The odds of you being victimized by crime while in a public places is low.
However, your personal safety is at risk anytime you go out. For this reason,
you must protect yourself. Remember, criminals often plan crimes and look
for the right opportunity with the easiest victim. Your best defense is to
plan ahead. Being safer doesn’t require changing your lifestyle, personality,
wardrobe or to stop going out. The following crime prevention measures to are provided to increase
your personal safety and security.
Personal Safety Tips:
Automated Teller Machines (ATM’s)
• Memorize your personal identifi cation number
• Have everything ready before arriving
• Be aware of people loitering and sitting in parked cars
who may be watching customers transact business
• Never use an ATM after dark
Public Transportation
• Locate well-lit and frequently used bus stops
• Check schedules in advance
• Do not wait alone
• Sit near the driver on busses
• Immediately report incidents of verbal or physical
harassment to the driver
At Work
• Get involved with improving work place security
• Walk to and from the parking areas with other people
• Avoid using the isolated and deserted stairways
• If a suspicious person follows you into or is already in an
elevator, get out immediately
• Check rest rooms before locking the door
Outdoor Activities
• Advise someone of your route before leaving
• Carry proper identifi cation
• Vary your route and schedule so you are not predictable
• Avoid outdoor activities after dark
• Carry the necessary tools in case of an emergency
• Carry a personal alarm
At Home
• Have your key in hand when approaching the entryway
• Wait outside if anything looks unusual (i.e. open door or
broken window)
• Give the hide-a-key to a trusted neighbor
• No personal identifi cation on key rings
• Change the locks if you lose your house keys
Walking
• Avoid walking alone. Be confi dent & walk with purpose
• Choose busy, well-lit streets and avoid isolated areas,
alleys and vacant lots
• Walk facing traffi c to see approaching cars
• Earphones make you less able to sense potential danger
• Keep valuables in an inside pocket and hold your purse
under your arm so they are harder to snatch
Driving
• Keep your car in good running order
• Plan your route in advance
• Drive with the doors locked and windows rolled up
• Carpooling is a safe alternative to driving alone
• Don’t stop if another driver tries to force you off the road
Parking
• Choose well-lit parking areas
• Keep valuables and packages locked in the trunk
• Always remove the keys and lock the doors
• Be alert in underground or enclosed parking garages
Returning To Your Car
• Have your keys ready before getting to your car
• Be aware of occupied cars around you
• If you carry packages, keep one hand free
• Check inside and around your car before unlocking the
door
For emergencies, call 911
Make safety a habit.
Be alert to your surroundings.
Everyone can’t do everything,
but everyone can do something!
02-10
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Personal Safety
www.ci.lake-stevens.wa.us
cbrooks@ci.lake-stevens.wa.us
Lake Stevens Police Department
