Every year thousands of people fall victim to crimes across America.  For a crime to occur, three conditions must exist:  the criminal must have the desire, ability and opportunity to commit a crime.  Without these three elements, a crime simply cannot happen.  We, as citizens, cannot affect the desire or ability of the criminal; however, we can have an affect on the third element - opportunity.  The Indiana State Police would like to provide the following vital information to help citizens protect themselves from crime that take place on our streets, homes, school and work.  The more responsibility we each take for our own personal safety, the better our chances of preventing crime in our communities.

DO:                                                                                                                                                                                                       

• Keep your doors locked at all times (car and home).
• Have cellular phone available.
• Park in an attended parking lot and park close to elevators and exits.
• Wait for the bus or train in busy areas and sit near the driver when on the bus or train.
• When pumping gas, use the pumps closest to the cashier.
• Keep your hand on your purse or put a rubber band around your wallet.
• Keep your house keys separate from your I.D.
• Stand near the buttons in an elevator.  If you feel uncomfortable, get off.
• Use restroom facilities that are locked and use the end stall closest to the exit.
• Notify the doorman or security guard when working after hours.

DON'T                                                                                                                                                                                 

• Stop to assist strangers.  Call for help for them on a cellular phone.
• Leave purse or other valuables in plain view in your parked car.
• Leave all your keys - house, office, etc. - with attendant.
• Load yourself with packages - it makes you vulnerable.
• Fall asleep on buses or trains - it makes you an easy target.
• Leave your car running unattended.
• Carry large amounts of cash, jewelry or anything you're not prepared to lose.
• Leave your jacket or purse on the back of a chair in a restaurant while eating.
• Get on an elevator alone with a person who makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Hang your purse or other personal items on the floor when using public restrooms.

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