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