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PROTECT
YOUR CAR
AND YOURSELF
IN IT
• Check the back seat before enterlng your car.
• As soon as you enter your car, lock all doors and
keep them locked.
• Don' t carry identification tags on key rings.
Don' t carry car keys and house keys together.
• In a publ ic parking lot where you must leave the
key, leave only the ignition key.
• Never leave keys in the ignition no matter how
short the stop.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Whenever possible, travel on well-lit, well–
populated streets.
• Park in well -lighted areas at night.
• Always keep your car in good working order with
the gas tank at least a third full.
• When approaching the car, have your keys ready.
• lf
your car stalls on the highway, open the hood
or tie a white scarf to the door handle or
antenna. Get inside the car, roll up the windows
and lock the doors. lf a stranger offers help, ask
him to call a repair service or the pollee for you.
Do not go with him.
• lf
someone tries to break into your car, honk
your horn repeatedly and drive away if possible.
• Remove standard door lock buttons and replace
them with tapered ones.
MAKE YOUR CAR MORE
THEFT·PROOF
Alarms can be wired to go off if
any door, the hood, or the trunk is
opened. Or you can add a device to the system
which will detect any movement of the car–
even when the car is being towed.Unfortunately,
many alarm systems are easily shut off by the
thief by merely cutting a wire.
Other anti·theft devices include:
Hood locks. A cable travels from an integral lock
mounted under the dash into the engine
compartment. At the end of this cable is a pin
that engages a hasp mounted on the underside
of the hood.
"Cane"-type steering wheel locks.
Metal " cane" hooks around the
brake pedal on one end, and
around the steering wheel rim or
spoke on the other. The device is
drawn tight and locked with a key.
Fuel and electrical cutoffs. Devices can be
installed between the tank and fuel pump to shut
off fuel to a vehicle engine shortly ·after starting,
if the vehicle is stolen. Hidden switches can be
wired to prevent starting a car with a stolen key
or to help deter easy jump starting .
Temporary snap locks f it over the
bulge in the steering column of
late-model American cars, where
the ignition lock is, and prevent
ignition from being turnad on.
Car lmmobilizers. Mounted in a hidden place
somewhere inside the car, it acts as a time–
delay ignition cutout in its
on
position.
DON'T WALK
INTO DANGER
• lf you must walk alone, walk
br iskly and look confident.
Criminals look for preoccupied,
less alert, less threatening
victims. Your body language counts.
• Plan your route carefully and know where you' re
going. Vary your route when possible. Be aware
of locations and situations which would make
you vulnerable to crime.
• When approaching alleys or doorways, walk near
the curb to avoid surprise. Be aware of what is
happening around you. lf you think someone is
following you, do not hesitate to turn and look.
You may wish to cross the street or change your
pace. Be alert as to where help may be, should
you need it.
• Travel with a companion whenever possible.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash anywhere.
Do not flash money or wealth. You are asking for
trouble.
• A woman's loose dangling purse is easy to
snatch. Carry smaller purses with a cover, or
clasp it next to the body. Never put a purse in a
market basket or on the floor in a restaurant ,
restroom or theater. lt can be easi ly snatched
when you' re distracted.
• Men's rear hip pockets are easiest for pick–
pockets. Front coat or front pants• pockets are
harder to pick.
• Keep credit cards and identification separate
from money.
• Avoid laundromats and isolated public buildings
if you are the only person. Avoid stairwells under
the same circumstance.
• In elevators, if you are at all suspicious of
another passenger, wait for the next car, or get
off at the next floor.
• Don't allow your actions, speech or dress to
evoke danger.
IF YOU ARE
ATTACKED
Money can be replaced. So can
possessions. Your lite and health
cannot. Most police suggest the best
defense against harm from a confrontation with a
criminal is to comply with demands for money and
valuables. Do not move suddenly or insult, threaten
or provoke an assailant. Only if your lite is in danger
by a vicious criminal attack should you attempt
physical restraint. Then, if possible, scream and try
to get away.
• lf you are apprehensive about a situation, it is
better to move or run away
(if
necessary, into a
street or public place) if you can. lf chased,
scream if possible. Sorne authorities feel yelling
" Fire! " will tend to cause more people to respond.
• Carrying firearms or injurious weapons for use
against criminals not only frequently inj ures
innocent people but could be used by an assai l–
ant against you. There are also risks of legal
problems if you improperly use such a weapon.