Increasing Your Safety

What can YOU do?

Fraud
Safety at home
If you live in an apartment
Safety on the street
Safety and your car

Fraud... What can YOU do?

In the world of fraud, the two most used phrases are "Buyer Beware" and "You do not get something for nothing". Commit those phrases to memory and repeat them to yourself whenever you receive and solicitation
Do not rush into any agreements that involve your property or money. Take your time and ask questions. Get more than one opinion as the necessity of the work and a written quotation as to the cost
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Avoid "get rich quick" schemes
Be careful when signing contracts. It may be appropriate to have a family member, trusted friend or legal representative review it first
Read the fine print and if you do not understand, ask questions and get answers
Report suspicious offers to the police immediately, before the suspect finds other victims. Casually take note of what he/she looks like and any vehicle being driven
Never turn over large amounts of cash to anyone no matter how good the deal sounds
Never give out any personal information, bank or credit card numbers over the telephone unless you have initiated the call to reputable business

Remember, YOU are in control, if you do not wish to buy, simply say NO!

Safety at Home... What can YOU do?

People tend to feel more secure in their own home. It is important to take a few simple steps to make sure this is the case for you.

Check your windows and doors

Look for entry points or areas where an intruder could hide from view of your neighbours. Be sure doors, windows, garages and sheds are properly locked, even when you are at home. Upgrade windows and doors (deadbolts) as needed. Remember, chain locks are not security devices, do not depend on them
Install a wide-angle peephole, at a suitable height for the homeowner, to see callers before you open the door. Never open the door to strangers without first seeing identification and verifying that identification
Keep your window blinds or drapes closed after dark

Exterior

Make sure your house number is very visible from the front and the rear of your home
Install motion-sensitive security lights to cover any areas such as entrances and garages that provide hiding spots. They are automatic and will come on any time after dark when their sensors are triggered by movement

Interior

Don't leave tell-tale signs that you are away. Have your mail and newspapers picked up by a friend or neighbour each day. Continue to keep your property maintained year-round (grass cut and snow removed)
Use timers to turn on lights, radios or televisions. These are especially important when you are away or on vacation to give the appearance that someone is in the home
Keep valuables in a safety deposit box. Keep large amounts of money at the bank
Identify, inventory and videotape your valuables. Criminals are less likely to steal identified goods, because it is harder to dispose of these items. Through the Operation Identification program, engravers are available at no charge from the Hamilton Police Service

Take Extra Care...

If a stranger arrives at your door and asks to use the phone, don't let them inside. Instead, offer to make the call for them while they wait outside. Never let anyone know that you are home alone.

Get to know your neighbours and keep their phone numbers handy for emergencies. If you arrive home and it appears that someone has entered your home, do not go inside, do not touch anything. Call the police from a neighbour's and wait for them to arrive.

Regular contact between family and friends is important to all of us. Work out a "buddy system" with someone so that you can check on each other's well-being regularly. Remember to tell others when and where you are going and when you are expected to return.

If you live in an apartment... What else can YOU do?

Treat any entrance to your apartment building as if it were your own front door
Before "buzzing" someone in, verify by voice or monitor that he/she is the person that you are expecting. If you're not sure, call the superintendent
When entering or leaving the building, stop being the "nice guy" by allowing unknown persons to enter through the open door
Do not advertise on the intercom that you are female or live alone. Just use your initials and last name or the word "occupied"
Secure your doors and windows properly, and never assume that your balcony is complete secure and out of reach of burglars
Don't get on an elevator if you are suspicious or feel uncomfortable of the other occupants. Wait for the next elevator. If you are already on the elevator and feel uncomfortable about the person getting on, then get off. Always stand near the control panel. If something goes wrong you can push the emergency alarm button and all the floor buttons
Try to make a point of attending the laundry room with a friend or other tenant and only during daylight hours
Do not keep any valuable property in your locker room
When entering the underground parking of your building, be alert to persons or vehicles following you inside. After entering the underground try to wait for the overhead door to close to deter unwanted persons from entering

Safety on the street... What can YOU do?

Although we all have to be aware of potential danger while out on the street, it is also important not to exaggerate the risk of becoming a crime victim. Most streets crimes can be avoided by following a few precautionary steps.

Your best defense is an alert and cautious mind

Take note of people around you, don't feel pressured into talking to strangers
When walking, look people in the eye and walk with confidence. If you suspect a problem, go to the nearest public place or populated area and request assistance
Walk only in well-lit areas, away from alleys and doorways. Stay away from shortcuts where you may be alone and vulnerable
When someone takes you home, have the driver wait until you are safe inside

About carrying a purse...

Whenever possible, do not carry a purse. Consider using a fanny pack or carrying your wallet in your front pants pocket. Never carry large amounts of money or valuables on you or in your purse
When opening your purse in a shop, bank or at an Automated Teller Machine, never allow anyone to see how much money you have in your possesion
Always keep your purse close to you. When shopping don't let yourself be distracted by strangers. Never leave your purse unattended in shopping carts, on store counters, or on the floor of a restaurant at your table
Keep a record of all documents inside your wallet and call police immediately if your wallet is lost or stolen

While on vacation...

In addition to practising the safety tips already mentioned,

Consider leaving expensive jewellery or cameras at home
At the airport, stay with your luggage at all times. Be cautious of strangers who approach you. Never agree to deliver a parcel, letter, or other item across the border for a stranger. Criminals often seek out vacationers to unsuspectingly deliver drugs or other contraband
Check in with your family or friends when you arrive and let them know if you change your hotel or location. When appropriate, use the hotel safe

Safety and your car... What can YOU do?

Cars are the targets of theft, but they can also be the scene of a crime. People are generally distracted when approaching their car, carrying parcels, looking for keys, etc. The following tips can help you keep safety in mind.

Organize your keys and other items before you approach your car. Park at security-patrolled or staffed parking lots whenever possible. If this is not possible, park in the open and well-lit areas. Don't carry valuables, but if you must, lock them in the trunk of your car - out of sight
Lock the door whenever you enter or exit your car. Consider using an anti-theft device such as an alarm, steering wheel lock or kill switch to make it harder for the theives to steal your car
If you have car trouble, put on emergency flashers and lock yourself inside. If someone stops to help you, lower your window slightly, but do not get out of the car. Ask the stranger to call a service truck or the police for you. Keep a CALL POLICE sign in your car and put it in the window when you need help
Consider carrying a cell phone. That way, you will not have to depend on strangers to call for help. Remember to take the cell phone with you when you leave the car

When you are driving a car...

Most older drivers enjoy the use of their cars and handle them with skill and care. It should be remembered however, that over the years your vision, hearing and reflexes are not the same as when you were younger. It is also a fact that, if you are involved in a traffic mishap older drivers are more susceptible to injury.

Remember to get your doctor's or your family's opinion about your driving. We must all recognize our limitations. Perhaps you should avoid driving at night or in heavy traffic. Plan now for a time when you can no longer drive.

At the age of 80 and every two years thereafter, drivers must complete a written test, a vision test and a 90 minute workshop on traffic safety and the issues surrounding the mature driver. If a driver over the age of 70 is involved in a collision, the Ministry can require that a road, vision and written test be completed.

When you are out walking...

When crossing at intersections, be sure you have eye contact with drivers who are turning as they may not see you
Be aware of possible hazards such as sidewalks in disrepair or covered by snow or ice
Be alert to cyclists, roller bladers or skateboarders