Tips for the Pedestrian

• Avoid being alone, there’s strength in numbers.
• Avoid poorly lit deserted streets and alleys.
• Don’t stop to talk with strangers.
• Always have one hand free to defend yourself.
• Walk briskly, confidently and purposefully.
• Walk facing traffic.
• Walk in the middle of the sidewalk.
• Plan your route in advance, and vary your routes whenever possible
• Separate your house keys from your car keys. Women should keep their keys in places other than their purses. If your purse is snatched, you will still have your keys.
• Keep names and phone numbers of relatives or friends on your person, in case of an accident or emergency.
• Trust your intuition. If you feel you are being followed - run. Go to the nearest brightly lit area where there are people. Go to a house that seems to be occupied.
• If confronted or chased, run as fast as you can toward help and yell, "Fire". If all else fails, smash the window out of a house or business with a burglar alarm.
• Don't carry large sums of cash. If you do carry cash, do not display it in public.
• If possible, carry only identification, phone numbers and the credit cards you will need. Keep a list at home of credit cards and other important material you would need to replace in case of loss.
• Avoid using an ATM after dark. When you do use one, stand in front of it to hide your personal identification number.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

For more information about crime prevention call the Rockville City Police Department Community Services Officer 240-314-8922.