Recent news articles seem to indicate an increase in crime, especially of theft. This makes safety and crime prevention practices more important. Some will argue that if a criminal is truly determined to get into your home or your car, there is nothing you can do about it. That may be true, but in many cases the criminals are not specifically determined on your property—they will just go for the target that looks like it can be most easily achieved. Therefore, the first step is to take away crimes of opportunity.
With both your home and your vehicle, doors and windows are an important consideration. Whether you are at home or away, doors should be kept locked. When you are traveling or waiting in your car, doors should be locked. When you are away from your car, doors should be locked and windows closed, including vents and wind-wings. There are tools that allow the car to be opened through even the narrowest cracks, so just because an arm might not fit through does not mean something else won’t. Consistent use of locks is the most basic deterrent.
Naturally, there are other reinforcements that can be made. For your home, this can include deadbolts, reinforced doors, and dowel rods for windows and sliding doors. However, it is also especially important to consider visibility. If there are recessed alcoves around a door, or shrubbery blocking a window, this provides a cover that will allow a burglar to work on gaining access without being noticed. There may be architectural issues that cannot be corrected, but lighting can be added and landscaping can be changed to make your home a less desirable target.
If you are living in an apartment complex, there are added considerations. There is always another person (the manager), who has a key. There are common areas (like mailboxes and laundry rooms) that other people can get too, possibly including non-residents. In these areas you would want to see more lighting and visibility. Is the building well maintained, so that broken or burnt-out lights are replaced quickly, and shrubbery is trimmed? Does the manager seem trustworthy, and to care about tenant safety? It is helpful to know the neighbors, whether in an apartment or a house. The best crime deterrent is a connected neighborhood.
Do not forget the link between your car and your home. If you carry a garage door opener in your glove box, and car registration with your address, the person who steals your car now has access to your home. Even with something that appears safe and controlled, like valet parking, it is recommended that you never have a tag with your name and address on your key ring. Actually, the recommendation is that you carry your car key separately from your other keys, so anyone who has the car key has only that.
There are also additional precautions that you can take with cars. Many new cars have standard burglary deterrents built in, but even by simply turning your wheels sharply to the curb when you park, you make your car more difficult to tow.
You have probably all heard that if you must leave valuables (like laptops) in the car, you should leave them in the trunk. Plan in advance so that you have placed the items in the trunk before you get to your destination. There are thieves who monitor parking lots, and if they see you place the items in your trunk, you have just undone your efforts.
One anti-carjacking tip given was that if, as you are heading home, you notice someone unusual near the drive, you circle the block and come back. Carjacking is very much a crime of opportunity, because the principle behind it is that it is easiest to grab a car when the keys are in the ignition and it is running. Having the doors locked helps, but there are times when it seems very reasonable to drive with the windows down. That is fine, but be aware of your surroundings, whether you are on the move or just getting ready to park.
Being aware of your surroundings is good advice in general. When something is wrong, there are generally various clues to the issue, visual and otherwise, and if you are open to these signals, it will increase your safety.
Part of your preparation should also include readiness to get the situation corrected if something does happen. A photographic record of possessions can be helpful for either recovering stolen items or for preparing an insurance claim. Engraving identification numbers on some items may also be helpful.
Not all crimes are against property, so you do also need to think about your person. Making your home and vehicle more secure helps, but you are not always in them. First of all, again, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Sometimes, this may mean leaving the iPod turned off. You want to be able to hear outer noises and that inner voice.
You should also consider mobility. Will you need to be transporting many items or heavy items? Consider taking a rolling bag, or some sort of help so that you can leave a hand free. Have keys ready so you do not need to fumble later. Being alert to warning signs may not be helpful if you are unable to react to those warnings.
The topic of weapons is really a very personal one, and I would never recommend purchasing anything, from mace to a gun, just to feel safer. However, if you are going to get something, make sure that you learn how to use it, and that you become comfortable with it before needing to use it. Otherwise, it becomes an added hazard. Self-defense classes may be a better option. While providing helpful skills, they can also increase confidence, even if it is just the confidence to not allow others to intimidate you. They are often available free for women (this may seem unfair to men, but based on crime statistics, it is very practical). The information for Washington County is located at http://www.co.washington.or.us/sheriff/service/curve.htm.
For more information about local public safety, go to http://www.co.washington.or.us/cgi/sheriff/lec.pl.
The Los Angeles Police Department has a wide variety of helpful tips at http://www.lapdonline.org/prevent_crime/content_basic_view/1175.
You may also wish to read Gavin de Becker’s excellent The Gift of Fear for more on how to recognize the signals around you.
More than anyone else, we understand and believe in our ability to be protected and warned, but many blessings require at least a little effort so that we can receive them. Prepare to be safe.
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