According to a 2007 report by a prominent national law enforcement association, violent crime increased by double-digit percentages in cities across the country.  If you live in one of the 800 places in the United States classified as a city, your personal safety should play an important role in your day-to-day activities.  Here is a list of ways to keep you safe and criminals away:

Personal Safety

·         Stay in populated areas.  Stay away from isolated areas such as dark alleys, vacant lots, construction sites, and abandoned buildings – especially at night. 

·         Travel in groups of two or three.  Try not to walk alone.  In small groups, it’s easy to stay close together and organized – unlike larger groups such as tourist groups which can be chaotic and disordered.

·         Carry yourself confidently.  This rule rings true especially when you are alone.  Stand straight, hold your head high, and know where you’re going.  (Pretend if you don’t.)   Criminals look for disorganized or distracted people when choosing their victims so don’t draw attention to yourself by appearing sidetracked.

·         Be aware of your surroundings.  If you end up in an area that is unfamiliar (especially a rough one), don’t draw attention to yourself as an outsider.  Go to the nearest police station or well lit public area to ask for directions.

·         Trust your instincts.  If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, chances are there’s a good reason why.  Promptly remove yourself from the person or situation that is causing your discomfort, and go somewhere safe.

Transportation Safety

·        

When using public transportation, don’t display large amounts of cash openly.  When taking a taxi, be sure to give the driver exact change when possible.  The same rule applies on the rail, bus, or subway.

·         On the subway, ride in the most populated cars.  Don’t enter a subway car with only a few people in it if you can help it.  The more people around, the less likely there is for a confrontation. 

·         Don’t walk or ride the subway at night.  If you rely on public transportation, try to take a taxi after dark.  This rule applies doubly if you have been drinking.  Hop in a taxi, and go straight home. 

Safety at Home

·         Always lock your door behind you.  Install a reliable deadbolt instead of using a chain that can easily be broken.  Also, keep windows locked at all times.

·         Install lights next to every entrance to your home.  Exterior lighting can protect against suspicious behavior from strangers.  Motion-detector lights can be installed to light up every time they sense movement. 

·         Do not open the door to strangers.  Install a peephole to help you decide who to invite in and who to leave on the porch. 

·         Do not hide keys around home entrances.  If you have an extra key hidden outside, make sure it is in an inconspicuous place – not just under the mat or under the plant on the front porch.  

Though many of these rules seem simple, they can be the difference between safety and tragedy.  Abiding by these simple guidelines – and using old-fashioned common sense – will make your life in the city safer.