Transcript Senior Safety

Senior Safety
Awareness
Presented by:
Sgt. Debra Newsome
Canton Police
Who Am I ??
•
Sgt. Deb Newsome
Community Relations
Coordinator
August 2006
Patrol Officer
Detroit PD
1989-1991
1991 to 2001
Patrol Officer
Canton Police
Special Assignments:
DARE Officer
Bicycle Officer
Evidence Tech.
Department Instructor
Arson Inv. Team
&
Detective Bureau
Community Relations
Coordinator Position
–
Promoted to Road
Patrol Sergeant
January 2001
Crime prevention
education
– Seminars, public service
announcements,
residential & business
security surveys
– Crime and data Analysis
Holiday Safety Tips
• The holiday season is a very
special time of year.
• A time for rejoicing and
sharing special moments with
family and friends.
• A time for catching up on
old times.
• A time for giving and
remembering those we love.
• BUT…
YES, THERE IS ALWAYS A BUT!!
• It is also a time when busy people become
careless and vulnerable to theft and other
holiday crime (s).
• We can never be overly prepared, too careful,
or too aware.
• I ask you to please share this information with
your family and friends as well.
Carrying your personal items
• Avoid carrying a purse if possible. Perhaps a
zippered “fanny pack” would be a better option.
• Carry your wallet or cash in a front pants pocket
to deter pick-pocket thieves.
• Use only ATM machines in a very public place,
preferably indoors. Most shopping malls have
ATM’s located inside.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
Before you even leave your house
• Carry only those
items that you
need.
– Take only the
credit cards you
intend to use.
– Take only the cash
you need, not your
entire stockpile.
PARKING
• Pay attention and remember where you parked.
– This will reduce the time you are vulnerable in a parking lot setting.
– Have your keys out and ready to gain entry into your vehicle.
• Park as close to where you are shopping as possible.
• Stay away from bushes and places where someone could
hide and plan a surprise attack on you.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
– Suspicious vehicles or persons
– Do not park next to panel vans or vehicles in which people may conceal
themselves.
– If you see suspicious activity when returning to your car, trust your instincts and
return to the shopping mall. Notify security or the police.
SHOPPING TIPS
• Do not carry more than
you can handle.
• Do not shop until you drop
(worn out).
– Both of these make you easy prey
for potential criminals.
• Shop during day light
hours whenever possible.
• If traveling from store to
store, place purchased
items in the trunk of your
vehicle out of sight from
potential thieves.
SHOPPING TIPS
•
•
•
•
Dress casually and comfortably.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
Do not display cash.
Pay for items with a check or credit card
whenever possible.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your
credit card is lost or stolen.
SHOPPING TIPS
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a
safe place at home.
• Enter and exit the store with other shoppers, whenever
possible.
• If you carry a purse, NEVER leave it unattended in a
shopping cart.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.
Con-artists may try various methods of distracting you
with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
STRANGERS AT YOUR DOOR
• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering
gifts.
– Do NOT allow people to walk into your building without first knowing that they
have a purpose for being there. Check Credentials.
• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the
generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting
donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity
is involved.
• Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds
will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
• Donate to recognized charitable organizations, ONLY.
Safety While Driving
Safety in Your Car
• Keep your gas tank at least ½ full and the
vehicle well maintained to avoid breakdowns.
• Keep your doors locked and windows up at all
times.
• Lock packages and other valuables in the trunk,
whenever possible.
• When returning to the car check the front and
back seat before getting in.
• Never pick up hitchhikers!!
Safety in Your Car
• If your car breaks down, pull to the right as far
as possible. Call for help on your cell phone and
wait inside your vehicle until help arrives.
• Always. Did I say Always? Carry a cell phone.
• Don’t leave your keys in the car while
unattended, even for a moment.
Safety in Your Car
• When stopped at a light, leave enough space
between you and the car in front of you in order
to pull away quickly if necessary
• Be leery of anyone approaching your car (For
directions, with fliers, etc…)
• If you want to help a stranded motorist, call the
police. Don’t stop by yourself, you don’t know
who they are or what they might have just done.
Safety in Your Car
• If your car is bumped by another vehicle drive
to a safe well lit area with other people around,
keep your doors locked and windows up.
• Be leery of the “Bump and Rob” criminals.
They sometimes stage a minor accident and then
rob you when you pull over.
• If you get a flat tire, drive on the rim slowly to a
safe area.
Safety in Your Car
• Anytime you are suspicious stay in your car with
the windows up and doors locked and wait for
the police
• Don’t stop to help other motorists, if you want
to help call the police from your cell or nearby
telephone
• No Hitchhikers!
PROTECTING YOURSELVES
• People often ask us, what is your best advice on
how to protect ourselves?
• My answer is always the same!
• The best way to protect yourself is to prevent
the crime from happening in the first place!
• YEAH RIGHT, YOU SAY. How do we
accomplish this ??
PREVENTIVE PROTECTION
• 1st. Realize that it CAN happen to you and take steps to avoid it.
Don’t live in a bubble. Times are different today.
• 2nd. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Constantly scan
your environment. Walk with awareness and confidence. Make
eye contact with potential scoundrels. Let them know you know
that they are there.
• 3rd. Avoid potential dangerous situations, use your common
sense and use the buddy system whenever practical.
• 4th. Report all suspicious activity to the proper authorities, do
not ignore it or turn your back. Trust your instincts.
• 5TH. Do not allow yourself to be a victim.
FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE
• We were all born with the
fight or flight instinct
(caveman response).
• If something looks
potentially dangerous, tingles
your 6th senses and makes
the hair on the back of your
neck stand up.
• THE SITUATION IS
POTENTIALLY
DANGEROUS !!!
HOLIDAY CRIME STATS
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR TIME
QUESTIONS FROM THE
AUDIENCE