Preventing Theft
Robbery is a crime of opportunity. So don't give a thief an invitation.
- Leaving your door unlocked gives the thieves a perfect opportunity
to take what they immediately spot and race off.
- Parties where liquor, wine, beer or cigarette cartons are
in full view are also tempting. No matter how late it is after a party,
take a few extra minutes to store these items out of view.
- When you're having a house party and the door is constantly
opening and closing, tell your guests not to leave their purses by the
door. It only takes a few seconds for a stranger to walk off with one.
- If you're upstairs for a while, around in the backyard, or
talking to a neighbour down the street, lock the front door. The same
goes for the back door if you're sitting out front. Someone could slip
into your home, grab the first thing he or she sees – a ring left
on the counter, your purse or wallet, a portable CD player – and
be gone before you realize what happened.
- Don't leave parcels on your driveway or walk, or on the roof
of your car, while you run in. You couldn't be making it any easier
for a thief.
- Instead of letting a purse dangle from your shoulder, keep
your hand on it, and never leave it open. If you're carrying something
valuable – jewellery, for example – keep it in your pocket.
- When you're grocery shopping, don't leave your purse or wallet in
a cart while you walk down the aisle looking for something. The same
holds true in a department store; don't put your purse down as you sift
through clothes, and don't leave it in a change room unattended.
- At the office, don't leave your purse sitting on or beside
your desk when you're not around. And don't leave a wallet in a coat
or jacket hanging by the door.
- If you're in a fitness club or another locker room, be careful
of what you keep in your locker, and use a strong lock. By the time
you get out of the shower, your money and watch could be long gone.
- Your car can be a target if you have packages on the seat.
Keep valuables in your trunk or the glove compartment, and never leave
the car door unlocked, even if you're just rushing in and out of a convenience
store.
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