"To safeguard lives and property; respectfully enforce the laws of the land, and work cooperatively to lessen the impact of crime on the lives of residents and visitors in Lee County.”

PERSONAL
SAFETY

The suggestions made in this pamphlet are just that-- suggestions for minimizing your chances of being a victim by reducing the opportunity for crime…in your home, car, or on the street.

Basic Street Sense

• Wherever you are – stay alert and tuned into you surroundings. Know the names of the streets you are near and have just passed, as well as the ones you are coming up to.

 
• Send the message that you are calm, confident, and know where you are going (even if you are lost).
   
• Trust your instincts.
   
• Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, and restaurants, or stores that are open late.
   
• Stick to well-traveled streets.
   
• Tell a loved one or a good friend where you are going, how you will be getting there, how they can get in touch with you, who you will be with, and when they can expect you back home. If you are going to be late CALL HOME – no matter how "old" you are!
   
• If you are going away or deviating from your normal schedule, let your loved ones know you will be out of town, how long you will be gone, when you expect to return, and where you will be going.
   
• Do not flash large amounts of cash, credit cards, or other tempting targets. If you are carrying a large amount of cash keep it in a separate location. The smaller denominations should be on the outside.
   
• Limit the number of credit cards you carry.
   
• Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Even better do not carry a purse, use a fanny pack secured around your waist or use your pockets instead.
   
• Use the automated teller machines during daytime hours.
   
• Do not wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements.
   
• Have your key in hand before you go to your car.
   
• The first thing you should do when getting in your car is lock the doors.
   
• If you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted house. If you are afraid, yell "fire".
   
• Working late? Make sure there are others in the building and ask someone – a colleague or security guard – to walk you to your car.
   
• Shopping? Park in well lighted public spaces close to a main (anchor) store that has a lot of foot traffic.
   
• Carry a fully charged cell phone with you. There are a number of reasons for having a cell phone, but the most important is your own personal safety!
   

Safety Tips for Using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

• Use automated teller machines during daytime hours.
   
• There is safety in numbers.
   
• Observe surroundings. Should you observe suspicious persons or circumstances or otherwise feel uneasy with your surroundings, leave immediately. Report any suspicious activity or persons to law enforcement.
   
• Be ready to transact business. Have your card and any other paperwork necessary for your particular transaction ready and in your hand.
   
• Remain observant while using the ATM. Continue observing your surroundings. Check you surroundings every few seconds while using the ATM. If you observe any suspicious persons or circumstances, terminate your transaction immediately, leave the area, and contact law enforcement.
   
• Before you use the ATM, if you are alone, roll up your windows, turn off your car, and lock your doors. If someone will be sitting in your car, roll up the windows and lock the doors.
   
• Leave quickly. Do not count or otherwise visually expose any money. Put your money and card away after you are back in your car with your doors locked.
   

Simple Protective Measures for Property and Ourselves

• Do not use identification on your house keys. If your keys are lost or stolen and your address is on your key chain then whoever has your keys also has your address.
   
• Install a peephole or door viewer in your front door that gives you at least 180-degree viewing ability. PLEASE USE IT!
   
• Remember there is safety in numbers! The buddy system works well no matter the age of the buddies.

In Your Home

• Have a free home security survey done by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit.
  
• All exterior doors should be of solid wood core construction.
  
• Re-key all exterior door locks when you move into a new home.
  
• Install a 180-degree peephole.
  
• Keep your garage door closed at all times.
  
• Install auxiliary locks on all windows and sliding glass doors.
  
• Replace all jalousie doors and windows.
  
• Install good exterior lighting.
  
• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR FOR STRANGERS.
  
• Be alert to suspicious persons and activity in your neighborhood.
  
• Do not advertise that you live alone.
  
• Keep more than 1 light on in the house.
  
• Do not hide an extra key outside.
  
• Keep your doors locked.
  
• Close your blinds at night or whenever you are undressing or sleeping.

In your Car

• Park in well lighted areas.
  
• Always lock your car.
  
• When driving, keep your doors locked and windows up.
  
• If you think you are being followed, do not drive home. Drive to the nearest gas, fire or police station.
  
• If you have car troubles, raise the hood then wait inside the car with the doors locked and windows up. If a motorist stops to help, crack your window slightly and ask him to call for help. If you want to help someone, make a phone call for him or her, but do not stop.
  
• Carry a cell phone.