Below are the ways in which public can be alert and avoid crimes and stay safe. Kindly click on each links to know more about how you can be safe during the selected situations.
Always keep your main door closed even in daytime. Provide it with a peephole.
Fix a metal grill or collapsible gate outside the main door, which will provide you the visibility without exposing you to threats.
Install magic eye and safety chains on doors. Look through the magic eye and ensure the door chain is secure, before opening the door to a stranger.
Ensure that the window grills are not screwed into the frames, but embedded in the cement work.
Whenever you move into a new house, change the main door and back door locks.
Where air-conditioners are fixed provide an additional grill outside.
There is generally a spate of 'window snatching' during the hot summer months. The public is advised to sleep at a certain distance from the open windows.
Do not keep valuables, purses, mobile phones, and wristwatches openly visible from outside. If possible fix mosquito nets on the nets, which won't cut off ventilation.
Fix Electronic burglar alarms with telephone for warning.
Inform your neighbours about your absence from your home for a long or short period.
Don't keep the keys of the receptacles in which the valuables are kept in the convenient places like under the door mat or ina flower pot, etc., not allowing access to strangers.
Don't allow any stranger to enter your house, when you are alone without finding out his identity. Always ask representatives to provide identification.
Beware of persons coming to your house under the pretext of repairing/selling things, conducting meter readings etc.
Do not record a message on answering machine telling people you are on holiday or away.
Always identify a visitor before opening the door. Never allow young children to open the door to visitors.
Don't keep huge amount of cash and ornaments in the house, Use Bank lockers.
Don't disturb the scene, if you notice theft in your house, wait for the arrival of police otherwise it will lead to tampering of evidence like fingerprints, footprints etc.
When you go out, switch on at least one inside light, to give the impression that the house is not empty.
There are timer mechanisms available in the market, which control lights. If you are planning to be away from home for some days, install one of these gadgets.
The city police provide a free service to the public. When you are going out of station, you can inform to the police station the duration of your absence. The beat constables will keep watch regularly.
You can also use the SMS facility to inform. Send SMS " LOCKED HOUSE, NUMBER X, X Street . X locality. Period FROM date X, Month X TO Date X, Month X " to concern Inspector of police mobile number .
In case of losing the credit card, lodge a complaint with the bank immediately. It will enable the bank to announce it as 'hot card' as early as possible, making it possible to nab the culprit. This will also protect you from liabilities, which may be incurred using the stolen card.
Do not write the PIN number on the card itself.
Always check your monthly bank statements for any suspicious transactions
A card's magnetic strip has the basic details of the cardholder. But the card also comes with a blank space for you to sign in. You must sign on the card to avoid unauthorized use.
Better hang around when your card is being swiped.
Disable your credit card account if you are not using it.
Do not store your personal and credit card information on the computer
Never delay to report a lost credit card as the consequences can be highly disastrous.
Thoroughly check the authenticity of the firm, the website, or any other transactional society where your money would be flowing through.
Parents should recognise the benefits that the internet offers but should also be aware of the potential dangers online.The naive and trustng nature of children can make them an easy target for a variety of dangers on the internet like bullying and harassment,pornography,information theft and financial fraud.However, if parents take the time to educate themselves about technology and establish some simple safety rules, the internet can become a very positive and educative place for their children.
Some warning signs to watch for...
Changes in your child's behaviour such as being very secretive or sudden changes in their interests, problems with sleeping and so on.
The amount of time that your child spends on the Internet, especially if this is late at night.
Your child becoming secretive or defensive about his online activity and quickly changes the screen when you enter the room
The city police provide a free service to the public. Whenever you are engaging the services of Domestic Servants like Maid, Caretaker, Cook, Driver, Office Boy or Watchman you can approach the local station for verifying their antecedents.
While going shopping or anywhere please park your vehicles in the vehicles parking lot.
Don’t keep vehicles in your house compound without locking, during the night hours don't park your vehicles out side your compound wall.
If your vehicle is equipped with an alarm set it every time you exit the vehicle.
In case your vehicle is stolen, please inform the local police station as early as possible. The delay in informing will result in more crimes being committed and increase the difficulty in tracing the vehicle.
If you notice an unattended and unknown vehicle parked for a day or more, inform the local police, beat constables or CONTROL ROOM
When buying a used vehicle, compare the Registration number, Engine number and Chassis number with the RC book. Checkup with database of lost and found vehicle in this website.
Try to park where there are lots of people passing, good lightning and CCTV.
Awareness : The first, and probably most important, component in self-defence is awareness: awareness of yourself, your surroundings, and your potential attacker’s likely strategies.
Use your sixth sense:“Sixth sense” “Gut instinct” Whatever you call it, your intuition is a powerful subconscious insight into situations and people. All of us, especially women, have this gift, but very few of us pay attention to it. Learn to trust this power and use it to your full advantage. Avoid a person or a situation which does not “feel” safe–you’re probably right.
Be alert when you are carrying a purse on the street or in a store.
Use a shoulder strap model and keep it tucked between your body and your arm.
Do not dangle a purse by the straps or hold a clutch-style purse just in the hand
