CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

CRIME PREVENTION SAFETY TIPS

Citizens’ involvement in the anti-crime campaign need not require direct participation in the police action. By not allowing one’s self to be a victim of crime is already a personal victory against criminality. Awareness and vigilance by citizens is all that matters to deny criminal elements any opportunity to make a move. This compilation of “Crime Prevention Tips”, is our way of promoting awareness among our citizens on the various modes of operation employed by criminal elements. Being forewarned about these modes of crime should heighten our collective vigilance in making our streets and communities safe for our families. Preventing crime is better than solving it. And, it should start from the very person who is likely to fall victim.

MODUS OPERANDI OF DIFFERENT CRIMINAL GANGS

1. “IPIT GANG”

“Ipit” Gang modus operandi is conducted by different criminal gangs entirely separate and unknown from each other which is usually composed of three to five persons both male and female, posing as passengers on public utility vehicles such as jeeps, buses and LRT and MRT coaches. While the vehicle is moving, suspects will shove on the victim to create distraction while another malefactor starts pick-pocketing or bag slashing. A member will merge himself with the passengers and serve as the look out and will also serve as the stopper whenever someone tries to react or run after the suspects.

2. “LAGLAG BARYA GANG”

This Gang’s modus usually involves two to three members. They start by approaching the would-be-victim discreetly and will l drop coins or small bills near the unsuspecting victim. Once the would-be victim grabs the bait, another suspect will start picking the pocket or bag of the victim. Their area of operation is inside passenger jeepneys or buses especially those plying EDSA and Commonwealth Avenue route and other busy thoroughfares.

3. “SALISI GANG”

Usually two to three perpetrators are involved in this kind of activity. Their victims are unsuspecting bystanders or passengers, maids, homeowners, entrepreneurs and even the most established businesses. Their scheme is to create a diversion to distract the attention of would-be-victim from their valuables to be carted away by other members. Sometimes, they use a cover story when victimizing residents and business establishments. Their ploy is to get their attention of the would-be victim acting as promo merchant offering home products or a line-man and the like. While the victim is distracted another suspect will sneak inside the residence or business establishment to steal whatever valuable is in sight. The area of operations, are particularly at Fast Food Restaurant, Malls, lodging establishments, residential areas and business.

4. "BUDOL- BUDOL GANG"

This gang operates by using either fake currencies or cut-paper bundled with legal currencies, and or fake gold bars. They will pretend as businessmen or well-off individuals currently on business deals. They usually approach the victim using their practiced cover story (i.e. some will say that their associate did not show up and they need to cash-in their dollars to the bank) they will ask the victim to look after their belongings (i.e. bag full of money or gold bars) and will ask for a guarantee that the victim will not run off with the valuables, the suspect will ask for a collateral i.e. cellular phone, jewelries. The con artist then disappears. The area of operations, are mostly near Banks, Malls, Fast food Chains and the like.

5. “TUTOK KALAWIT GANG”

On an opportune time, members of this gang usually hug or embrace a victim while discreetly poking a sharp object as if they were friends having some fun so as not to attract suspicion from passerby and thereafter divert him of his valuables. The area of operations, are dark streets, parks, mall parking area, bridges and passenger waiting areas.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS ON STREET CRIMES

“ROBBERY”

Robbery is committed by any person/persons, who with intent to gain, shall take any personal property belongings to another, by means of violence against or intimidation of any person, or using force upon things shall be guilty of robbery (Art. 204, RPC).

Robbery Prevention

Teamwork, crime prevention education, community and businesses working together with the police can help reduce the likelihood of robbery.

What to do during a Robbery?

· Try to stay calm. Don’t make any sudden movements to upset the robbers.
· Do exactly as you are told. DO NOT RESIST.
· Activate you’re alarm ONLY if you can do so secretly
· Tell the robber about anything that might surprise him, such as someone who is expected to arrive soon.
· If you have to move or reach, tell the robber what you are going to do and why.
· Try to get a good look at the robber so you can describe him later.
· Don’t be a hero. It’s better to loose your money than your life.
· Give the robber time to leave.
· Note his direction of travel when he leaves.
· Try to get a description of his vehicle ONLY if you can do so without exposing your self to harm.

Prevention in a Business Establishment

· Have at least two employees open and close the business
· Do not release personal information to strangers
· keep purse and personal valuable locked in desk or lockers
· Install a robbery alarm
· Place a surveillance camera behind the cash register facing the front a counter. Replace the videotapes regularly
· Place excess money in safe or deposit it as soon as possible
· Avoid routine bank transactions, rotate banking days and vary times and routes and travel for bank deposits
· Don’s use marked “moneybags” that make it obvious to would-be robbers you are carrying money for deposits.
· Keep a low balance in the cash register
· CALL A POLICE for any suspicious vehicles roaming in the area. Sometimes will also serve as the stopper/cleaner whenever someone tries to react or run after the suspects.

Prevention at Home

· Do not allow strangers into your home, even if they are hurt or say they need help.
· Keep the door locked and CALL THE POLICE for them. Do not advertise that you live alone.
· Don’t be afraid to CALL THE POLICE to investigate suspicious circumstances, unusual people or strange noise. It is better to be safe than sorry.
· When you move into a new home, change the locks.
· Keep your curtains or shades closed at night.
· Never give information to an unknown caller. Report nuisance calls to the police and the telephone company.
· Don’t leave notes on your door announcing when you will be home.
· Keep your doors and windows locked. If it is warn and you leave your door open for circulation, keep the screen door locked.
· If you arrive home and your door is open or things appear to be out of place, don’t go in your home. LEAVE AND CALL THE POLICE.
· Write down license numbers of suspicious vehicles to given to the police, if necessary.

Prevention at Work

· Keep your front doors and windows clear of signs and posters to allow good, to way visibility.
* Employees can see suspicious persons outside
* Passers by and police can see inside.
* Keep the outside of your business well lit at night.
* Make sure your cash register area is clearly visible to outside observers.
· Practice good cash control. Keep a minimum amount in your cash drawer and make regular drops into a safe.
· Use video camera surveillance and make it well known.
· Always have at least two clerks working at night
· Vary the times and routes that you use to go to the bank
· Make deposits as open often as possible, never less that once a day.
· Be alert fro costumers who seem to be loitering or glancing around the store while appearing to shop or browse through a magazine.
· If you see someone who is acting suspicious inside and outside, call the police to have them checked.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS ON STREET CRIMES

Auto theft is a big and profitable business occurring more often in large cities. It can happen in just less than a minute. More cars are seemingly stolen for transportation, while others for the value of their parts. Car thefts seem to occur with greater frequency where large groups of cars are parked for extended periods of time in places such as shopping centers, colleges, sporting events, movie complexes, and large apartment complexes. It occurs in random on different days of the week and times of the day, depending on the locations.

Tips to Avoid being the Victim of a Car Theft

· Never leave your car running unattended, even dash into a business, store, etc.

· Never leave any keys in the car or ignition inside a locked garage, or in hide a key boxes

· Always roll-up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked in front of your home.

· Always park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas, when possible

· Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk out of sight

· Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column, or breaks. These devices will deter some criminals

· Investigate the purchase of a vehicle theft tracking/security system, especially if you own one of the frequently stolen vehicles

· Never leave personal identification documents, vehicle ownership title, or credit cards in your vehicle

· Copy your license plate and vehicle information (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them with you

· If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police immediately

Remember, there is no guarantee that your car will not be stolen, but taking precautionary measures can minimize your chances of becoming the victim of auto theft.

ATM SAFETY AND SECURITY TIPS

Because of the variety of ATMs, the unique characteristics of each installation and crime considerations of each location, no single formula can guarantee the security of ATM costumers. It is necessary for ATM costumers to consider the environment around each ATM and various procedures for remaining safe when using an ATM. Criminals select their victims and targets, focusing on the unaware or unprepared. They are also drawn to environmental conditions that enhance the opportunity to successfully complete their crime.

Appearance that you are totally aware of your surroundings:

· Be aware of your total environment and what is going on around you. Criminals tend to avoid people who have this type of demeanor

· Perform mental exercises and think out what you would do in different crime or personal security situations

· Follow your instincts. If you feel you are in danger, respond immediately. Remember that your personal safety is the first priority.

ATM Selection Considerations

· Do not select an ATM at the corner of the building. Corners create a blind area in close proximity to the costumer’s transactions. Select an ATM located near the center of a building. An ATM further from the corner reduces the element of surprise by an assailant and increase effective reaction time by the user.

· Identify an ATM with maximum natural surveillance and visibility from the surrounding area. This will create a perceived notion of detection by a criminal and increases the potential for witnesses.

· Select an ATM at a location void of barriers blocking the line of sight. This includes shrubbery, landscaping, signs and decorative partitions or dividers. Barriers provide hiding areas for would-be assailants.

· Select an ATM that is in a well-lighted location.

· Select an ATM that is monitored or patrolled by a security officer.

· Select an ATM with a wide angle transaction camera.

· Avoid ATM locations with large perimeters parking lots and numerous ingress and egress points.

DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION TIPS

Talking with Kids about Drugs

· Don’t put off talking to your children about alcohol and other drugs. Kids worry about pressures to try drugs.

· School programs alone aren’t enough.

· Parents must become involved, but most parents aren’t sure how to tell their children about drugs.

· Open communications is one of the most effective tools you can use in helping your child avoid drugs.

Some tips How to Say Them

· Tell them that you love them and you want them to be happy and healthy.

· Say you do not find alcohol and other illegal drugs acceptable.

· Many parents never state this simple principle. Explain how this use hurts people.

· Physical harm- for example, AIDS, slowed growth, impaired coordination, accidents.

· Emotional harm-sense of not belonging, isolation, paranoia.

· Educational harm-difficulties remembering and paying attention.

· Discuss the legal issues.

· A conviction for a drug offense can lead to time in prison or cost someone a job, driver’s license or college loan.

· Talk about positive, drug free alternatives, and how you can explore them together.

· Some ideas include sports, reading, movies, bike rides, hikes, cooking, games and concerts. Involve your kid’s friends.

Possible Signs that a Child is using Drugs

· Change in moods- more irritable, secretive, withdrawn, overly sensitive, inappropriately angry, euphoric.

· Less responsible-late coming home, late for school or class, dishonest

· Changing friends or changing lifestyles-new interests, Unexplained cash.

· Physical deterioration- difficulty in concentration, loss of coordination, loss of weight, unhealthy appearance.

Why do Kids Use Drugs?

· To do what are friends are doing

· To escape pain in their lives

· To fit in

· Boredom

· For fun

· Curiosity

· To take risks

Parents should Take a Stand

· Educate yourself about the facts surrounding alcohol and other drug use. You will lose credibility with your child if your information is not correct.

· Establish clear family rules against drug use and enforce them consistently.

· Develop your parenting skills through seminars, networking with other parents, reading, counseling, and support groups. Work with other parents to set community standards-you don’t raise a child alone.

· Volunteer at schools, youth centers, Boys & Girls Club or other activities in your community.

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