| According to the U.S. Department of Justice, | | | | 1. Do not hide house keys in mailboxes, planters, |
| there were over 24 million crimes reported in the | | | | or under doormats. |
| U.S. during 2003. Of those, almost 5.6 million were | | | | 2. Do not include personal identification on key |
| personal crimes, while 18.6 million were property | | | | rings. |
| crimes. Twenty-two out of every 1,000 American | | | | 3. Have a separate ignition key to leave with |
| households were affected by crimes of violence | | | | mechanics or parking attendants. |
| and 163 out of every 1,000 households were | | | | 4. If you lose your house keys or move into a |
| affected by property crimes. With these kinds of | | | | new house, have the locks re-keyed. |
| statistics, it's understandable that Americans are | | | | 5. When going away, make sure your home |
| concerned with personal safety and the safety of | | | | looks occupied. Put interior lights on timers, |
| their homes and businesses. | | | | arrange to have mail and newspaper delivery |
| | | | stopped, and close and lock your garage door. |
| The Michigan State Police offer these tips for | | | | 6. Install and use good deadbolt locks on your |
| personal safety: | | | | doors; lock sliding glass doors or use a dowel in |
| | | | the door track. |
| 1. Stay alert. Keep your mind on your | | | | 7. Trim shrubbery hiding doors or windows and |
| surroundings, as well as who is in front of you and | | | | cut tree branches that could help a thief climb to |
| who is behind you. | | | | second story windows. |
| 2. Walk purposefully, stand tall, and make eye | | | | 8. Make sure all porches, entrances, and yards |
| contact with people around you. | | | | are well lit. |
| 3. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable | | | | |
| in a situation, leave. | | | | When it comes to personal safety, many |
| 4. While driving, keep your car in good repair with | | | | Americans are going a step further to ensure |
| the gas tank at least half full. | | | | their own personal safety and the safety of their |
| 5. Park in well-lit areas and always lock your | | | | homes and offices. Car alarms, business alarms, |
| doors. | | | | and home alarms are important components of |
| 6. Put valuables out of sight or in the trunk. | | | | personal safety. Many people carry whistles on |
| 7. Drive with the doors locked and the windows | | | | their key rings or in their pockets; when personal |
| up. | | | | safety is at risk, blowing whistles can attract the |
| 8. Check the floorboards and front and rear | | | | attention of passersby, who can then call for help. |
| seats before getting in your car. | | | | Some people carry mace or pepper spray in their |
| 9. In an elevator, stand near the controls. If | | | | pockets, briefcases or purses, while others carry |
| someone suspicious enters, get off the elevator. | | | | concealed stun guns to the extent that the law |
| 10. At home, don't give personal information over | | | | allows. Those who leave their children in the care |
| the telephone to people you don't know. | | | | of others often use baby cams or other video |
| 11. Install a peephole in your front door, and don't | | | | recorders to ensure that the caregivers are |
| open the door to anyone you don't know. Verify | | | | acting appropriately. |
| the identity of service people before allowing | | | | Chris Robertson is an author of Majon |
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| The Michigan State Police offer these tips for | | | | Visit this Family and Children Website and Majon's |
| protecting your property: | | | | Family and Children directory. |
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