Crime Prevention Tips

Crime prevention means being aware of your environment and remaining alert to situations that could make you vulnerable to crime.

We cannot list specific measures that will protect you from every threatening situation, which may arise. Instead, our goal is to teach you how to think Crime Prevention in day-to-day living. The suggestions presented should not be thought of as a list of crime prevention measures, but as examples of common sense behavior that will help you to make life safer and more secure.

Protecting yourself

While walking:

• If at all possible, never walk alone.
• If you absolutely have to walk alone, walk on well-lighted, well-traveled walkways and plan your route ahead of time. Avoid places where attackers might hide (spaces between parked cars, overgrown shrubs, and dark passageways) and areas where you might get cornered. Remember that it is best to walk facing traffic.
• If anyone follows you, look confident and let him or her know you are aware of their presence. Don't be polite or engage in conversation.
• If they continue to follow you, cross the street and/or change directions.
• If this doesn't work, walk toward other people or occupied buildings and stay away from places where you might get cornered.

While driving:

• If someone follows you and is persistent or becomes obscene, write down the license number and report it to the LPD as soon as possible.
• If you are trapped in your car, honk your horn in quick short bursts. This will attract people's attention.
• Make sure that all of the car doors are locked whenever you leave your vehicle.
• When returning to your car, have your keys ready so you can enter your car quickly and be aware of your surroundings. If you have to look into a purse or a pocket to find them, it takes extra time and you lose sight of what is around you, which could allow someone to sneak up on you.
• As you approach your car, look underneath to make sure no one is hiding there. Before you enter your car look to see if all of the doors are locked or if there are any uninvited passengers in the back seat or on the floor. If your door locks are not the way you left them or you see someone inside, leave the area as quickly as possible and notify Police.
• Don't pick up hitchhikers.

Working late:

• Let someone know where you will be working an when you anticipate returning home. Make sure your family and friends know the work number where you can be reached. Call when you reach your workstation and once again just before leaving to go home.
• A portable cellular phone is highly recommended. They are effective in emergency situations to give instant access to emergency services.
• Carry a portable, battery-powered high decibel alarm device or a loud whistle.
• Carry a small pocket flashlight in your purse or on a key ring, and try to park in well lighted areas and walk along lit walkways.
• Carry your keys and access cards in your hand when you are approaching the appropriate doors, keeping them readily available. Make sure locked doors close and lock behind you.
• Keep your workstation or office locked after hours.
• When returning to your vehicle, watch for suspicious persons nearby and have your keys in your hand. Check the interior of your vehicle before getting in.
   

Protecting your property

Preventing thefts from vehicles:

• Install a vehicle alarm or mechanical lock for the steering wheel or ignition.
• Always lock the doors and leave the windows rolled up.
• Always activate any auto alarms or anti-theft devices.
• Keep electronic equipment and other valuables out of sight. Expensive items in full view invite theft even if the vehicle is locked. Don't advertise the types of equipment you have in your vehicle.
• Place valuable items in your trunk not the front or back seats.
• Know the license number, year, make and model of your vehicle.
• Do not leave money, checkbooks, or credit cards in the vehicle at any time.

Preventing bicycle theft:

• Keep bicycles locked any time they are unattended with a good "U" type lock. Second choice would be a good case hardened padlock and cable. Be sure the "U" lock or cable goes through the front wheel, rear wheel and the frame, and secure it to a fixed object.
• Use an engraver to place an identifying mark on unpainted major bicycle components.
• Be sure to retain all evidence of purchase, including the serial number.
• Be able to identify the bicycle, not only by its color, but also by its features.
• Have one or more close up color photographs of the bicycle on hand.
• Register the bicycle through the registration program at Lebanon Police Department.
• Never loan your bicycle or other property to strangers.
• Try to avoid parking a bicycle in a deserted or poorly lit area.