Robbery Prevention Tips

Armed Robbery

Armed robbery occurs when a person produces some form of weapon, or you believe the person has a weapon, and they demand something of value from you.

  • Are you being robbed or being attacked? Try to determine the intent.
  • If you are being robbed, don't resist; give the attacker what they are asking for.
  • Don't carry anything that you aren't willing to lose.
  • If you are being attacked, do they have a weapon? Does the attacker want to harm you or to take some personal items from you?
  • Your ultimate goal when being attacked or robbed is survival.
  • When the attack or robbery is over, go to a safe area and report the crime. Call the police immediately. Preserve any evidence.

When Shopping

  • Take a buddy; go in a group.
  • Park in a well-lit area that has high visibility.
  • Carry your pocketbook close to your body to assure security.
  • Don't put your credit cards, ID, money, in your pocketbook.
  • Know what is around you; be alert of the surroundings.
  • At an ATM machine, look around at the trees, at the shrubbery; go during the day, not at night. (see ATM Safety)
  • Don't carry any more cash than you are willing to lose.

House Break-ins

Housebreaking occurs when an individual(s) might open a window or jimmy a door open or sometimes defeat alarm systems to gain entrance into your home.

To Safeguard Your Home

  • Ensure that landscaping bushes are not higher than 3 feet, tree limbs no lower than 6 feet.
  • Keep windows and doors locked at all times.
  • Use deadbolt locks.
  • Use solid doors, not hollow-core doors.
  • Use additional locks on your windows if the ones supplied are not sufficient.
  • When you are away from home, have friends or neighbors collect your newspaper and mail so your house looks occupied.
  • Use light timers inside and outside when you are not at home.
  • Keep jewelry and valuables in an inconspicuous place; someplace other than the bedroom.

Other Tips

  • Don't give out personal information out over the phone unless you initiated the phone call.
  • Use just initials in your phone book listing.
  • Use caller ID to screen your phone calls.
  • If you experience harassing phone calls, call the phone company.
  • If you experience threatening phone calls, use *69 to get the number and then contact the police.
  • Take advantage of Operation ID to engrave identifying numbers on your valuables (TV, DVD, laptop or anything that could be stolen).
  • Always be aware of surroundings; use common sense.
  • Don't leave valuable property visible in your parked car.
  • Lock your doors and windows at your home.

If you see suspicious characters, or if something seems wrong to you, please call the police department right away to report it. We will come out and investigate.

  • For emergencies, call 911.
  • For non-emergencies, call 773-7700.