Though these rules may appear to be primarily for children, however most adults would benefit from learning them.

The Ten Most Important Crime Proofing Commandments

  1. Know your name, age, telephone number, address, city
  2. Carry IDENTIFICATION and enough money to make a phone call (yes, we know “everyone has a mobile phone”, what if it’s not available?)
  3. TELL someone where you are going “at all times”
  4. Remember to go places with FRIENDS
  5. KNOW how to reach your parents or other adults in case of emergency and also how to dial 9-1-1
  6. NEVER invite strangers into your home
  7. If you answer the phone, NEVER tell anyone that you are alone (also applies to voice-mail messages)
  8. NEVER enter a strangers car
  9. NEVER accept gifts from strangers
  10. NEVER play in deserted buildings or take short cuts through empty fields or parks

Safe Strangers: Are people you can turn to in case of an emergency. A Police Officer (or other Emergency Responder), Teacher, Block Parent, a Store Employee…or the nearest front door or open shop!

Alone: If you are home alone, always tell someone who calls or comes to the door that your parents are too busy to come to the door or the phone (better yet, don’t answer).

Find someone to tell: If you are approached by someone you don’t know or if you are followed or bothered by anyone you don’t know, find someone to tell. Look for a safe stranger.

Emergencies: If an emergency arises and someone other than who you are expecting comes to pick you up, even if you know them, make them give you your secret password or don’t go with them.

Touching: No one ever has the right to touch you anywhere your bathing suit would cover. If someone tried to do this, tell them NO and get away from them right away, then tell your parents or a safe stranger.

Yell: If someone follows you or tries to get you to do something you don’t think is right, yell as loud as you can and run to a busy street, store or nearby home. For maximum effect, yell “fire!” (do not yell “rape” or “help” – these have been proven less likely to attract assistance).

Friends: Always have a friend with you when you go out so that you don’t have to go anywhere alone.

Identification: Always have your name, address and phone number with you when you are away from home.

Run: If someone follows you or tries to make you go with them somewhere, run home if it is close enough, or run to the nearest public place where there are lots of people around.

Secrets: If anyone tells you to keep a secret about anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, you should tell your parents as soon as you can – or someone you can trust; a safe stranger.

Telephone: Always make sure you have enough money with you to be able to use a public phone in case of an emergency. If you carry a Mobile Phone, make sure the battery is charged. Make sure you always have your parents work & mobile phone numbers with you and don’t forget that you can call 9-1-1 if you need help fast.