. Banks will never call you and ask for your account information over the phone. Likewise, internet service providers will never ask for your logon or credit card information via email or instant messages.
- Stay away from "get rich quick" schemes such as chain letters or multi-level marketing schemes. Most such schemes are illegal and only serve to cheat you out of your hard earned money. If it sounds too good to be true, then it's probably not.
- Never write the PIN (Personal Identification Number) for your ATM card or credit card down on anything that you keep in your wallet or purse. Whenever possible, visit the ATM during daylight hours or, if at night, visit indoor or well lighted outdoor ATMs.
- Keep your checkbook in a safe place. If you carry your checkbook in your purse or keep it in a desk drawer at work, check it frequently to ensure that no checks are missing. Be sure to flip to the back since that's where most thieves will take checks from.
- Never leave your purse unattended in your shopping cart. It only takes a second for a thief to take a credit card, checkbook, cash or even the whole purse and be gone.