Crime and Preventions Tips from JBM Patrol and Protection

Personal Safety

Knowing how to protect yourself - and joining with your neighbors to make your streets safer - can reduce the opportunity for muggers, purse snatchers and other street criminals to strike.

3 Basic Rules

• Do stay alert. Keep your mind on your surroundings, who's in front of you and who's behind you. Don't get distracted.
• Do walk purposefully. Stand tall and make quick eye contact with people around you.
• Do trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave.

When Walking

• Plan the safest route. Choose well-lit busy streets and avoid passing vacant lots, alleys and construction sites.
• Know your area police and fire stations, and what establishments are open late.
• Make sure you know where your children are going when they go out. Show them safe places in the neighborhood.
• Carry your purse close to your body. Carry your wallet inside your coat rather than in a rear trouser pocket.
• Don't flaunt expensive jewelry or flash cash.
• Don't overburden yourself with large packages or groceries that make it hard to react.
• If you suspect you're being followed on foot, cross the street and head for the nearest well-lighted and populated area.
• If you're being followed by someone in a car, change direction immediately and make a visible point of writing down the license number.

Public Transportation

• Try to use well-lit and frequently used stops.
• Try to sit near the driver or conductor
• Avoid sitting near exits. an attacker can reach in and grab a purse or jewelry as the bus or subway pulls away.
• Be alert to who gets off the bus or subway with you. If you feel uncomfortable, walk directly to a place where there are other people.

In elevators

• Look in the elevator before getting in
• Stand near the controls
• Get off if someone suspicious enters.
• If you're worried about someone who is waiting for the elevator with you, pretend you forgot something and don't get on.
• If you're attacked, hit the alarm and as many floor buttons as possible.