Mifflin County Regional Police Department

Knowing how to protect yourself and joining with your neighbors to make your streets safer places to be, can reduce the opportunity for criminals to strike.

• Plan the safest route to your destination and use it. Choose well lighted, busy streets and avoid passing vacant lots, alleys, or construction sites. Take the long way if it’s the safest.
• Know your neighborhood. Find out what stores and restaurants are open late and where the police and fire stations are.
• Make sure you know where your children are going when they go out and make sure they know a time to be home. Show them the safe places to go in the neighborhood if they feel scared.
• Carry your purse close to your body with a firm grip. Do not leave your purse dangle from a strap. Carry your wallet in an inside coat pocket, not in a rear trouser pocket.
• Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry or clothing.
• Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
• Don’t overburden yourself with packages or groceries making it hard to react.
• Always carry a cell phone or carry change for an emergency pay phone call.
• Have your car or house key in hand when you approach your vehicle or home.
• If you suspect you’re being followed by someone on foot, cross the street and head for the nearest well-lighted, populated area. Walk quickly or run to a house or store and call police. If you are really scared, scream for help.
• If you are being followed by someone in a car, change direction immediately and make a visible point of writing down the license number.
• Never hitchhike

• Keep your car in good running condition to avoid breakdowns.
• Plan your route in advance, particularly on long or unfamiliar trips. Have enough gas and money to get there and back.
• Drive with all car doors locked. Keep windows rolled up whenever possible.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• If your car breaks down, raise the hood, use flares or tie a white cloth to your door handle. Stay in the locked car. If someone stops, tell them to phone for help.
• Always carry a cell phone.
• Park in well-lighted areas that will still be well-lighted when you return. Lock your car doors.
• Be very alert and careful when using underground and enclosed parking garages.

• Try to use well-lighted and frequently used stops.
• Try to sit near the bus driver or subway conductor.
• Don’t fall asleep, Stay Alert!
• If you are verbally or physically harassed, attract attention by talking loudly or screaming.
• Be alert to who gets off the bus or subway with you. If you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts, walk directly to a place where there are other people.

• Look in the elevator before getting in to be sure no one is hiding.
• Stand near the controls
• Get off if someone suspicious enters. If you’re worried about someone who is waiting to get on the elevator with you, pretend you forgot something and don’t get on.
• If you’re attacked, hit the alarm and press as many floor buttons as possible.

• Choose routes in advance that are safe and well populated.
• Vary your route and schedule.
• Avoid jogging and biking at night.
• Know businesses that are open and locations of police and fire stations.
• Always carry a cell phone or change for an emergency pay phone call.
• Consider not wearing stereo headphones as they impair hearing.

• Make sure street lighting is adequate and parks, vacant lots and alleys free of debris and graffiti. Places that look like no one cares attract crime.
• Contact your local police department to start a Neighborhood Block Watch Program or Apartment Watch Program.
• Volunteer to escort an elderly person in your neighborhood to the store or an appointment.
• Organize and promote teen clean-up programs in your neighborhood.
• If you see a crime being committed, call the police immediately and stay with the victim until they arrive. Be supportive.