Safety Tips

The Paramus Police Reserve would like to offer to you some helpful tips to keep you from becoming the victim of a crime.

Home Safety Tips

Lock your door, even when you intend to return home shortly or even if you are just going down the hall. It takes a thief ten seconds or less to enter an open room and steal your property.
Lock or secure doors and windows when you are alone or asleep.
Do not leave valuables lying out in plain sight. Record the serial number of your valuables or engrave your drivers license or social security number on the item.
Keep emergency numbers by your phone.
Do not leave messages on your door indicating that you are away and when you will return.
Do not let strangers enter dormitory or premises.
Do not prop open outer doors.
If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency call, offer to telephone for them instead of allowing them access.
Do not put your address on your key ring.
Know your neighbors.
Do not leave keys in hiding places. Thieves will find them. Carry your keys or make sure that anyone who truly needs them has their own copy.
Call the police to report suspicious persons or activity in or around your neighborhood.
Open a savings or checking account instead of keeping money in your room.
Keep automatic teller machine cards in a safe place, keep your PIN number secret. When possible, only use ATM’s during the day.
Instead of carrying large sums of cash use a charge card. Some charge cards insure property purchased with those cards against loss, theft or damage.

Be aware of your surroundings. Look for suspicious persons, etc. when you are in any area.
If shopping late in the day or after dark, park in an area that is well lighted. Keep in mind, if you are shopping at a mall, the time the store closes from which you enter the mall, as some stores close earlier than others. This may keep you from having to walk unnecessary distances to you car if you find the store has closed earlier than you expected.
Shop in pairs at the very least. Take a friend or family member shopping with you. There is something to be said for safety in numbers.
As you return to your car, make sure to keep your car key in your hand.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with checks, credit, charge or debit cards. Carry cash and wallets in a front pocket to reduce your chances of having your pocket picked.
Don’t leave car phones, purses, CD cases, or any other item of value in your parked car where they can be seen. Always conceal these items.
Don’t leave purchased merchandise in your parked car where it can be seen. Conceal these items also.

PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN WALKING OR JOGGING

Avoid walking or jogging alone at night unless absolutely necessary.
Keep to well lit, commonly traveled routes.
Avoid shortcuts and dark, isolated areas.
Move purposefully, know where you are going, project a no-nonsense image.
Avoid potentially dangerous situations.
If you feel threatened, cross the street, locate an emergency phone, or enter a store or place of business even if you have just left it.
Have your door keys ready; carry them in your pockets, not buried in a purse.

PROTECT YOUR AUTO or BICYCLE

Always lock your car. Never leave the windows down while it is unattended.
Do not leave tempting valuables or property visible inside the car. Lock these items in the trunk.
Lock bikes to bike racks with hardened-alloy locks and chains or u-shaped locks to prevent thefts.

PROTECTING YOURSELF WHEN DRIVING

Look into your car before getting in. Lock doors and roll up windows once inside for protection.
Never pick up strangers.
Carry change for emergency calls. 911 is a free call.
Drive to a police or fire station or open place of business if you feel you are being followed.
Do not stop to help occupants of stopped or disabled vehicles. Continue driving to the nearest phone and call assistance for them.
Raise the hood, then lock yourself into your car if it breaks down. If someone stops and offers you help, remain in your car and ask them to phone for help. Do not worry about seeming rude.