Thursday, January 19, 2012

General Personal Safety Tips

The following are some general personal safety tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Headphones and other distractions divert your attention and you may not hear or notice persons approaching you.


• Trust your intuition. If you feel threatened or something doesn't feel right, take action immediately.

• Travel with groups of friends.

• Know where there are safe places in the areas where you live, work and play, such as where there are groups of people and other activity.

• Avoid shortcuts that take you through alleys, passageways, and other isolated areas.

• Don’t let strangers get too close to you, even if they seem to have a reason. Protect your personal space.

• Carry as few items of value as possible. Be discreet with your belongings.

• Walk with a purpose. Know where you are going ahead of time.

• Have a plan before you see trouble. Be prepared to cross a street or duck into a store, if needed.

• Carry a small amount of cash, and only the credit cards that you intend to use.

• If carrying a wallet, carry it in a front pocket.

• Leave your expensive electronics and jewelry at home.

• Don’t wear clothing or shoes that restrict your movement.

• Do not resist or take action that would jeopardize your own safety. Your property is not worth injury or worse.

• If victimized, make mental notes of the suspect’s appearance, suspect’s vehicle description, and, if possible, memorize the vehicle license plate.


• If you see a suspicious person or situation, do not hesitate to call the police immediately. In Los Alamitos, dial (562) 594-7232 for our 24-Hour Dispatch.  If it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1.