Street Smarts

Test Your "Street Smarts" IQ: Do You...

• Go jogging or walking alone in the early morning or late at night when the streets are quiet?
• Put all your cash, keys, credit cards and checkbook in your purse and then leave your purse wide open on a counter, desk or floor?
• Put your wallet in a jacket and then hang up the jacket or throw it over a chair?
• Have your mind wandering about your job or things you need to do while walking or driving, not paying attention to your surroundings?
• Think it's not important to lock your car when you'll be back in a few minutes?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you need to change some habits. Even if you answered "no" and got everything right, keep reading. Spending a few minutes now can prevent problems later.

Basic Street Smarts

• Wherever you are - on the street, in an office building, shopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus or subway - stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Give the message that you are calm, confident and know where you are going.
• Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you feel uneasy, avoid that person or leave.
• Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check locations of police and fire stations, public phones, hospitals, and restaurants or stores open late.

On Foot

• Stick to busy, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots or alleys.
• Don't flash large amounts of cash or other tempting items like expensive jewelry or clothing.
• Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps.
• Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not a back pocket.
• Try to use ATMs during the day. Have your card ready and don't approach the machine if people near make you uneasy.
• Don't wear shoes or clothes that restrict your movements.
• Have your car or house keys in hand before reaching the door.
• If you think someone is following you, change direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or lighted house. If scared, yell for help.
• Need to work late? Make sure others are in the building, and ask someone - a coworker or security guard - to walk with you to your car or transit stop.

Learn More About Auto Theft and Carjacking

• Keep your car in good running condition with enough gas to reach your destination and return.
• Always roll up windows and lock doors, even if you'll be right back. Check inside and out before getting in.
• Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in lots and underground garages.
• If someone seems to be following you, don't go home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, gas station or other open business to get help.
• Don't pick up hitchhikers. Don't hitchhike.

On Buses and Subways

• Use well-lit, busy stops.
• Stay alert! Don't doze off or daydream.
• If someone harasses you, don't be embarrassed. Loudly say "Leave me alone!" If that doesn't work, hit the emergency device.
• Watch who gets off with you. If you feel uneasy, walk directly to where there are other people.

If Someone Tries to Rob You

• Don't resist. Give up your property, not your life.
• Report the crime to police. Try to accurately describe the attacker. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims.

Learn More About Things You and Kids Can Do

• Take a stand
• Make your neighborhood and workplace safer by reporting broken streetlights, cleaning up parks/lots, and lobbying for better public lighting.
• Join a neighborhood/apartment/office watch to look out for each other and help police. Or find out how to organize a neighborhood watch.
• Help a friend/coworker who was a crime victim. Cook a meal, babysit, find victim services/crisis hotline numbers.
• Listen, sympathize, don't blame.
• Look at root causes.
• Work for better drug treatment, crime/abuse prevention education, and jobs/activities for young people in your community.