CRIME PREVENTION -- PROTECTING YOURSELF

Fear can be crippling and the appearance of being vulnerable can, at times, encourage an assailant. NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO HURT YOU. Any crime against you should make you angry and indignant. These emotions can give you both mental and physical strength. Being angry and assertive can also be intimidating to any attacker.

BE PREPARED TO PROTECT YOURSELF BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY. A way to do this is to think ahead. Here are some tips that can help you prepare for any attack.

• Think of how you normally react to a crisis situation. The body's sympathetic nervous system automatically reacts in what is called "fight or flight" mode. Do you flee, freeze or fight. You can train yourself to react the way you want to. Try and think of some past examples of your natural reaction to a crisis situation and see if there is a pattern to your reactions. You CAN change your response and your reaction by practicing a different response if needed.
• Talk to others about ways to handle confrontations and rehearse alternatives to your normal reactions.
• Remember there is no right or wrong way to react to any given situation. Every situation is different. The best response depends on numerous variables such as the location, the assailant, weapons, and your personal responses.
• Always evaluate the resources available to you. Continue to assess the situation as it is occurring. If your initial response or strategy is not working, try another.

ALWAYS DO WHATEVER YOU FEEL WILL RESULT IN THE LEAST AMOUNT OF HARM TO YOURSELF!

Most criminal acts are crimes of opportunity. There are measures you can take to help eliminate the opportunity for you to become a victim of crime. If you eliminate the opportunity you could avoid the crime. Below are some tips:

• Out Alone
• In Your Car
• At Home
• In Trouble

Remember, be aware of your surroundings and the area that you are in. When at all possible, always take the safest route when walking at night. Keep your home locked when you are not home and even when you are. Carry your money wisely; do not flash your money around.

If you are threatened DON'T PANIC. Be alert, have a plan, trust your instincts and use your head. REPORT ALL CRIMES AND SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TO THE POLICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

For more information or to arrange for a crime prevention meeting for your group or neighborhood, contact the Bridgeville Police at 412-221-6052 and a crime prevention officer will contact you.