Crime Prevention Tip
WALKING
* Avoid walking alone.
* Walk on streets where there are other people.
* Stay alert to your surroundings at all times. Observe people and
activities around you. Look confident and purposeful when you
walk.
* Plan and use the safest and most direct route to your destination.
* Choose busy, well-lighted streets and avoid isolated areas, alleys,
vacant lots, abandoned buildings and construction sites.
* Walk near the curb and do not pass too close to shrubbery, dark
doorways and other places of concealment.
* Avoid shortcuts.
* Become familiar with stores and gas stations that stay open late at
night, as well as LAPD, sheriff, highway patrol and fire department
locations.
* Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
* Carry a flashlight during hours of darkness.
* Be aware that wearing earphones connected to cell phones,
or MP3's while walking can distract you and make you less able to
sense potential danger.
* Always bring change with you for cab fare, bus fare or telephone
calls in case you decide not to walk. Keep some extra money
separate from your wallet or purse for emergencies.
* Never hitchhike and do not accept rides from strangers.
* Carry a personal alarm. Use the personal alarm to attract attention
and to summon help if you feel you are in danger. Carry the
personal alarm in your hand so that you can use it immediately.
* If followed or threatened by someone in a car, use your personal
alarm or scream loud and long, cross the street and run in the
opposite direction. This will force the driver to turn the car around
to pursue you. Try to obtain the license plate number and a
description of the car and its occupant(s).
* If followed or threatened by someone who is walking, use your
personal alarm or scream loud and long, cross the street and run
in the opposite direction. Head for bright lights and people.
* Do not display money or credit cards.
* Unless absolutely necessary, never wear expensive jewelry or
carry large amounts of money.
* Keep your money and wallet in the inside pocket of your jacket or
purse.
* Secure your purse or handbag under your arm so that it cannot
be easily snatched.
* When arriving home by taxicab or limousine request the driver to
wait until you are inside the house.
* Have your key ready so you can open the door to your house as
soon as possible.
* If a door or window has been forced open or broken while you
were out, do not enter your home, because a burglar may be
inside. Use a neighbor's telephone to call the LAPD. Advise the
LAPD you will wait at your neighbor's house until they arrive. Make
sure to give them the address.
Address/Location
LAPD - Van Nuys Area
6240 Sylmar Ave
Los Angeles, CA 91401
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1