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How Can You Make the New Year Safer?

As each New Year rolls around, we are inclined to make a “new year’s resolution,” and decide that this is the year that we will actually stick with it. Resolutions normally consist of weight loss goals, exercising, eating healthier, or quitting bad habits such as smoking or drinking. While these resolutions are certainly important, why not make a second resolution, one that not only impacts you, but your family, work place and community? This year, do something different. Make a resolution not only with yourself, but with others to practice crime prevention and personal safety in your community.

Making a safety resolution is not only a great way to get yourself in the habit of practicing crime prevention, but also a way to make others aware of it as well. Whether you decide to practice safety at home, on the computer, or in your community, incorporating safety tips into your everyday routines will help to make crime prevention a regular part of your daily life.

So how will you decide to stick to your new year’s safety resolution?Here are a few ideas to get your started:

Home and Personal Safety

• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Always make sure all doors and windows are locked in your house and car
• Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility close to walkways, stores, and people
• Consider an alarm system, some alarms may be purchased for as little as $100

Cyber Safety

• Always keep your passwords private
• Avoid giving out your personal information
• Only order things online from websites you know and trust
• Avoid opening e-mails or visiting websites that don’t seem trustworthy, they could contain a virus that may harm your computer

Neighborhood Safety

• Start or join a neighborhood watch group in your area
• Organize neighborhood clean-up days to pick up litter, paint over graffiti, plant flowers or repair broken equipment in playgrounds
• Always ensure walkway and streets are well-lit
• Get to know your neighbors-work together to keep your neighborhood safe

For more crime prevention information or to start your own Neighborhood Watch please contact:
Tim Jones
Community Engagement / Newark Police Dept.
(510) 578-4209
[email protected]

Or visit:
http://www.newark.org/departments/police/community-engagement/