Security Intelligence & Public Resources

1. The 10-Point Safety Guide

1. Be Alert! Keep your head up. Be aware of your surroundings.

2. Vary Your Routines Predictability makes you a more likely target.

3. Lock It! Home, car, office locks are your first line of defense.

4. Make Your Home a Tough Target Use floodlights, motion sensors, a security system, deadbolts, etc.

5. Foil Car Jackers Keep windows/doors locked; check mirrors and blind spot when stopped. Stay 1.5 lengths away from the car ahead. Sound horn if approached.

6. Avoid Car Theft Lock it! Use an anti-theft device. Turn wheels when parked. Never leave a spare key inside. Park in well-lighted places. Put packages in trunk.

7. Be Creative Think of unusual ways to protect yourself and your valuables.

8. Be Informed Learn the crime trends in your area and work to protect yourself against them.

9. Get Involved Have you joined or organized a Neighborhood Watch?

10. Don't Give Up! Crime can be reduced with action, not apathy!

2. Residential & Property

Burglary Prevention

Ninety per cent of burglary prevention is physical security. If your complex is locked up and unauthorized entry is made difficult, time consuming, noisy and visible, chances of a successful burglary are kept to a minimum.

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Locks: On all outside entrances and inside security doors should be double cylinder deadbolts with moveable collars. The deadbolt should have at least one inch throw containing a hardened steel insert and protected by a latch guard.
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Padlocks: Should be of hardened steel, mounted on bolted hasps and always locked to prevent exchange. Serial numbers should be filed off to prevent new keys from being made.
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Doors: Solid construction, metal lined and secured with heavy metal crossbars. Jams around doors must be solid. All exposed hinges should be pinned to prevent removal.
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Windows: Should have secure locks. Burglar resistant glass treatments are recommended (e.g., polyester security film) used in conjunction with the alarm's glass break sensor. Heavy metal grates may be used on high vulnerability windows.
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Lights & Visibility: Provide optimum visibility inside and out. Ensure perimeters are well lit, especially around doors. Maintain good visibility by not allowing landscaping, boxes, or trash bins to provide concealment.
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Alarm System: Supplied by a licensed alarm company with a central monitoring station. Check it daily and advertise its presence.
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Safe & Cash Register: Safe should be fire proof, burglar resistant, and anchored securely. Cash registers should be kept in plain view from outside and left open when empty.
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Key Control: Code all keys, keep them locked up. Do not allow employees to leave them lying around. Change locks whenever you suspect key security has been jeopardized.

Door & Outside Security

If you don't have a peephole, install one in the front door. If you have one, make sure you use it. Don't open the door to anyone you don't know, especially at night. If there's glass within two feet of your lock, consider a locking device out of reach if the glass breaks. Secure sliding glass doors by drilling screws into the track so it can't be lifted, or wedge a broom handle into the floor track.

Don't stop your security awareness at the outside walls. Don't leave ladders, stackable boxes, or garden tools around. Trim hedges near doors or windows. Don't place outdoor furniture nearby the house (it becomes a stepladder to the roof). To discourage potential climbers, spread grease on any metal drainpipes (or replace with plastic).

What does a BURGLAR like?

Most thieves prefer an invitation, and a fast, easy, undetected entry and exit. Invitations include:

• Pile of newspapers or overflowing mail
• Unkempt Yard
• Keys left in your vehicle
• Dark or concealed hiding areas
• Windows left open when you are away
• Notes left on exterior doors
• The spare house key on top of the door jam
• Messages on answering machines stating you are away
• An open garage door / Sliding glass doors without auxiliary locks

Property Marking

Marking your property puts burglars off because it makes it difficult to sell on, and makes tracing easier for police. ID numbers should be marked on all equipment.

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Permanent Marking: Engrave or "punch" your property with your street number and zip code. Good for bicycles, mowers, and engines.
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Invisible Protection: Use an ultra violet (UV) marker pen for antiques or valuable property. It fades, so renew it regularly. Use police stickers to advertise that property is marked.

3. Personal Safety & Awareness

Confronting Danger & Self Defense

Do as much as you can to avoid a confrontation—"anticipation and avoidance" are the key words. If you get caught up in a situation, try to talk without provoking them. Non-resistance to prevent physical violence: Negotiate, stall for time, distract the assailant, then flee.

Warning Signs (Distress):
• Direct prolonged eye contact / Changed facial color
• Head is back / Person stands tall to maximize height
• Kicking the ground / Exaggerated hand movements
• Breathing rate accelerates
• Abrupt stopping and starting of nervous behavior

Danger Signs (Imminent Attack):
• Fists clenching & unclenching / Shoulders tensing
• Lips tightening over teeth
• Hands rising above the waist
• Stance changing to side-on or fighting stance
• Lowering of entire body before launching an attack

If you must fight back, adopt the "bash and dash" approach. Primary targets are the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, throat, groin, knees or shins. If held from behind, don't struggle forward; throw yourself backwards to surprise your attacker or stomp on the foot. Use a gas or electronic attack alarm to disorientate an attacker. If you don't have one, yell "FIRE" to draw attention.

Street Safety

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Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace facing oncoming traffic. Walk close to the curb avoiding dark doorways, bushes, and alleys.
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Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling. Keep wallets in an inside or front pocket. Pickpockets like busy streets—if bumped, check your belongings discreetly. Keep your mobile phone out of sight in a zipped pocket.
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If you think you're being followed, cross the street and change directions. Go quickly to a well-lighted place. Do not go home.
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Be careful when people stop you for directions or money. Reply from a distance and never get too close to the car.

Shopping & Assault Prevention

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Shop during daylight hours. If shopping at night, park in a well-lighted area and go with a friend.
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Avoid overloading yourself with packages to maintain freedom of motion. Lock packages out of sight in your trunk *before* you reach your destination.
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Use initials instead of first names on mailboxes and phone listings. Never admit on the telephone or at the door that you are alone.
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It is risky to accept a ride home from someone you have just met. Avoid remaining alone in an apartment laundry room or parking garage.

4. Vehicle, Transit & Marine

Carjacking, Parking & Car Parks

Carjackers prefer the element of surprise. Most victims say they never saw the carjacker until they appeared at the car door. Underground or multi-story car parks should be avoided as they are breeding grounds for vandalism and crime.

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Always park in well-lighted areas. Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows. In car parks, ensure the path to your dwelling is no further than 60 meters and well lit.
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Have your keys ready. Look under, around, and inside your car before getting in. Enter quickly, and lock the doors. Make it a habit to start your car and drive away immediately.
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When stopped in traffic, leave room to maneuver. If bumped in traffic by young males, be suspicious. Wave to follow and drive to a gas station before getting out.
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If confronted by an armed carjacker, don't resist. Give up your keys. Never agree to be kidnapped—drop the keys, run, and scream for help. If forced to drive, consider crashing your car near a busy intersection so bystanders can aid you.

Public Transportation

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Buses & Trains: Wait on well-lit sections of platforms. Sit close to the driver or in a busy compartment. Keep your bags next to you. Know where the emergency button or help points are.
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Taxis: Carry the number of a reputable firm. Ask for the driver's name and car type. Have your money and keys ready at the end of the journey. If you feel uneasy, ask the driver to stop in a busy place and get out.

Boat & Marina Security

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Don't leave your engine key in the ignition. Keep boat keys separate from engine keys.
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Lock unused ropes, fenders, life rafts and outboard motors out of sight. When you go ashore from a dinghy, remove oars/pump and secure the dinghy with a strong chain and padlock.
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Don't let strangers into the marina, and never tell anyone the access code. Report any strangers to the harbormaster.

5. Commercial & ATM Security

Business Security & Reducing Opportunity

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Visibility: Never block the view into your store by crowding display windows. Maintain visibility into your establishment at all times. Mark doorways at varying heights to identify a robber's height.
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Operations: Secure your teller and cashier operations with barriers. Keep cash on premises to a minimum. Make frequent pickups from registers. Do not establish a habitual routine when making bank deposits.
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Opening/Closing: Use two people to open and close your business. Establish a system of prearranged signals where one person stays outside until the all-clear is given.
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If held up: Remain calm. Do not resist. Do not let anyone disturb the crime scene. Call the police as soon as it is safe and do not discuss the robbery with anyone until police arrive.

Suspect Description Checklist

Make a mental note of these features to assist police apprehension:

• Hat (Color/Type)

• Hair

• Eyes

• Scars/Marks

• Shirt

• Tie

• Coat

• Trousers

• Shoes

• Race

• Sex

• Age

• Weight

• Height

• Weapon (Hand/Shot gun)

• Escape Vehicle/Route

ATM Machines

ATM robbers are usually males under 25, working alone. Most robberies occur between 8:00 PM and midnight. Robbers prefer the element of surprise and good escape routes (like freeway on-ramps).

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Use only well-lighted, high-traffic ATMs. Avoid obvious hiding places like shrubbery or pillars. Try to limit use to daylight hours.
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Have your card ready and memorize your PIN. Don't count your cash in public.
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Beware of offers for help from strangers. If anyone suspicious approaches, terminate the transaction and leave immediately—even if it means leaving your card behind. Tell them loudly to "back off" to startle them and give yourself time to flee.
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If using a drive-thru ATM, keep the car in gear with your foot firmly on the brake. Robbers almost always approach from the rear on the driver's side.

6. Fraud, Scams & Identity

The Con Artist Philosophy

The con artist's philosophy is "the gullible were put on this earth to be gulled." Con artists can be male or female, and sometimes work with children. Never believe in "something for nothing" offers. Get all agreements in writing in plain English. Take your time before parting with money.

Charity Fraud

Con artists take cash meant for people in need. Ask for ID for both the organization AND solicitor. Ask if contributions are tax-deductible. Be suspicious of charities that only accept cash, and don't fall for high-pressure tactics. Always write checks to the charity, never the individual.

Home Improvement Fraud

Watch out if someone offers to do an expensive job for an unusually low price, or offers a "free" inspection because they "happened to be in the neighborhood." Always get several estimates, check identification, and pay by check in installments, never cash.

The Pigeon Drop

A person approaches claiming they found a large amount of money. They suggest dividing it, but say you must put up "good faith money" first. Once you hand it over, you never see them again.

The Bank Examiner

A caller claims to be a bank official or police officer needing your help to catch a dishonest teller. They ask you to withdraw cash to check serial numbers. A real official will NEVER ask you to withdraw your money.

Distraction Burglary

There are around 12,000 incidents a year where callers pretend to be workmen, electricity checkers, or council members to get into homes and steal while the occupier is distracted. They often work in pairs (one at the front door, one sneaking in the back) and target the elderly. Keep the chain on your door, use a peephole, and if you don't know them, don't let them in. Ask them to pass ID through the gap.

Keeping Personal Info Safe

Thieves use "trash raiding" to steal info. 86% of domestic rubbish contains helpful information to fraudsters, including full names, addresses, and bank accounts.

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Invest in a household paper shredder. Anything containing personal info should be destroyed before hitting the bin.
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Keep personal information in "encrypted" folders on your computer using passwords.
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Be suspicious of anyone seeking too much personal information. Ask "why do you need those details?"

10 Rules for Email & Digital Safety

1. Don't reply to ANY unsolicited emails. Even "unsubscribe" alerts spammers your email is active.
2. Use filtering tools to reject mail with certain words in the subject line.
3. Use third-party spam blocking services.
4. Contact directory services (Yahoo People Search, etc.) to unlist yourself.
5. Encrypt and digitally sign all sensitive email messages (e.g., PGP Freeware).
6. Use Win Zip to compress and password-protect attachments.
7. Use email software that lets you shut off automatic Web Browser rendering to avoid cookies.
8. Don't read email on a machine you don't trust. If you do, clear the browser history.
9. Don't send sensitive personal messages on your work machine.
10. Keep your antiviral and personal firewall software updated at all times.

7. Travel & Vacation Security

Leaving Your Home

An empty house is a tempting target. The best protection is a house sitter to take care of pets and make the house inhabited. If not possible:

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Leave blinds/shades in a normal position. A sign of a vacant house is closed shades during the day.
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Use automatic timers for lights and TVs (turn volume up enough that a lurker could hear it).
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Stop mail/newspaper delivery, or have a neighbor retrieve it. Overflowing mailboxes announce an empty home.
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Tell your local police you plan to be away. Do not put your home address on your luggage tags.

Traveling & Driving

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Have specific directions/routes. If lost, call local police for directions.
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Let someone know the route you intend to travel and your itinerary so authorities can locate you if needed.
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Always keep doors and windows locked. Leave space in front of your vehicle at stoplights for an escape option.
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Ask hotel staff about their security measures and use the hotel safe to store valuables.

Insuring a Safe Hotel Room

Take 5 minutes to perform these safety, security and cleanliness checks. It could save your life.

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1. Inspect: When you enter, prop the door open, turn on lights, and check closets, bathrooms, behind drapes, and under the bed. Mistakes happen, and sometimes rooms are double-booked or a thief is hiding. Don't close the door until you are sure the room is empty.
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2. Lock: Check that connecting doors and sliding doors are locked. Avoid first-floor rooms with sliding doors in general.
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3. Escape Route: Lock the door, attach the safety chain, and check the fire diagram. Look out the door to ensure exit signs are illuminated. Mentally plan your escape. Most fire engine ladders can only reach up to the 6th floor.
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4. Utilities: Ensure AC/heat, lights, phone, and TV are working immediately. Check shower/sink water pressure and temperature. Switch rooms now if they aren't working; it's not worth waiting late at night.

8. Family, Youth & School Safety

Child Protection & "Home Alone"

Never leave children alone in a vehicle or at play. Define what a STRANGER is (just because they see a mailman everyday doesn't mean they aren't a stranger). Teach them the "What if...?" game to practice dangerous situations. Ensure they know their full name, your name, address, area codes, and that their body is private (Say NO, get away, tell someone).

Teach Your "Home Alone" Children To:

1. Call 9-1-1 and give directions to your house.
2. Never let anyone into the home without asking permission.
3. Check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home.
4. Never let a caller at the door/phone know they are alone.
5. Never accept gifts or rides from people they don't know well.
6. Carry a house key hidden on them, not under a mat.
7. How to use doors, windows, locks, and the alarm system.
8. Escape in case of fire.
9. Not enter the house if a window is broken or door is open.
10. Let you know about anything that frightens them.

Preventing School Shootings: Warning Signs

Most school shootings are not spur-of-the-moment events; they are almost always planned in advance. Stereotypes cannot predict who is at risk, but certain behavioral "risk factors" exist. Recognizing these signs is useless unless you report them to an adult immediately.

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Threats & Weapons: Any references to killing themselves, killing another person, making a "hit list," or asking how to get a gun/explosive device is an immediate threat. Never assume these are jokes.
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Warnings: Shooters often warn friends not to be in a specific place at a certain time to make sure friends don't get hurt by accident.
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Don't Be a Bystander: If you see students being picked on or bullied, intervene or find a teacher. Bullying often creates feelings of isolation and becomes a catalyst for violent revenge.
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Never Threaten (Even as a Joke): Schools have zero tolerance. Never make jokes about wanting to "make somebody sorry."
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Keep Adults Informed: Talk to parents, teachers, or counselors. They want to help, but often don't know how to approach you. As a student, you are far more in tune with the student body than adults. Establish watchdog groups or anonymous crisis hotlines.

Security
Intelligence.

1. The 10-Point Safety Guide