In today's world crime is everywhere. The people that prepare themselves in advance are the people that will survive or prevent injury to themselves or their loved ones. With that in mind, here are valuable tips to help you avoid violent crimes:

Avoid Sexual Assault

1. Always use your initials instead of your first name on mailboxes and phone listings. This will keep possible stalkers and attackers from knowing your gender.

2. One of the smartest things you can do is to avoid remaining alone in an apartment laundry room or parking garage. This advice applies not only to big cities but also to small towns and villages. You just never know who might be watching you.

3. Don't make the mistake of telling someone on the phone or at your door that you are alone. One of the easiest ways to create the impression that someone is with you, is to make it seem as if you are talking to someone else in your home or apartment.

4. This might seem like common sense to you, but this is a mistake that many rape victims have fallen prey to. Never risk accepting a ride home from someone you have not met. This is an open invitation for disaster. Police files are full of incidents in which women didn't remember this simple rule. Don't risk it! Don't ride--say goodbye is good advice!

5. If you are the victim of sexual assault and decide to physically resist, remember that your goal is to incapacitate the attacker long enough to run to safety and get help.

6. In the event that you do become a victim of a sexual assault, you need to make sure that you call the police immediately. Many women won't do this because they feel ashamed or embarrassed. With so many rape consulting centers and women's advocacy groups today, you should always seek immediate help! Also, do not bathe or change your clothes. You don't want to destroy any evidence of the assault.

How To Avoid Robbery

1. One of the best ways for you to avoid robbery is for you not to carry valuable items or large amounts of money. But, if you do carry large amounts of cash, never be alone. Get a friend or co-worker to be with you at all times. Being alone is not worth the risk!

2. You should always plan ahead. For example, when traveling at night, make sure that you have your keys ready to enter your house or car. The last thing you want to be doing is fumbling for your keys in a dark or isolated place. Don't make yourself a target.

3. If you are confronted by a robber, the best advice is to cooperate. You want the incident to be over as quickly as possible. And believe me, the robber doesn't want to spend a lot of time near you either. I know that it's difficult, but try to remain calm. If possible, try to focus on such things as: how tall is the robber, what is he wearing, any distinguishing marks, etc. This will be helpful when giving your information to the police.

4. Always remember, that if you resist and you don't have some type of self-defense training, there is a greater chance that you will be injured. Play it safe. All you want to do is get it over with as quickly as possible and be able to return home to your family and friends.

Bank Machines (ATM's)

1. Many people make the mistake of approaching an ATM without taking notice of what is happening around them. You need to be very watchful of any suspicious people around you. If you notice someone or something that just doesn't "feel right"--find another ATM. More importantly, never use an ATM late at night in an area not properly lighted.

2. If you have to use an ATM at night, we suggest that you take a friend or family member along with you. Never go alone because then you are just asking for trouble!

3. One of the sure signs that you don't want to use a particular ATM is if you find someone waiting and watching outside the area of the ATM. This is one of the ways that we mean for you to always be alert and prepared. Most people are just focusing on the money that they want to get out of the machine and so they aren't paying attention to details. This is just what the robbers want you to do. Don't play into their hands. Always be alert---it could save your money and your life!

Street Safety - Use Common Sense

1. Well-lighted busy areas are the best place for you to be. You should definitely avoid walking alone or being in known trouble spots.

2. If you are a woman carrying a purse, hold it close to your body rather than by the handles. One of the most common mistakes women make is that they wrap their purse straps around their wrist. The reason this is a bad idea is because you can get hurt in a struggle. Just hold your purse close to your body.

3. Unfortunately, many women carry what seems like "everything they have" in their purse or wallet! Experts agree that the best thing to do is only carry what you need.

4. Always avoid shortcuts through alleys, fields or vacant lots. An unfortunate incident happened in my area recently. A young girl on her way home took a shortcut through the back of a closed carwash business. She was abducted, raped and killed. Even though the abduction was caught on a security camera, it was of no help to the dead girl after the fact. Use your head---and stay safe.

5. If you think that you are being followed, cross the street and change directions a few times. get to a well lighted area with lot of people. Very important------Do Not Go Home!! The last thing that you want the attacker to know is where you live.

We hope that these simple tips help you and your family stays safe and secure. As the old saying goes---"It's better to be safe than sorry."

P.S.

From our family to your family---we hope that you stay safe and well!