Personal Safety Tips

SHOPPING

• Avoid shopping alone. Traveling in groups of two or more significantly reduces your chance of becoming a victim of crime.
  
  
• Be especially alert when leaving stores or shopping malls for your vehicle. This is a time when criminals know you are carrying cash, checkbooks, credit cards or other valuables.
  
  
• Trust your instincts. If you have an intuitive feeling something is wrong, trust your instincts. React immediately and take action. Many individuals suppress these feelings, because they fear their response will offend someone. React to your instincts and don’t worry about someone else’s feelings. If someone approaches you and you feel uncomfortable, move or ask for assistance.
  
  
• Stand tall and display confidence. Walk with purpose, scan the area around you and make casual eye contact with others to display confidence.
  
  
• Carry a cellular phone.
  
  
• Avoid wearing excessive jewelry. In particular, keep necklaces and bracelets inside you clothing
  
  
• Shop before dark and always park in well-lighted areas.
  
  
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked in your vehicle.
  
  
• Do not keep packages in plain view in your vehicle.
  
  
• Don’t carry large sums of cash. If you do carry cash, do not display it in public or count cash in open areas.
  
  
• Have keys in hand before returning to the vehicle. Searching through a purse or briefcase after you’ve reached your car means you are distracted.
  
  
• As you approach the car, check to see if anyone is hiding underneath or inside If you are concerned for any reason, simply walk past your car and call for help
  
  
• Lock your door immediately upon entering the vehicle. Make this your first action-even before you put the key in the ignition. And lock your door every time you get into your car-even if you are going for only a short ride.
  
  
• Check your surroundings before getting out of your car. If something or someone strikes you as out of place or threatening, drive away. If it’s dark, go to a well lighted, heavily traveled area.
  
  
• Report any suspicious activity or person immediately to the Fairfax County Police Department at (703)691-2131.
  
  

For more information about these and other personal safety tips or to request a presentation from the Crime Prevention Unit please contact MPO A. E. Eggers Franconia District Station (703)922-8263 or email at Alice.Eggers@fairfaxcounty.gov