City of Bowling Green, Kentucky

Personal Safety Tips

Shopping

• Avoid shopping alone.
• Use the buddy system whenever possible.
• Shop before dark and always park in well-lighted areas.
• Use waist-pack carriers instead of purses.
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked in your vehicle and home.
• Do not keep packages in plain view in your vehicle or home.
• Do not count cash in open areas, especially after leaving an ATM machine.
• Keep your address and home phone number private.
• When stores request a phone number, give only your work number.
• After making a credit card purchase, request the carbon copy and destroy it in private.
• Have keys in hand before returning to the vehicle.
• As you approach the car, check to see if anyone is hiding underneath or inside.

At Home (or your apartment)

• Never let strangers inside your residence.
• Keep your garage door closed to prevent thefts.
• When going out for the evening, turn on lights, a radio, or television to make your home or apartment appear occupied.
• Keep the garage door closed to prevent thefts.
• If you plan to be out of town for a few days, purchase an automatic timer for lights.
• Have a trusted neighbor watch your home and pick up your mail and newspapers.
• Ask them to park a vehicle in your driveway.
• Immediately after the holidays, mark new purchases and gifts with your driver's license number.
• Don’t use your full name on mailbox, telephone book, answering machine.
• Don’t leave schedule on answering machine.
• Don’t hide keys in easily accessible places-criminals will find them.
• Check photo ID on repairmen.
• Don’t let strangers in your home to use the phone.
• Make the call for them Wide-angle door viewer

On the Computer

• Shop only from well-established and reputable companies.
• Avoid auction sites if you do not feel comfortable buying or bidding.
• Before you give your credit card information, take note of the icons that indicate that security software is in place to secure your purchase.
• Print out and date a copy of all terms, conditions, warranties, item description, company information and confirming e-mails.
• Save this information as a record of your purchase.
• Avoid computer viruses and unwanted access to your information by not accepting e-mail from people you do not know.

On the Street

• NEVER hitchhike
• Walk in the middle of the sidewalk
• Walk facing oncoming traffic
• Don’t carry too many packages
• Don’t wear music headphones
• Don’t read while walking or standing on a sidewalk
• If you carry a purse w/shoulder strap be prepared to let go if snatched
• Carry a second wallet If confronted with a weapon-don’t resist
• Avoid being on the street if you are upset or intoxicated
• If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body, preferably in front and carry no more money or credit cards than you need.
• If confronted by someone who takes your property, get a good description to help the police in making the arrest.

In a Car

• Keep your car in good working order
• Check the area around your parked car
• Always park in visible, well lighted areas
• Avoid parking next to a large truck or van
• Have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle
• When sitting in your car, keep the doors locked and the windows rolled up
• When driving, keep all doors locked Any valuables in the car should be placed in the trunk
• Exercise extra caution when using underground or enclosed parking garages
• When stopped at traffic lights, allow space between you and the next vehicle in case you have to drive away
• If someone attempts to enter your car blow the horn and drive away
• Many people consider a cellular phone a good investment
• DO NOT pick up hitchhikers
• Do not open the window if someone approaches to ask questions
• Never leave house keys attached to car keys at service stations or parking facilities
• Do not stop for stranded vehicles
• Call for help If you have a flat tire, drive on it to a well-lighted area.
• If your vehicle is disabled, raise the hood, attach a handkerchief to the door handle, and stay in car with doors locked
• If you are involved in a minor accident that is suspicious-stay in the car
• If you are being followed, DON’T drive home
• Carry in your car-a flashlight, fix-a-flat, maps, warm clothing, a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, empty gas can, and a white cloth to tie on the door handle
• If you are driving in an area you are not familiar with, plan the route and check a map before you start out