Wherever you are, always remember to Be Alert! Always Be Aware of what is happening around you. The following tips are important for crime prevention. Keeping these suggestions in mind and following them when necessary will reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

The following are some safety measures that could help prevent your becoming a crime victim:

For Kids

• Safety On The Streets
• Safety At School
• Safety At Play

For Everyone

• Safety In Your Apartment Or Home
• Safety While Driving
• Safety While Walking
• Safety When Being Followed
• Sexual Assault

For Kids

Each year thousands of children are victimized by crime. No matter what your age, sex or race or where you live and go to school, you too can become a victim of crime.

Safety On The Streets

• Have your mom or dad, or both of them, walk your school route with you to make sure it is safe.
• When your mom or dad cannot walk you, walk with a friend. Two heads are better than one, especially if there's an emergency. Strangers usually pick on one person.
• Always stick to the same route when going and coming from school.
• Don't take short cuts.
• Be observant as you walk. Be aware of your surroundings. If you think you are being followed, you can cross the street.
• If you think you are in danger, yell "help" and run to the nearest store or back to school.
• If a stranger in a car asks you questions, don't get close to the car (you could get pulled in) and never get in it.
• Remember, a stranger is anyone you and your parents don't know or know well.
• Some adults can tell you what to do, such as a teacher or a police officer. But no adult can tell you what to do just because he or she is older than you. If you're ever in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, you have the right to say NO, loud and clear.
• Don't tell anyone your name and address when you are out walking, and don't think that because someone knows your name that they know you, maybe he/she heard someone else call you by name.
• Establish a code or secret word that only you and your parents know.
• WARNING: Wearing clothing with your name on the outside tells strangers who you are.
  

Safety At School

• Do not wear expensive jewelry or clothing.
• Do not carry more money than you need.
• Place your money in a secure pocket.
• Do not stay alone in the hallways between classes.
  

Safety At Play

• Do not ride your bicycle in deserted areas. Ride in a group, if possible. Do not ride at night.
• Do not stay alone in a playground or recreational area. Play in groups and walk home in groups. Stay away from dark and wooded area.
• Do not go into abandoned buildings.
• If something is wrong, scream and run to safety.
• If you leave your bicycle outside a store, house, etc., secure it with a good lock and chain.
  

Safety Tips For Everyone

Safety In Your Apartment Or Home

• Have your keys ready as you approach your door to enter.
• Do not attempt to enter your residence if you see a suspicious person in front of it or walking behind you. Go to a neighbor you trust.
• Make sure your door is always locked. If there is a knock at the door always acknowledge it.
• Do not open your door for strangers, no matter how friendly they seem.
• If they want to use your phone in an emergency, make the call for them.
• If you are alone in a house try to keep a radio or television turned on to give the impression that the residence is occupied.
• Never tell anyone at the door or on the phone that you are alone. Do not give out any information.
  

Safety While Driving:

• Drive with doors locked and windows rolled up.
• When you park, lock car doors and trunk and take your key.
• Store valuables out of sight in a locked trunk or glove compartment.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• If possible, don't drive alone. There is safety in numbers.
• Don't pick up hitchhikers.
• Check inside and underneath the car before getting in.
• If you see blue lights in an unmarked car behind you, do not pull over until you are in a well-lit, populated area. The police officer will understand your concerns.
• If your car breaks down and someone stops to assist you, it is better to ask the person to call the police for you than to accept a ride.
  

Safety While Walking:

• Use public, well-lit walkways. Avoid dark, isolated areas.
• Don't walk alone.
• Dress for freedom of movement. A woman carrying a purse should keep it tucked closely under her arm.
• Look alert and hold your keys in your hand when you are walking to your car.
• Carry only necessary cash and credit cards.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry in public.
  

Safety If Being Followed:

• Cross the street
• Change direction.
• Keep looking back, so the person realizes you are aware of his/her presence.
• Go to a well-lit, populated area.
• Notice as many physical details as possible, so you can describe the person to the police.

Sexual Assault

Reducing the risk
Sexual assault is a fear that every woman has. It is a crime that is not motivated by sexual desire, but by violence. It is an attempt to hurt and humiliate a person, using sex as a weapon. Rape can happen in almost any situation. One-third of all victims are attacked in their homes and in over half the reported rapes, women know their attackers. Rape is the most underreported crime in America. There are ways of reducing your chances of being a victim of rape. The following are suggestions to consider.



At Home

• Make sure all windows and doors in your home can be locked securely. Keep entrances well lighted. 
• Install a peephole in the door and use it. 
• Don’t let any strangers in your home. 
• Never give the impression that you are alone if strangers telephone or come to the door. 
• If you live alone, use your last name and initials on mailboxes and phone directories. 
• Get to know your neighbors – someone you can turn to if you are worried. 
• If you live in an apartment, avoid being in the laundry room or garage by yourself, especially at night. 
• If you come home alone and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, don’t go in. Go to the nearest phone and call the police. 
• Keep your doors locked even when you are at home. 

While Walking

• Walk confidently at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic. 
• Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys. 
• Don’t walk alone at night and always avoid areas where there are few people. 

While Driving

• Keep your car in good working order and the gas tank as least half full. 
• Park in a well lighted area and lock your doors. 
• When you return to your car, have your key ready and check the front and rear seats and floor before getting in. 
• Drive with all the doors locked. 

Exercise extra caution when using underground and enclosed parking garages. Try not to go alone. 



For more information, contact the Little Rock Police Crime Prevention Unit at 379-1523.

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Last Updated on 02/15/01
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