Community Services Division
Personal Safety Tips

Personal Safety In Your Car
Keep your car in good working order.
Always keep your doors locked while driving.
Always park in well visible and lighted areas
Avoid parking next to larger vehicles
Have keys ready when approaching your vehicle
Keep all valuables locked in trunk or hidden out of sight
If you are being followed, drive to the nearest police or fire station
Use caution in underground parking garages
A cellular phone may be a good investment
Do not stop for stranded motorist, use cell phone or go to nearest phone booth and call for assistance
Do not pick up hitchhikers!!!!!
If you have a flat tire, drive to a safe area
Carry in your car a flashlight, fix-a-flat, warm clothing, portable fire extinguisher, first aid kit, empty gas can and a window with CALL 911 on it.

Personal Safety On The Street
Never Hitchhike! It's not worth the risk.
Be careful when using walk up ATM's or drive-up ATM's.
When walking, walk with confidence and purpose.
Do not read while walking or standing.
Do not wear headphones while walking or jogging.
Do not overload yourself with a lot of packages. Keep your hands free as possible.
Avoid being on the street alone.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry. It could make you a target.

Personal Safety On A Bus or Subway
Use only well-lighted busy stops. Do not enter poorly lit tunnels or stairwells alone. Try to stay with a group of people.
Have exact fare when boarding. Be careful when opening your purse or wallet in a crowd.
The safest place to sit is near the driver in an aisle seat so you can move easily if necessary.
Do not sit in an empty train car alone. Sit where there are other passengers.
Stay alert at all times. Try not to sleep.
If you get harassed, loudly say, "Leave me alone!!!. If that does not work, hit the emergency button.
Observe people at your stop. If you feel uncomfortable, go to the next stop.
Watch out for homeless people and vagabonds who hang out at bus or train stops and do not give them money if they ask for it.

Personal Safety When Shopping
Don't display large sums of cash in public. Be discreet about money or other valuables you carry.
Be alert in public restrooms. If anything seems suspicious, leave immediately and contact security.
Stay alert in crowds to protect your valuables.
Do not keep your keys or personal information in your purse in case it is lost or stolen. Someone can find it and have your information.
Try to park as close to the entrance of the mall or store as possible.
Make a note or by some other means remember your parking spot or area.
Have your keys out before leaving the mall or store.
If you are alone at night, request security to walk you to your car.
Keep all packages you have purchased in the trunk of your car.
Be alert when approaching your vehicle to enter into it. Check underneath the vehicle and inside before entering it.
These safety tips are designed to help you reduce and minimize the chances of you becoming a victim. These tips in no wise guarantee that you will never be a victim of a crime. Remember that personal safety is everyone's responsibility. This brochure is a public service of the Alton Police Department Community Services Unit.