1 COMMUNITY SAFETY BOOKLET Your one-stop shop for crime tips A more informed community is a safer community Contact Us 330 South Church Street, 252-972-1443 Rocky Mount, North Carolina www.rockymountnc.gov RockyMount NC Police Department Your one-stop source for crime tips
2
3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Chief...................................................................................1 What is Suspicious.............................................................................................3 Personal Security ...............................................................................................6 Home Security .................................................................................................14 Business Security .............................................................................................20 Caring for Our Children ................................................................................24 Fraud and Older Adults..................................................................................26 Traffic Safety Tips............................................................................................28 Your Gun Your Responsibility .......................................................................32 COMMUNITY SAFETY BOOKLET Your one-stop shop for crime tips A more informed community is a safer community Contact Us 330 South Church Street, 252-972-1443 Rocky Mount, North Carolina www.rockymountnc.gov RockyMount NC Police Department
4
1 MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF The Rocky Mount Police Department considers building a safe community to be the responsibility of every citizen. It is our mission to educate, engage, and empower the citizens we serve to be active partners with us in making this a safe community in which to live and work. This booklet contains a wealth of information on personal, home, and business security. I encourage you to become familiar with the information in this guide and use these recommendations to make yourself and your property less vulnerable to crime. Our Crime Prevention Officers welcome the opportunity to answer your questions, conduct home or business security checks, or give presentations to interested groups. If our Crime Prevention Officers can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call them at (252) 972-1436. We look forward to working with you in making Rocky Mount one of the safest communities in the country. Chief of Police, Robert Hassell
2 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES
3 WHAT IS SUSPICIOUS Some things occur which arouse suspicion and which the police should know about. If you see any activity that catches your attention that you think may be out of the ordinary, it is probably suspicious. Call 911 immediately to report suspicious activity. The following are some examples of suspicious activities. Persons Person going door-to-door in a residential area, especially if one or more persons go to the rear of residence. • Possible burglary suspects or trespassers Person waiting or loitering in front of a house or business, if house is unoccupied or business is closed. • Possible burglary suspects Person forcing entrance or entering a house you know is unoccupied. • Possible burglary, theft or trespassing Person running, especially if something of value is being carried or if it’s at an unusual hour. • Possible suspect fleeing the scene of a crime, such as a burglary or robbery Person screaming. • Possible rape or assault Person loitering around a car or going from car to car peering into them, especially in parking lots. • Possible car thief Persons offering items for sale at a very low cost. • Possible trying to sell stolen property Strangers loitering or slowly walking through neighborhood several times. • Possible burglary suspects or vandals Vehicles Slow moving vehicle without lights, especially if its course appears aimless. • Possible burglar, drug dealer or sex offender
4 Parked or occupied vehicle containing one or more persons; especially significant if observed at an unusual hour. • Possible lookouts for a burglary or robbery Vehicles being loaded with valuables if parked by an unoccupied residence or closed business. • Possible burglary in progress Recently abandoned vehicle, especially one bearing no signs that the driver had mechanical trouble. • Possible stolen car Vehicle into which someone is being forced, especially women or children. • Possible kidnapping, assault, attempted rape, or child molestation Vehicle where a business transaction appears to be underway, especially around schools or parks. • Possible selling stolen items or drugs Locked vehicle that someone is attempting to enter forcibly. • Possible theft of car or its contents Persons detaching mechanical parts or accessories from a vehicle. • Possible theft or vandalism Objects of apparent value being thrown from a vehicle. • Possible disposal of stolen property Property Property in vehicles that is not normally found in vehicle such as TV sets, stereos, guns, or auto parts. • Possible stolen property Property being carried by persons on foot, especially suspicious at an unusual hour or unusual place. Very questionable if person is running and property is unwrapped. • Possible property just stolen in burglary or robbery Property being removed from or loaded into a vehicle or building at an unusual hour, from an unoccupied residence or closed business. • Possible burglary in progress
5 High volume of traffic/people to and from a certain residence if it occurs on a daily or regular basis. • Possible illegal drug activity Continuous repair operations at a non-business location. • Possible stolen property being altered Vehicle which was obviously abandoned some time ago. • Possible stolen car How to Report a Crime If you observe any of the suspicious activities described in this brochure, call 911 immediately. The longer you wait to call the police, the greater the chances are that the suspect will get away. Here are some guidelines to follow: When the 911-Emergency Operator answers, say, “I’m calling in reference to a possible...” and name the type of crime you suspect. You need not go into detail at this point. Give your name and location. If you do not know the block number, give the closest cross street or intersection. Stand by to answer further questions, if necessary. The 911-Emergency Operator is trained to get the necessary information in order to dispatch a car and to advise the officer about the basic facts in the incident. By giving the operator a lengthy account by phone, you’ll be delaying the officer’s arrival. Be brief! Stay on the line until the 911-Emergency Operator ends/hangs up the call. Once the officer arrives, tell him/her as much as you know about the incident. As the victim or witness to a crime, you can also help by giving police an accurate and complete description of the suspect and his/her vehicle. Be prepared to give such a description to the 911-Emergency Operator, if asked, and/or to the investigating officer: • Sex, race and approximate age • Height (compared to some other person or object near the suspect) • Weight (also compared to some other person)
6 • Color of hair and eyes • Any visible scars • Description of the person’s clothing • Any peculiarities of speech, walk, manner of dress, hair style • Vehicle description: make, model and color, distinguishing characteristics (dents, missing parts, etc.), and direction of travel Some other things you should know about calling the police: 1. Certain suspicious activities you may report to us will require immediate or emergency responses. In those cases, we dispatch patrol cars as quickly as possible. 2. Calls for police services are prioritized in order to allow police to respond to more urgent situations. An officer may not be dispatched to see you immediately. 3. Finally, some complaints may be taken by telephone, and don’t require that a patrol car be dispatched. For instance, if your bicycle is stolen, you can file your report by phone. In those cases, call the Non-Emergency Police Services, 252-972-1411. As a general rule, any time you need a police officer to respond to a scene, call 911. Remember: Anything unusual should be reported to police. Don’t attempt to investigate strange actions of suspects by yourself, call 911.
7 PERSONAL SECURITY Sexual Assault Sexual Assault continues to be a problem today as it has been throughout history. We must make every effort to learn more about this crime, in order to better prevent its occurrence and deal with its aftermath. What is Sexual Assault? It is any forced sexual activity that is against a person’s will. The force may come in the form of actual physical force, or it may be mental and emotional pressures, coercion, or manipulation. Who are the victims? Anyone can be sexually assaulted; however, the vast majority of victims are female. Women are victimized throughout every level of society regardless of age, race, appearance or social standing. No one is immune. Sexual assault is not “just a woman’s problem”, but is tragic for all. In the aftermath, the victim experiences fear, pain, confusion, anger, isolation, and a desperate struggle to reclaim a normal life. To varying degrees, these hardships are also shared by all those who love, care for, work with, or are otherwise associated with the victim. We should accept some personal responsibility for our own safety by learning and practicing preventive measures that can help us substantially reduce our chances of being assaulted. We then need to pass this knowledge on to our children, families, loved ones, and associates in order to help them increase their safety. We would like to see you develop and maintain an overall practical attitude of healthy caution. This means making a conscious effort to reduce the opportunities that you might otherwise, unknowingly, create for potential assailants. Once this attitude of healthy caution becomes habit, you will have greatly reduced your chances of becoming a victim of not only sexual assault, but of all types of crime. More than one-half of all reported sexual assaults occur in a residence, usually that of the victim. More than one-half of all reported sexual assaults involve an attack by an acquaintance - someone known to the victim. So, while attacks by strangers do occur both at and away from home, women are more often assaulted by someone they are acquainted with and have allowed to enter their residence.
8 Dates There are some basic strategies a person can use to reduce the risk of sexual assault while dating: 1. Know the person you are dating. If you don’t know him/her well stay in public areas near other people. 2. If you are out with someone in whom you don’t completely trust, make sure someone you do trust knows where you are going and how long you expect to be gone. Make it clear to your date that you are being monitored. 3. Realize that you do not have to accept any unwanted sexual attention while dating. You have the right to set your own sexual limits, and these limits may change over time or with different people. 4. Learn to communicate clearly what you want and what your limits are. 5. Be assertive. Act immediately when something happens that you do not like. Stand up for your personal rights. 6. Trust your feelings. If you are being pressured or made to feel uncomfortable, view that relationship with extra caution. 7. Be cautious with all relationships, but be especially cautious with anyone who is domineering or manipulative and attempts to impose his/her will on you, or shows a lack of respect for your feelings. 8. Limit the use of alcohol and drugs; they reduce your ability to think clearly and make good decisions. Acquaintances Don’t trust acquaintances too quickly! As far as safety considerations are concerned, acquaintances should be treated as strangers until such time as earned trust can be established. It is neither rude nor offensive to treat this person with extra caution. On the contrary, you are being smart and safety conscious. Being cautious reduces your risk of being assaulted, and prevents opportunities for sexual assault to occur. Strangers Sexual assault by strangers actually occurs less than assaults by acquaintances. This is because we naturally treat strangers with more caution. Generally, they are given less opportunity, because we are much less likely to trust them and allow ourselves to be isolated with them. What to do if you are sexually assaulted Please understand that if you become a victim of sexual assault, regardless of whether or not you followed the suggestions given, you are not to blame. No one asks to be assaulted, wants to be assaulted, or deserves to be assaulted.
9 If you become a victim of sexual assault or rape, you should do the following: 1. Go to a safe place and call 911. 2. Preserve all physical evidence. Do not shower, bathe, or douche. Save the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault. Do not disturb anything in the area where the assault occurred. This evidence is extremely important if your case goes to court. 3. Call a friend or family member to be with you for emotional support. 4. Go to the hospital emergency room for medical care and evidence collection. 5. Seek the counseling and information services of your local Rape Crisis Center. They can help you, your family, and associates deal with the aftermath of the assault. They understand the crisis of sexual assault, and they know how to help. 6. Remember to report all sexual assaults or attempted assaults. 7. Medical and psychiatric fees can be provided at no cost to victims by North Carolina Victims Compensation. Prevention At Home Home can provide readymade privacy and isolation for an attacker. Make your residence physically secure and help your family develop good security habits in order to intelligently screen all persons entering your home. By making it difficult, time consuming, visible, and noisy for an intruder to break into your home, you will be giving yourself sufficient warning and more time to react appropriately. Contact the Rocky Mount Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at 252-972-1436 to schedule a security survey for your residence. Security Habits At Home All the security devices in the world will not keep you safe if you don’t make a habit of using them. Healthy caution must become a habit. 1. Always answer the phone; otherwise, a potential burglar may think the home is unoccupied and break in. When you answer the phone, never let the caller know that you are home alone. Give the impression that someone else is in the house with you 2. Always respond to your doorbell. First, check through the peephole viewer to see who is outside your door. Never open your door to anyone you do not know and fully trust. If you do not have a peephole, it is all right to communicate through the door.
10 3. In the case of service and repairmen, verify their identities and purposes with their dispatchers before you open the door. If you decide to allow them to enter, arrange to either have a friend or neighbor there with you or monitoring you with periodic phone calls. Make these precautions obvious. 4. If someone you do not fully trust asks to make an emergency phone call using your phone, don’t open the door. Make the call for them. 5. Do not allow children to answer the door, because they are less cautious. Begin reinforcing good security habits at an early age. 6. Be careful about giving out information concerning yourself or where you live, whether in person, by mail, or over the phone. 7. Do not put your name on your mailbox. In the phone book, list your name in a manner that does not indicate that you are a female or living alone. 8. Keep emergency phone numbers posted near your phones. 9. When returning home, make sure that you are not being followed. Be alert for anyone who may be waiting for you to unlock your door so that they can force their way in. Have your keys ready before you get to your door so that you can enter as quickly as possible. 10. When returning home, if you have any reason to believe that an unauthorized entry has been made while you were away, DO NOT ENTER! Go to a safe place immediately, such as a neighbor’s house, and get help before you return. 11. Plan your fastest escape routes out of your house in case you ever have to exit quickly. 12. If you find yourself trapped in your apartment or any other building and you must yell for help, you may want to yell, “FIRE!” This will often get a better response. Don’t hesitate to throw something through a window or cause noise in any other way that might bring attention to your situation. 13. If you live in an apartment complex, be especially cautious of laundry rooms, parking lots, or other isolated areas. Insist that those areas are well-lit, and try to use these facilities only in the company of other trusted individuals. 14. Remember that there is strength in numbers. Join with your neighbors in an effort to watch out for each other and make your homes and families safe against criminal threats of all types. Your crime prevention officer or community police officer can help you start your own Community Watch.
11 Prevention While Driving The next most common place for an assault to take place is on a road or highway. Perhaps this is because a vehicle (either yours or the assailant’s) provides the assailant with privacy and mobility. • Park in well-lit, well-traveled areas. Remember where you parked so you will not have to search for your car. Ask for an escort to your car if you feel at risk. • Keep you car doors locked and windows rolled up at all times, especially while you are in it, but be aware that any determined attacker can easily break out windows. • Have your keys ready so that you can enter your car as quickly as possible. Lock the car doors immediately. • Before entering your car, visually check in and around it to ensure no one is hidden. • If you find anything wrong with your car, go back to the safety of the building and get help. Be cautious of anyone who might be standing by or offering assistance with your car. They may have sabotaged it in the first place. • Keep your car in good running condition with a least a quarter tank of gas at all times. Locking gas caps and inside hood releases will help deter sabotage attempts. • Keep some money hidden in your car in case you ever need it for some unexpected problem. • Learn how to change a flat tire so you won’t be stranded. If you have a flat tire in an unsafe place, you can usually continue driving at a reduced speed until you get to a safe place to stop. • If your car breaks down, here are options that you might consider, depending upon the circumstances: - Raise the hood and remain in you car with the windows rolled up and doors locked. - Display a large “CALL POLICE” sign if you have one. - Tie a white rag to the antenna or hang from a window. If someone stops, ask them, through the window, to call the police or a towing service for you. • Do not stop to help other motorists, but instead call help for them at your earliest convenience. • If you are summoned to stop by a vehicle with a blue light, legally you are required to do so immediately. However, if you have reason to believe that the vehicle may not be official, and you fear for your safety, you may want to carefully drive to the nearest safe place, with your emergency flashers on at a reduced speed. Unmarked police vehicles are required to sound their sirens as well as flash their blue lights should they summon you to stop.
12 • While driving or stopped at intersections, try to leave enough room between yourself and the vehicle in front of you to provide an escape route around it if necessary. If someone tries to enter your car and you cannot immediately move, honk the horn, yell or anything to attract attention. If the attacker gets in, throw out the keys and get out immediately. • If you are being followed or harassed, drive to the nearest safe place where there are people. • Attackers have been known to cause accidents in order to get to victims. If you are involved in an accident in an isolated place, you may want to immediately drive to the nearest safe place and call the police rather than remain there at risk. If you can safely do so, inform the other driver before you leave. After you have notified the police, meet them back at the scene. If you have cellular telephone, call 911 and remain secure in your vehicle. • Know where you are going, the safest routes to take, and what time you should arrive. Have someone monitor your arrival. Prevention In Other Situations Crime can take place in other places. Be particularly wary of any situations where you might find yourself in isolation with someone that you do not know and fully trust. 1. Stay alert to what is going on around you. Act immediately to remove yourself from any potentially dangerous situation. 2. Walk briskly. Act assertively. Know where you are going. Don’t give off signs of helplessness or confusion. 3. Be cautious with anyone who gives you undue attention, asks for directions, or in any other way tries to get too close. This includes someone offering help. 4. Take friends or escorts with you to avoid being in isolated situations that might be risky. 5. Don’t hitchhike or give rides to hitchhikers. 6. Get on and off buses in well-lighted areas and sit near the driver when possible. 7. Ask anyone giving you a ride to wait until you have entered your building. 8. Be cautious when using elevators. Stand near the buttons and get off immediately if you are suspicious of other occupants. 9. Both babysitters and those employing babysitters should obtain references and use caution.
13 If You Are Attacked An assailant must overpower the victim and maintain control in order to carry through with the intended attack. This control can range from verbal coercion all the way to the use of a weapon and physical violence. When confronted with an assault, it is quite normal for the victim to experience fear, anxiety, and oftentimes a feeling of helplessness. The shock, horror, and revulsion of the assault make some victims helpless or unable to do anything to stop it. This is an understandable reaction under the circumstances, and the victim should never be condemned for having suffered this common reaction. The assailant, on the other hand, expects this type of reaction and depends on it to control the victim. The victim should try not to allow these feelings of helplessness to keep them from making important decisions. The outcome of this critical situation depends greatly on the ability to think clearly while choosing options for reactions. Your Critical Decisions What are your chances to: escape, attract help, influence the assailant to stop by talking him/her out of it or through some other action on your part, or incapacitate the assailant? These decisions should be based on the following three factors that should be analyzed by the victim according to the particular circumstances of the assault: The Environment Are you completely isolated, or is there help and safety nearby? If he/she is trying to abduct you from a semi-public place, he wants to take you to a place that is safe for him and very unsafe for you. The Victim’s Abilities Potential victims should try to give some forethought as to what their physical, mental, and emotional capabilities really are in relation to dealing with an attack. How capable are you of physical resistance? Can you run, scream, talk, fight or do something else that might effectively stop the attack? How strong is your mental commitment to self-protection? If necessary, are you willing to cause grave injury to an assailant?
14 The Assailant’s Perceived Abilities and Motivations How much strength and power does he appear to have in relation to you? Is he large or small, fit or unfit, have a weapon or an accomplice? Do you know him well, or is he a complete stranger? How much force is he using? Is he angry, nervous, hesitant, or calm? What kind of effect are your current actions (talking, etc.) having on him? To Resist Or Not - Only You Can Decide After making an assessment based on the factors above, you will have a much better chance of making a rational choice regarding resistance. If you believe that by resisting you have good chances to avoid assault and injury, then you may decide that your best option is to choose resistance. However, if you believe that resistance will not provide a good enough chance to avoid the assault without creating an undue risk of injury, you may choose not to do so. By choosing not to resist, you are in no way consenting but are enduring the assault to survive. Even if you choose not to resist initially, you should constantly be looking for an opportunity to reach safety and remove yourself from the assailant’s control as soon as possible. Personal Security
15 HOME SECURITY Breaking and entering is one of the most frequent crimes in Rocky Mount. Each year thousands of homes are burglarized and millions of dollars in property are stolen or damaged across America. Your chances of being victimized are increasing each year, regardless of your income, or the neighborhood in which you live. Yet many of these crimes could be prevented. That’s where you come in. The Rocky Mount Police Department believes that law enforcement officers can only do so much to promote security in your community. As a resident of Rocky Mount, you also bear the responsibility to help cut down the risk of crime. The following information can show you how. Thieves look for simple, fast entry; they need darkness or some form of cover; they aim for the target that’s most available. You can make it tough on thieves by robbing them of these things by taking away the opportunity to commit crimes in the first place. Locks A good door and a good lock are among the best investments you can make toward securing your home. Make sure that a qualified locksmith, carpenter or reputable hardware dealer installs your lock. And then use that lock at all times! An unlocked door is simply an open invitation to a thief. We recommend a dead bolt lock. There are several types: 1. A double-cylinder deadbolt with a 1” throw is the best lock you can buy, provided you have a solid-core door. We recommend this lock because it is very sturdy and difficult to open without a key on either side. When the house is occupied, a key should always be left in the keyhole as a means of fast exit in case of a fire. Always remove the key when leaving home. If a burglar breaks in another way, such as a window, don’t provide an easy point of exit through the door. (The more trouble he has getting out, the less he’ll be able to carry away with him.) 2. Deadbolts also come with single-cylinders. This is the type which requires a key to open it from the outside, but which has “thumb turn” device inside. If there is a windowpane within 40” of this lock, a thief can break the glass, reach in and unlock the door himself. Single cylinder deadbolts are still very good, however in other applications.
16 3. A dead-latch is an inexpensive addition to your existing knob-lock set which keeps the burglar from simply slipping your door open with a credit card. This method of entry is common in apartment buildings where cheap spring-latch or cylindrical tubular locks are installed. A dead-latch is the most common lock found in apartments and most homes today. This lock is not recommended because it is easily opened and offers very minimal security. 4. The rim lock is a 1’ deadbolt lock that is installed on the inside surface of the door. It is less expensive than the other types of locks, but equally effective for security if bolted through the door rather that screwed in. 5. The “jimmy-proof” rim lock is another lock, which is installed on the inside surface of the door. Again it is only effective if it is bolted through and not screwed in. 6. Flush bolts are recommended for doors in which one side is inactive. An example is the French door. Flush bolts offer additional security, since an intruder cannot tamper with these devices if both doors are locked. 7. A recommended method of securing a sliding glass door is to drill a downward sloping hole through the top channel into the top portion of the sliding door frame, and insert a pin, nail, or screw. Also available from a hardware store are sliding glass door locks. A Word About Locks First of all, any lock is better than none at all. However, many people falsely believe that certain types of locks offer much more security. The professional thief can easily penetrate many of these devices - often without a trace or forcible entry. So while these devices do offer minimum security, they may still make your home more appealing to the experienced thief. 1. Chain locks are flimsy and should not be relied upon. Again, they’re better than nothing, but most chain locks are weak, are screwed into the doorframe, and are easily broken with little force. 2. Many homes with pairs of doors use half-barrel slide bolts on the inactive door. These slide bolts, or cane bolts, are usually ½” in diameter and are installed at the top and bottom. They are weak and inadequate.
17 3. Sticks, bars and broom handles in the tracks of sliding glass doors provide some protection, but they can be easily removed. Burglars can still pry the sliding glass door open and lift it out of its frame for easy entry. Sliding glass doors can be pinned for extra security. One final word about locks: Do not make your hidden key your worstkept secret. A key under a mat, beneath a flowerpot or on a nearby sill is the first place a burglar will look. A better hiding place is inside a neighbor’s home out of sight. Keep tabs on who has keys to your home. Poor key control can lead to unwanted visitors and theft. If you’re not sure you can account for all the keys to your doors, re-key or change the locks. Doors All exterior doors should be solid-core, rather than hollow-core. Any lock installed in a hollow-core door is much less secure. In fact, hollow-core doors are more easily lifted off their hinges and are not heavy enough to support the better locks, such as double cylinder deadbolts. If doors have windowpanes, they should have double cylinder deadbolts, otherwise, a thief can break the glass, reach in and let himself in (Double cylinder deadbolts require a key to open from both sides.) A wide-angle peephole installed at eye level permits you to see who is outside the door without opening the door. It is much more preferable than a chain lock for this purpose. Strike plates (where the lock fits into the door frame) should be installed with 2 inch screws to provide maximum security. Windows If a burglar can’t easily get through a door, he/she may well try a window. Proper home security should take this fact into account. While most burglars avoid breaking glass due to the fear of attracting attention, they usually try to pry open windows. There are many inexpensive products on the market for preventing this type of entry. 1. With casement windows, make sure the latch works properly and the crank has no excess play. If so, replace the worn hardware. 2. With sliding windows, the primary objective is to keep the window from sliding or being lifted up and out of the track. Pins, anti-slide blocks and slide bolts are effective methods of deterrence. Ask your hardware dealer for advice. 3. Double-hung window latches may be jimmied, or pried open. Drill a downward sloping hole into the top of the bottom window and into the bottom of the top window. Insert a pin or nail that can be removed in case of fire.
18 4. Louvered windows are poor security risks. We suggest they be replaced with solid glass or another type of ventilating window. Temporary security can be maintained by removing the window crank. Remember that one window in every bedroom on the ground and second floors must be left available as a fire exit. At night, the bedroom window may often be the quickest and safest means of getting out in case of an emergency. If you decide to sleep with a window open at night for ventilation, leave it only partially open and lock it using a pin. Key locking devices offer no real security and can be a fire hazard. One final word: Don’t let bushes and shrubs obscure windows. Keep foliage trimmed back so you have a clear view outdoors. Remember - burglars need some sort of cover. A tall, thick shrub next to the house provides an ideal hiding place. Garages The single lock on the garage door is inadequate to keep intruders from prying up the opposite side and crawling in. When you are unable to maintain proper observation of the garage and its contents, the door should be closed. 1. Add another bolt and padlock to the opposite side. 2. Install a pair of cane bolts to the inside. (Note: These are operable only from the inside.) 3. Add a top center hasp. Hasps are hardened steel and installed with carriage bolts through the door or sate. Ask your hardware dealer about them. Alarms There are many types of alarms on the market. Many are very expensive, though some fairly inexpensive models are now sold. Most alarm systems have their limitations and are good only in certain applications. Don’t depend upon an alarm to protect you completely. Any alarm should be used only in conjunction with other good, common-sense crime prevention practices and with the proper locks and lighting. Before buying an alarm system, make sure the company is licensed to do business in North Carolina. It’s also a good idea to get cost estimates and references from several reputable firms. Check with the Better Business Bureau as an added precaution. Remember - All home and business alarms must be registered with the City of Rocky Mount. For more information see Rocky Mount City ordinance Alarms Systems.
19 Cameras Cameras on a residence/business can deter a crime from occurring. In addition to the cameras, property owners can place placards around their property warning potential burglars that audio and video recording takes place on the property. Cameras should cover all sides of a house to include a view of the driveway and a look at the roadway in front of a residence. Thieves will often use vehicles to case a home or commit a burglary. The Rocky Mount Police Department encourages citizens to register their cameras with the RMPD Camera Registry Program. Registering you camera is confidential and it informs the RMPD there are cameras in area in the event a crime occurs. Please use the link to register cameras https:// rockymountpd.fususregistry.com. That Lived in Look Don’t let a thief know when your home is empty. You’re much less likely to be burglarized if your home appears to be occupied. 1. Lighting is one of the most important, and yet simplest, methods of securing your home. Good exterior light is important, particularly when the yard is filled with shrubs and trees. The best possible location for outside lights is under the eaves. This makes ground level entry more difficult because it illuminates would be hiding places. Remember: Thieves need darkness or some type of cover. Burn a light inside at night even when your are away. This will be confusing to a burglar - as well as make him more vulnerable if he’s caught in the act. The light can also silhouette him through the window to warn you of his presence. Buy automatic timers for both of these sources of light so that lamps and floodlights turn on and off automatically. 2. When you’re away on vacation, take several additional precautions: a. Instead of discontinuing newspaper and other deliveries, ask a neighbor to pick up these items for you. Ask the neighbor to do the same for your mail, so it doesn’t pile up. b. Mow your grass just before you leave and arrange for it to be cut again in a week. c. Don’t leave notes to anyone regarding your whereabouts or arrangements in your absence. You’re simply advertising that you’re not at home. Handle these instructions by phone or in person before you leave. d. Don’t publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading social media accounts of other people’s vacation activities.
20 e. If you arrive at home and discover you’re home has been burglarized, Do not enter the house. Call the police immediately (911) from a cell phone, a neighbor’s house, or some other safe place. Preserve the scene until the police can investigate. Community Watch Community Watch is based upon the concept of neighbors looking out for one another to prevent crime. If your community or neighborhood doesn’t have such a program, you might consider helping organize one. Call the Rocky Mount Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at 252- 972-1436 or your local district office. An officer can give you the basics of the program and schedule a time to meet with you and your neighbors to go over the details. Engrave everything that could be carried away, such as appliances, stereo equipment, TV sets, cameras, and power tools, etc. Use your North Carolina driver’s license number. After you do so, the police will give you decals for your windows indicating that your property has been marked for easy identification by law enforcement agencies. Community Watch works! The police can help you get it started, but the program can be only as effective as you and your neighbors make it. Community Watch is a good example of teamwork between you and the police. Common Sense • Don’t display expensive items in plain view. Keep them out of sight when not in use. • Be sure to document all serial numbers from personal items and store and safe location. If you are a victim, you can use LEADS Online to search pawn shops for stolen property. https://www.leads online.com. • Keep ladders locked in the garage. Burglars can use them for otherwise inaccessible second-story windows. • Don’t open your door to strangers. Be wary of solicitors and salespersons: check their identification. If strangers ask to use the telephone, tell them to stay outside while you make the call for them. • Don’t give information to strangers about your neighbors. • Keep your doors locked while working in the yard. Someone could slip in while you’re not looking. • Don’t advertise new gifts or purchases. Break up cartons before leaving them at the curb. • Call the police (911) if you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood. • If you see a burglar in action, get a good description of him/her, the car and tag number. Write it down and call the police immediately.
21 BUSINESS SECURITY Crime takes a big bite out of all businesses. How secure is your business from burglary and robbery? It is common for Rocky Mount to have nearly 200 commercial burglaries and robberies annually. The loss from many of these crimes could have been reduced or even prevented if business owners had taken additional precautions. The Rocky Mount Police Department can help make your business less vulnerable to theft. Call your police department and ask for a free security survey. In the meanwhile, here are some suggestions to follow on your own. Putting burglars and robbers out of business takes teamwork: you and the police! Burglary Prevention! A Full-Time Business Merchants and other businessmen like you annually spend billions of dollars on crime prevention devices and insurance. Unless you constantly maintain a complete program of security, however, you don’t get the full return on these investments. For example, sophisticated door locks are useless if a ladder left against the building provides a burglar with easy access to second-story windows or roof. Your business security inventory should include these checkpoints: • Make sure all locks on windows and doors are sturdy and adequate to do the job. If in doubt, consult a qualified locksmith, carpenter, or hardware dealer • Stay alert while you and your employees are opening and closing Watch for anyone suspicious loitering nearby • Keep a record of equipment and merchandise serial numbers • Carefully screen all employees before hiring them. Check references • Keep only a minimum amount of money on hand. Frequently make cash drops to a safe and to a bank • If you have an alarm system, check it out regularly to see whether it’s in proper working order • Keep close tabs on keys. A poor key control system leaves you vulnerable from both inside and outside your business. Re-key locks when in doubt • Change the combination of your safe periodically • Park company vehicles away from the building at night where they cannot be used for climbing onto the roof and where they do not block the view of entrances
22 • Engrave all your personal valuables with your N.C. driver’s license number • Make sure your employees have an adequate place to secure their belongings (such as purses and coats) during working hours. Unlocked desk drawers in offices are popular places for storing purses- and a prime target for thieves • Install adequate lighting both inside and outside. Remember: burglars look for darkness or some form of cover. Illuminated property is less appealing to the criminal • Make sure your “phone number” is up-to-date. This precaution will enable the Rocky Mount Police Department to notify you or another key employee quickly in case of break-in or other emergency Robbery Prevention...It could save a life All of the steps you take to prevent burglary will help you cut down the risk of robbery, as well. Don’t underestimate the value of good lighting, good visibility, sturdy locks, key control, working alarm system and thorough background checks on employees. These measures are also vital in stopping robberies. Here are some other steps we recommend: • Don’t establish a routine time or route of travel when making bank deposits. Criminals will soon learn it • Discuss only business with the tellers. The next person in line may be getting familiar with your situation • Uniformed security guards are a strong deterrent in high-crime areas never block the view in your store by crowding display windows. It is important to maintain good visibility during working hours • Instruct all your employees on how to conduct themselves in the event of a robbery Advertise security measures and cash handling policies • Don’t admit customers after hours, particularly if you’re alone • Inspect washrooms and changing rooms before closing for the day • Keep rear door locked If You Are Held Up • Do not resist. Remain calm. • Obey instructions • Sound or activate alarms or other security devices when it will not endanger anyone • Give the robber what he/she asks for, but no more • Observe the robber(s) very carefully. Note any outstanding features, clothing, color of hair, color of eyes, skin tone, beard, mustache, scars, tattoos, manner of speech and walk - anything that would help you identify them later. Estimate their height from a mark on the
23 doorframe. • Memorize the type and description of weapons used • Try to get the make, model, year, color, license plate number and state of the getaway vehicle, and the direction of travel • Call the police immediately (911) Afterward • Don’t touch anything. Protect the crime scene for the police • Point out all objects the suspects might have touched • Close the business until police arrive • Lock the door. Insist that all witnesses stay until police question them • Cooperate fully with the police • Be prepared to testify later in court Business Security
Ch 24 ildren Safety CARING FOR OUR CHILDREN
25 CARING FOR OUR CHILDREN Guidelines For Children’s Safety DEALING WITH STRANGERS Children 1. Never accept gifts from strangers or go anywhere with them. 2. Never give your name or address to a stranger. 3. Never play in a vacant house or a wooded area. 4. If a stranger asks you for help say “NO”, then get away and tell your parents. Adults ask other adults for help, not children. 5. Make sure your parents know where you are and whom you are with. 6. If you ever feel uncomfortable, or if someone ever touches you and makes you feel uncomfortable tell your parents or a trusted adult. 7. Never go with an adult, even one you know, unless they have the password that you and your parents have decided on. 8. If you ever get lost while shopping, find a police officer, security guard, or store clerk. They will help you find your parents. Adults 1. Develop a password with your children and tell them that if anyone ever tries to pick them up that person must know the password. If they do not know it, your child should not go with them and should report the incident to you. 2. Know where your children spend time and who their friends are. Keep a list of names, addresses and phone numbers of your child’s friends. 3. Never let your child play around vacant buildings or in wooded areas. 4. If your child is approached, make sure they understand to say “NO,” to get away, and tell you. 5. Tell your child to never give their name or address to a stranger. 6. Never let your child accept anything from a stranger. 7. Always investigate when your child brings home money or unfamiliar toys. 8. Make sure that your child understands that adults do not keep secrets with children 9. Make sure you are familiar with all babysitters. Check their references. 10. Keep communication open with your child and make sure they tell you about any uncomfortable feelings they have. HOME ALONE Children 1. Keep the house key hidden. Never let anyone know that you are home alone.
26 2. Go straight home. Before entering the house, walk around it. If you find a door or window open, do not go in. Go to a trusted neighbor’s home and call the police. 3. If you feel you are being followed, go to a safe public place and call for help or go to a Safe Place location. 4. When you get inside, make sure all doors are locked behind you. 5. If someone knocks on the door, do not open it. Only let those people in that your parents have said are allowed, even if it is a friend. If they still try to come in, call the police (911). 6. When answering the phone, never say that you are home alone. Say that your parents can’t come to the phone right now and that you’ll take a message and have them call back. 7. In the event of fire, or if the smoke detector goes off, leave the house immediately. Go to a trusted neighbor’s house, and call 911 for help. 8. In the event of an emergency call 911. Adults 1. Make sure that your child has a smooth working key, they understand that they must keep it hidden, and should not tell anyone that they are home alone. 2. Have written rules for your child to follow while they are home alone. 3. Go through safety rules with your child, such as: never open the door for strangers; leave the house if the smoke detector goes off; etc. 4. Teach your child minor first aid, such as how to clean a cut or a scrape and apply a bandage. 5. Plan something for your child to do while alone, such as schoolwork or housework. 6. Make sure your children can reach the telephone. Put a list of your work numbers and emergency numbers near the phone or program these numbers into their cellphone. Make sure your child knows that the phone is not a toy and they should keep the line clear in case you need to call. 7. Have your child call you when they get home so that you will not worry. 8. Explain the safety rules for answering the door and phone. 9. If a stranger follows your child on the way home from school; make sure they know to go to a safe public place, such as a fire house, convenience store or an open business. Children are our community’s most valuable assets. Safety should be our first consideration when we leave them alone, either at home or while they are at play. We hope this information will help your children lead safer lives.
27 FRAUD AND OLDER ADULTS Older adults are often targets for crimes involving money such as fraud and embezzlement. The economic impact of these crimes is especially frightening and devastating for older adults living on fixed or limited incomes. For these reasons, crime has a unique and exaggerated effect upon the lifestyle and emotional well-being of older adults. Here are some safety tips that you can use to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime: 1. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 2. No one should ask you to take money out of your account, or ask you for the secret code to your ATM card. If anyone asks you to do so call the police (911). Some common fraud schemes include people posing as police officers or bank employees. 3. Never allow someone to look over your shoulder while you use your ATM card or your secret code. 4. Read and understand any contract before you sign it. 5. Never open your door to strangers, including door to door solicitors. Use a side window or peephole to see who is at the door and talk through a locked door. Be alert to persons claiming to work for a utility company (i.e. electric, gas, water, cable) if you did not call the utility company with a problem. That person should not need to enter your home. Ask for a telephone number and call to verify whom that person is. If you think something is not right or the person refuses to leave, call the police immediately. 6. Do not be afraid of or intimidated by a salesperson. Do not be talked into anything. Any genuine deal or money plan can wait a few days for you to check it out. When anyone tells you differently, pass up his proposal. 7. Do not enter a contest or accept free gifts or prizes unless you clearly understand your obligations. 8. Never pay for something you did not order or do not want. If anyone says that a deceased loved one had ordered something, check it out, or simply say that you will not accept delivery or make payment. 9. Buy insurance from someone you trust. Buy only what you really want, need and can afford. 10. Never carry large sums of money. Have retirement, social security or other checks automatically deposited into your bank account. Pay your bills by check or online.
28 11. If you, or an elderly or disabled person that you know, are being abused, neglected, or exploited, report it to the county department of social services. In an emergency, you may need to call 911. The law protects you if you act in good faith with the desire to help. Crime prevention is an attitude. Locks and other security devices are to keep criminals out, not lock you in. Do not surrender your space, your freedom, or your quality of life to the fear of crime. Most criminals look for weak and frightened victims who will not, or cannot, defend themselves. Be assertive, but not foolish. Victims should not be embarrassed or frightened about calling for help. There are free programs designed to assist crime victims in North Carolina. There are also assistance agencies in many regions of the state. The N.C. Department of Human Resources Information and Referral 1-800-662-7030 TDD/VOICE The N.C Department of Insurance 1-800-662-7777 The N.C. Crime Prevention Division (919) 733-5522 The N.C. Division of Aging (919) 733-3983
29 TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS Safe Driving Tips If conditions are good, drive the speed limit. No matter the posted speed limit, never drive faster than the road, traffic, and weather will safely allow. Reduce your speed when visibility is reduced. Allow at least 3 seconds from the time the vehicle in front of you passes a marker (such as a road sign or tree) until you pass the same marker. Allow more time when driving conditions are poor. Most vehicles are only equipped with airbags that protect you in severe front-end collisions. It is necessary to also use your seat belts with the airbags. Your belts will also help protect you in all types of crashes. Anti-lock brakes do not make speeding safer and do not bring your vehicle to a stop faster than other brakes. Ignore rude drivers. Never seek revenge, play games, or tailgate. If you believe that another driver has targeted you in a situation of “road rage,” attempt to switch streets as soon as safely possible. Let tailgaters pass. Use the right hand lane except when passing. Seat Belts and Child Safety Seats North Carolina law requires all drivers and front seat passengers to be buckled up. Drivers are responsible for passengers less than 16 years of age. Front seat passengers 16 and older are responsible for themselves. Violators are subject to a $25 fine. Children less than 5 years of age and weighing less than 40 pounds must be secured in a child safety seat. Children should be seated in the back seat if possible. A child safety seat should never be placed in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger side airbag, unless that airbag has a manual shut off switch. If possible, do not use or purchase a used car seat. A second hand seat may have been involved in an accident or damaged.
30 Some child safety seats and carriers have been subject to manufacturer recalls and may be defective. When installing your car seat, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and also the instructions in the owner’s manual for your particular vehicle. If you are unsure, the fire department can install them for you. Child safety seat violations in North Carolina can result in a $25 fine and additional court costs. When a Police Officer Pulls You Over There are several traffic laws and regulations in place to help ensure that Rocky Mount roads and highways are safe places to travel. Enforcement of these laws can be stressful to both the motorist and the police officer. The Traffic Stop • Pull over as far as to the right as possible. This allows the officer to more safely walk to your car. • Turn off the ignition. • Turn on your interior light if the stop occurs at night. • Place your hands on the steering wheel until the officer can make a safety evaluation as he/she approaches your car. • Avoid making any sudden or reaching movements. • Please stay in your vehicle unless asked by the officer to get out of the car. • If you are carrying a weapon, advise the officer of the weapon and its location. • Always follow the officer’s instruction. Being stopped at night, particularly along a stretch of dark road, can heighten the tension for a motorist and an officer. Officers do not object to drivers proceeding to the nearest well-lighted area. Simply acknowledge the officer by turning on your flashers and drive at a reduced speed. If asked to step out of your car, walk to the rear of your vehicle and away from traffic, or as directed by the officer, using the car as a barrier between you and on-coming traffic. The officer will ask you for two important pieces of information: your driver’s license and your vehicle registration. You will be told the reason for the stop. Please do not argue with the officer. This may only increase the tension in an already stressful situation. Depending on why the officer felt it
31 was necessary to initiate the traffic stop, you may or may not be given a citation or warning ticket. If you received a citation you will be advised of a court date which allows you the opportunity to take care of your case before a judge. Certain traffic violations may result in you being taken into custody and transported to the county jail to appear before a magistrate. Once business with the officer is finished, you should merge, with caution, back into the flow of traffic. Do not assume that the officer knows that you are a law-abiding citizen. Law enforcement can be dangerous work. Officers must be cautious at all times. Traffic Safety Tips
32 YOUR GUN YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
33 YOUR GUN YOUR RESPONSIBILITY With guns in approximately half of all U. S. households, gun safety has become very important. Whether or not you own a gun, it’s vitally important to know the basic rules of safe-handling and storage. It is also the responsibility of every parent to teach children about gun safety. • It is the responsibility of the owner to properly secure all firearms safely in a place inaccessible to children or anyone untrained in their use • Seek training on the proper use of firearms • Become familiar with local, state, and federal laws • Guns should always be stored in the following manner: 1. Store guns unloaded and separate from ammunition. 2. Store guns in a locked storage box with a trigger lock or other locking device. 3. If guns must be temporarily secured in an automobile, secretly lock them securely in the trunk. • Do not store guns in conspicuous or easily accessible places, such as under mattresses or in bedroom drawers Handling Guns Proper handling is a key to being safe around guns. Always treat every gun as if it were loaded. Keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger. If accepting a gun or handing one to another person always make sure that it is unloaded and the safety is on. Load a gun only when you intend to fire. Be sure of your target when you fire a gun, remember that a bullet may travel beyond sight unless it is stopped by a sufficient backstop. Never use a firearm under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Children and Guns Children don’t always understand the difference between a real gun and a toy gun. Be sure they understand that a real gun can hurt you or even kill vou. These injuries are real and long lasting. Teach children if they find a gun to stop what they are doing, not to touch it, to get away from it immediately and to call an Adult or 911. Your gun, your responsibility. Help keep children safe. The Rocky Mount Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit thanks you for taking the time to familiarize yourself with the information contained in this booklet.
34 STAY CONNECTED AFTER YOU DOWNLOAD THE APP: • Tap “CREATE ACCOUNT” to get started. • Share your location or add favorite places that you want to track. • If an alert occurs near your current location, or places you track, the app will send a push notification. • The Rocky Mount Police Department will also have the ability to publish incidents, events, places, and guides, and include interactive information such as directories, maps, news updates, links, and FAQs. Using your cell phone’s camera, click on the QR code to download the app. Download the MyRMT App powered by ATLAS ONE, available for Android and Apple devices. BE INFORMED • AWARE • SAFE
35
36 Rocky Mount Police Department 330 South Church Street Rocky Mount, North Carolina 252-972-1443 Rocky Mount Police Department 330 South Church Street Rocky Mount, North Carolina 252-972-1443