Robbery Safety Tips From The 70th Precinct

Following a series of robberies, and attempted robberies, in our neighborhood, the 70th Precinct issued a list of crime prevention tips today.

“Crime control has been our main concern here at the 70th Precinct, and when working in collaboration with you, we reduced crime in the community, but most crimes are committed because of opportunity, so we need to eliminate any chance of a criminal having easy access to your personal items,” the 70th Precinct wrote in an email to neighbors.

These tips include:

Purse/wallet safety

• Carry purses, portfolios and briefcases in a manner that will allow you to let go. Straps placed across your shoulder, around your neck or wrapped around your waist have caused injuries because women could not free themselves during a purse snatch.

• Always be aware of your surroundings and carry your pocketbook clasp toward you, close to your body, tucked in the bend of your elbow as if it were a football. If there is a long strap, wrap it around the bag.

• If someone attempts to snatch your pocket book, let go of it, especially if there is a weapon involved. When dining out, the only place for your purse should be your lap. The back of a chair is an easy target for a thief. Never carry a wallet in a rear pocket; use a front trouser or an inside coat pocket.

• Be particularly aware of your purse/wallet in crowded situations, such as rush-hour trains and buses. If you are jostled in a crowd, be aware that a pickpocket might be responsible. Beware of arguments or commotions designed to distract you while your pocket or purse is being picked.

• Minimize the amount of money, credit cards and valuables you carry by only taking items that are necessary for the day. Divide money between your purse/wallet and pockets. Carry your keys on your person separate from your identification.

Walking

• Use well-populated and well-lit streets. If you suspect you’re being followed, stay away from deserted blocks and head for an area where there are people or to the nearest open store. If you’re driven home, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside. Should a motorist bother you while you are walking, reverse your direction. If you are still followed, seek a safe location and yell for help, if possible.

While driving

• Upon approaching your car, look to make sure no one is hiding in or around the vehicle, especially in the back seat. Check your tires for flats. Keep windows rolled up, except for a small opening for ventilation and keep the doors locked at all times.

• Keep valuables secured in the trunk, not lying on the seat next to you. Put your purse on the floor of your car. Plan your route before you leave. Displaying a map will send a message that you’re unfamiliar with the area.

• When stopped in traffic, always leave enough space between your car and the one in front of you. This will allow you to pass easily, if neces­sary. Keep your car well maintained and the gas tank at least half full to avoid getting stranded.

• Should you suspect that you are being followed, make several turns down active streets. If the vehicle continues to follow, head for the nearest police station, fire house, or open store. Avoid driving to your home. If someone attempts to force you off the road, remain calm and blow your horn continuously to attract attention. If forced off the road, stop, put your car in reverse and back away.

When parking your vehicle

• Park in a well-lit area to discourage a personal attack and reduce the risk of your car being stolen. Look around before exiting your car. Close all windows and lock the doors. Take any valuables with you.

At home

• Have your keys ready before you get to the door. Make sure your entrance area is well lit. If you live in an apartment, close the lobby door behind you, especially if a stranger is approaching. Make all visitors and delivery persons use the door bell. Place your name on the inside of the mailbox where only the mail-carrier will see it. If a name must be on the outside, use only the last name, e.g., the Smiths.

• When recording an outgoing message on your answering machine, avoid leaving your name, phone number or a message that you’re not at home. A good message is, “We are unable to answer the phone; please leave a message.”

• If a stranger asks to use the phone, keep your door locked and tell them you will place the call for them. If there is an emergency, call 911. Keep him/her out of your home. Should you arrive home and find signs of a burglary, stay out. Call 911 from a pay phone or a neighbor’s house. Wait there for the police to arrive.

In the elevator

• When waiting for an elevator, leave the lobby/hallway if someone makes you feel uncomfortable.
  Check the elevator’s mirror before entering. Stand between the control panel and door when in the elevator. Exit the elevator if someone enters that makes you feel uneasy. If you feel the need to give an excuse, you can say, “Oh, I forgot my mail.” If accosted, press as many buttons as possible to try and get the elevator to stop at the next floor.

On the subway and bus

• Use only entrances marked by a green indica­tor, where there is a clerk present 24 hours a day. Have your money or MetroCard avail­able. Use designated waiting areas during off-peak hours. Ride in the conductor’s car during off-peak hours. Sit in the center of the car, away from the door, to avoid a purse or chain snatch.

• Cover jewelry; turn stone rings toward the palm side of your hand. Stay awake and aware and exit with the crowd. Wait and walk close to the wall. Wait for the bus on the sidewalk away from the curb. Sit near the front of the bus. Be aware of your wallet/purse to avoid a pickpocket.

At the ATM

• Be aware of suspicious people near the en­trance. Use well-lit, well-populated ATMs. Avoid ATMs that have unlocked doors or are directly out on the street. Block a bystander’s view when doing your trans­action. Use mirrors, positioned at the ATM, to see behind you. Put your money away and take your card and receipt before exiting an ATM. Your card is exclusively for your entry only. Make sure the door closes behind you.