Tips on Staying Safe

• Criminals pose as public workers, delivery people, and people in distress. Under no circumstances should you open the door unless you get phone numbers to call their supervisors

• If someone is in distress, tell them you will call the police for them

• Install peepholes and talk through the door

• Consider investing in a Taser or some pepper spray and keep it close to your bed or front door. It can debilitate your attacker before they gain control

• Do not leave personal information on your answering machine

• Check your car before entering it

• Keep your car locked and remove any valuable portable items

• Alarms monitored 24 hours by a Central Alarm station are recommended and may qualify for an insurance premium discount

• Alarms should protect the full perimeter of your house

If you live in an apartment:

• Open the lobby door only for people you know. Unknown or suspicious persons should be reported to the building superintendent

• When moving in, have the superintendent change the locks

• Check the elevator before entering it and stay near the control panel

• Do not go into laundry rooms alone