City of Avon Park Police Department

SAFETY TIPS

 By reducing the opportunity and the belief that a crime can be successfully committed, you can significantly reduce most criminal activity.  The following safety tips are provided so that each citizen can proactively prevent crimes and the opportunity to become a victim.

GUIDELINES FOR PERSONAL SAFETY

•  Always let a family member or colleague know your plans, appointments, or outings.
• Stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings.
• When walking appear confident. Do not show fear. Trust your instincts.
• Choose to walk in busy areas that are well-lighted at night.  Try not to walk or jog alone.
• Always carry your purse in close proximity to your body and keep a firm grip on it.
• Carry a whistle on your key chain.  In you are in trouble attract attention any way you can.
• When using an elevator, approach it with caution.  If possible use an empty elevator.
• If you plan to use public transportation, have your fare ready; wait and board in well-lighted areas.
• When using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) try to use one in a well-lighted, busy, public place.  Avoid using an ATM after dark when possible. Be aware of your surroundings while at the machine.
• If traveling by motor vehicle, keep doors locked and windows rolled up.
• Know the area you are in.  Beware of dead end streets.
• Make sure your car stays in good operating condition and be aware of the fuel level.  Keep a flashlight, spare tire, and jumper cables with you.
• Park in well-lighted areas.  Be especially alert when using parking garages. Keep your keys in your hand when returning to your vehicle.  If necessary, your keys can be used as a defensive weapon against an attacker.
• Leave only your ignition key with an attendant.
• Never pick up hitch hikers.
• Stay in your car if it breaks down.  If someone stops to help, lower your window only slightly and request they telephone a police officer for you.
• Continue driving if someone tries to stop or follow you.  Proceed to a well-lit business or the police station before stopping.  Do not lead someone to your home. 
• Keep the car in gear at stop signs and traffic lights.
• Keep your purse and other valuables out of sight in your car if it breaks down. 

GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY AT HOME

• You can discourage burglars from selecting your home as a target by “target hardening”.
• Make sure all doors to the outside are metal or solid; that they have good sturdy locks with deadbolts; that all windows have locks; and that you use all locks.
• Secure sliding glass doors with locks or bars.
• Make sure all porches, entrances, parking areas are well lighted.  Turn these lights on after dark.  If in an apartment, report lights out or not available in common areas to the management.
• Trim bushes or trees that hide doors or windows or block your view or lighting.
• Never hide house-keys outside.
• Clearly display your house number so emergency vehicles can find your home quickly.
• Use lights and radio timers, security alarms, motion detectors, and automatic garage door openers.
• When you go away from home leave word with a neighbor; stop mail and newspapers.  Citizens may request a Police Officer check their residence when they plan to be away for an extended absence.
• When children are home alone be sure they know how to call 911 or local emergency numbers.
• Have an agreed upon contact for them to call when they are home; a parent at work, a grandparent or neighbor.   Instruct them to report their contact person when leaving home.
• Train children not to let strangers inside the home, not to tell telephone callers that they are alone; and to keep all doors and windows locked.
• Warn children to look for signs of danger such as a broken window, door ajar, or a strange car in the yard or street. Instruct them to go to a neighbor's house and call an adult or the Police Department.
• Teach children to walk and play with other children, not alone, and to refuse rides or gifts from strangers in the neighborhood.

GUIDELINES FOR A SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD

• Join or start a Community Watch group.  Contact the Police Department to get one started or to find out more information.
• Get to know your neighbors.
• Report crimes and suspicious activities to police and be willing to testify if necessary.
• Observe your neighborhood for things that contribute to crime - poor street lighting, abandoned cars, vacant lots, abandoned houses.
• Encourage and invite neighbors to participate in crime prevention and awareness programs.
• Be aware of the possibility of con artists or scams in your neighborhood in person or by phone.
• Watch for warning signs that gang or drug activity may be developing in your neighborhood.

There are many additional things you and your neighbors can do to insure a safe environment.  By working together as a community and in cooperation with the Police Department you can effectively make Avon Park a safer place to live, work and visit.