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Anyone
at anytime can become a victim of crime. However, with a few simple
precautions, your chances of being a victim can be reduced. On this
page, we will offer some simple and practical tips on how to reduce your
risk of becoming a victim. Additionally, we also offer a
Business
Watch program and a Vacation
Check program. If you would like more information, or
would like to set up a neighborhood watch on your street, contact LJohnston@CityofRipon.org
or call (209)599-2102
AROUND
THE HOME:
- Lock all doors
and windows when your away, even for a short while. Most burglaries
occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Also be sure to use deadbolt locks
on all exterior doors.
- Leave your
curtains slightly parted. Drapes or shades that are fully closed
give a deserted look to a home or apt.
- Put your lights,
TV and/or stereo on timers. Stagger the times they will go on and
off so it looks as if someone is home.
- If expense allows
it, install a home security system. More than 90% of convicted
burglars interviewed in a study said they would avoid breaking into
homes with an alarm.
- Use an engraver
to mark your valuables with an easily identifiable number and keep
an inventory of your belongings and serial numbers in a secure place
such as a safe deposit box. The Ripon Police Department has an
engraver that can be checked out at no cost.
- Don't hide a key
in the mailbox , under the doormat or above the doorway. If
there is a chance a former owner or tenant might still have the key
to your home, change the locks.
- Stop mail and
newspaper delivery to your home while your away. Also ask a friend
or neighbor to pick up any packages or flyers left outside.
- Trims trees and
shrubs so burglars have fewer places to hide.
- Install peepholes
in exterior doors and bars on basement windows. If you have
children install peep holes that they can reach.
Always
report any suspicious or criminal activity immediately to your local law
enforcement agency. Never feel silly for making a
report. Many arrests are made because a citizen reported something
they felt was out of the ordinary.
AUTO
THEFT AND CARJACKING:
-
Never leave your
car running (even if your just running back inside to retrieve
something) and always take your keys with you. Also lock the doors
and close all windows. Four out of every five cars stolen were left
unlocked by the owner.
-
Try to park only
in populated and well-lit areas.
-
File your
vehicle's title at your home or office. Carry your registration in
your wallet.
-
Consider
equipping your vehicle with a cell phone and some type of antitheft
deterrent.
-
Keep purses,
briefcases and packages out of sight inside your vehicle.
-
Before entering
your vehicle, always check around and inside it for intruders.
-
Always be alert
to what's happening around you. Don't apply makeup, or read at
stoplights.
-
Never stay in
your parked car eating, reading, or sleeping.
-
Drive with all
doors locked.
-
When pulling up
behind another car at a stoplight, leave enough space for an
emergency escape.
-
Make a mental
note of the location of police and fire stations.
-
If approached by
strangers, drive off if possible, never roll down your windows. Lean
on your horn to attract attention.
Finally if you are
the victim of a carjacking, leave all valuables behind and get away.
Most carjackers are armed. Objects can be replaced, but you can't.
For more information regarding the Neighborhood Watch Program,
contact your area Sergeant.
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