If you live alone in an apartment, get a pair large boots and place them outside your door. Make sure they look like they’ve been worn. This will fool people into thinking there may be a man living in the apartment and could prevent an attack or invasion.
If you arrive at home/work and something appears to be tampered with, for example, a door lock – do not enter. Call the police. You can’t anticipate what an intruder may do when surprised.
What is safer, stairs or an elevator? The elevator. However, if you feel unsafe, get off or do not get on. Call someone to meet you or walk to your car.
Be aware of what happens in your neighbourhood. Report any supicious people to the police.
Do not put your name on your mailbox.
When you move into a new apartment change the locks or have them re-keyed.
Leave exterior lights on to deter prowlers. When you leave home in the morning and are not returning until after dark, turn on the lights (or put them on timers) so you can easily see to get into your home quickly.
Do not give out any personal information on the phone. If you are answering a survey, for example, never give out your name, who lives in the house, your occupation, or your family structure.
Say nothing to crank callers. Hang up. If the call is repeated call the police.
Always verify the identification of sales and service people. If you don’t know them and they come to the front door, you probably don’t want to talk to them.
