Four ways to increase your personal safety are:

1. Reduce or eliminate opportunities that may make you a target.
2. Increase awareness in places you're most comfortable.
3. Trust your instincts regardless of feeling embarrassed.
4. Prepare your schedule daily with safety in mind.

PURSE/WALLET SAFETY

     Carry purses, portfolios or 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 towards you, close to your body, tucked in the bend of your elbow as if it was 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 tor a thief.  Never carry a wallet in a rear pocket, use a front trouser or an inside ooat pocket. 

     Be particuarly 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 - BE STREET SMART

     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 people are or 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 lighted 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 mailcarrier 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.  Say it confidently.

     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 9-1-1.  Keep him/her out of your home.  Should you arrive  home and find signs of a burglary,  STAY OUT.  Call 9-1-1 from a pay phone or a neighbor's house. Wait there for the police to arrive.

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.

SUBWAY AND BUS

     Use only entrances marked by a green indica­tor, there is a token clerk present 24 hours a day.  Have your token, money or metro card 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.

ATM

     Be aware of suspicious people near the en­trance.  Use well lighted, well populated ATM's.  Avoid ATM's that have unlocked doors or are directly out on the street.  Block 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.

Crime Prevention Division
34 1/2 East 12th Street
New York, N.Y. 10003
212-614-6741