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Safety
Tips |
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The information below was obtained
through the Porter County Sheriff's Department's Public Information and
Education Office. You can contact our Public Relations Officer Chris
Eckert at
(219) 477-3000 for further information.
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Battered Women
Did You Know... In Indiana, it is a crime for any person
to threaten, beat, sexually assault or otherwise harm
another person, even IF they are married.
-
Domestic violence is more than just a "family
problem" - it's a crime!
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Battering in not exclusively a crime against women.
but they do constitute the majority of victims; thus
this publication is primarily directed to the
battered wife or woman.
-
Although we have few statistics on the incidence of
domestic violence we do know that
-
Approximately 30 percent of female homicide victims
in the United States are killed by their husbands or
boyfriends.
-
Females are much more likely than males to be killed
by their spouse.
-
Domestic violence affects at least one out of every
four American families
-
From 1973 to 1981 the United States Department of
Justice Statistical reports show that 2.2 million
women reported abuse by a mate.
Why Do They Stay?
The most frequently asked question concerning a
battering situation is why does she stay? While reasons
cover the range from children. love. guilt. tear. pride.
embarrassment financial dependence - or a combination
thereof - it is very possible the woman is unaware that
she may be locked into a violence cycle.
Three-Phase Theory of Family Violence
The family violence cycle consists of three phases; the
tension building phase, the acute-battering incident,
and the loving reconciliation.
Tension-Building Phase
-
During this phase the woman senses her mate’s
increasing tension. He is "edgy" and perhaps
challenges her and tells her she is stupid,
incompetent, etc. The woman may internalize her
appropriate anger at the man’s unfairness and
experience physical effects such as depression,
tension, anxiety and headaches. As the tension in
the relationship increases, minor episodes and
violence increase, such as pinching, slapping, or
shoving.
Acute-Battering Incident
Loving Reconciliation
-
During the last phase of the family violence cycle.
both parties have a sense of relief that "It’s
over." The man is often genuinely sorry for what
happened and is fearful that his partner will leave
him. He apologizes and may "shower" her with love
and praise that helps her repair her shattered
self-esteem. He tells her he can't live without her,
so she feels responsible for his well-being and
guilty for her actions and blames herself for what
led up to the abuse.
Increasing Spiral of Violence
Once violence has begun. it continues to increase in
both frequency and severity. Understanding the
psychological consequences of her violent relationship
can help the woman take power and choose constructive
alternatives, as well as aid those who intervene to help
her.
If you become a Victim of Domestic Violence
-
Call the Sheriff's Department
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Make sure you are safe from another beating.
Whenever you believe you are in danger, leave your
home and take your children with you. Also take
important papers such as your birth certificate,
vehicle registration, etc.
-
Get medical attention. Don’t try to treat yourself;
you may be injured much more seriously than you
realize.
-
Seek assistance. Whether or not you file charges
against your batterer, you may need to talk to a
professional about your situation. Contact your
local battered women's shelter, women's support
group or victims' assistance center.
-
Save all the evidence (proof) you can. (You may even
want to take photographs of your injuries.) Whether
or not you file charges now, you may later change
your mind and will need proof that you have been
assaulted.
A Way Out
Everyone has the right to be safe from threats and
beatings -- but you must take that first step. Once you
recognize that it Isn't your fault and it is possible to
change your situation, seek the help you need to correct
your situation.
Help Available
The Caring Place
2305 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, IN (800) 933-0466 or
(219) 464-2128
24 Hour Information/Referral/Crisis Line
Provides services and shelter for victims of domestic
violence and sexual assault and their dependent children
who live in Porter, Lake and Starke Counties. There is
no charge for the services. Clients do not have to live
in the shelter.
Catholic Family
Services
2967 Willowcreek Road, Portage,
IN (219) 762-1177 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Monday-Friday
Offers an eight-session domestic violence program. The
subject areas include communication, anger, violence
cycle, assertiveness vs. aggression, stress management,
and childhood influences.
Northwest Indiana Family Life Skill Center
6450 Evergreen Avenue, Portage, IN (219) 763-3256
Helps
people involved in abusive relationships understand and
break the cycle. Separate 15-week classes are offered
for men and women.
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Bicycle Safety
Rights and Responsibilities
Bicycle riders are part of the traffic and share the
road with automobile drivers. They must stop at stop
signs, obey traffic lights, and most other traffic laws
and signs. Bicycle riders must ride near the right hand
curb or edge of the roadway but they can legally move
left to turn left, to pass another vehicle or bicycle,
or to avoid dangerous conditions such as parked cars.
Rules for Bicycle Riders
-
Ride WITH traffic only persons walking on the
roadway face traffic.
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Ride in a straight line except when necessary to
make a turn, avoid hitting someone or something, or
drive over water drains, railroad tracks, holes, or
other hazards.
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Use a hand signal just as drivers of automobiles do
before turning left or right.
-
However, bicyclists may signal for a right turn by
holding the right arm straight out pointing right.
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Ride as near the right curb or edge of the street as
practicable when riding slower than other vehicles.
On one way streets with two or more lanes, ride near
either left or right curb or edge of the street.
When passing parked cars, look through the rear
windows to see if there is someone in a car who may
open a door in your path. If there is, or if you
cannot see into a vehicle, check traffic behind you
and move out far enough to avoid the door if it
should open
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Use bicycle lanes, where marked on streets, when
riding slower than other vehicles. Leaving marked
bicycle lanes is permitted, when necessary, to
overtake or pass another bicycle, vehicle, or
pedestrian; to prepare for a left turn at an
intersection or driveway; or to avoid debris or
other dangerous conditions but only when it is safe
arid after giving a correct hand signal.
-
Get off the bicycle and "walk" it across using the
crosswalks at busy intersections.
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Do not permit anyone to ride as a passenger unless
using a separate seat attached to the bike. If the
passenger is a child weighing 40 pounds or less, the
seat must have a device to hold the child in place
and protect him/her from the bike's moving parts.
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Do not carry anything which prevents fielding the
handlebars with at least one hand. "No hands" riding
is dangerous.
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Do not "hitch rides" by holding on to or attaching
the bike to any other vehicle.
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Do not ride on freeways which have signs prohibiting
bicycles.
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Do not park a bicycle on its side, or so there is no
room for persons walking on the sidewalks.
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Burglary the
Facts...
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More than six million residential burglaries occur
every year in this country. That’s one every ten
seconds!!
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Nearly half of these burglaries are committed
without force - that is, though UNLOCKED doors and
windows!!
Most of these burglaries could be prevented.
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Always lock your doors and windows even when leaving
for "just a minute." Never leave a house key
available: under a doormat, in a flower pot, on the
ledge of the door. These are the first places a
burglar will look.
If you would like to make life even harder
for crooks - Remember the following tips:
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Exterior doors should have "dead bolt" locks with a
1 inch strong metal bar extending into the door
frame.
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Sliding doors and windows should all have
"ventilation" locks as well as auxiliary locks to
bolster security and Be sure to include good locks
for garage, cellar, patio or other doors that lead
out through storage areas or a spare room
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For more information on locks, contact the Porter
County Sheriff's Department.
Going Out?
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Lock all doors and windows.
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Use timers so that lights, radio, TV, go on and off
throughout the house to indicate someone is home.
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For longer trips be sure to stop mail and newspaper
delivery or have a neighbor collect them daily.
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IN SHORT - MAKE YOU HOME LOOK "LIVED IN".
Remember, if you come home and see a broken window or a
jimmied door, don't go in. Confronting a burglar can be
dangerous. Phone the Sheriff's Department immediately.
Other tips
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Install a wide-angel lens viewer in the front door.
Never open the door without knowing who is there.
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Consider alarm systems or trained security dogs for
additional protection.
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Whenever you move to a new home, have the locks
changed.
Operation ID
Another deterrent to "would be" burglars
is
operation identification.
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Mark your valuables with your Indiana Drivers
License number proceeded by the letters "IN."
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Burglars don't want marked merchandise because it is
difficult to fence and evidence of guilt if they are
caught.
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So mark your items as conspicuously as possible
without defacing them.
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Photograph those items that can not be engraved
(jewelry, silverware, antiques).
"Don’t let ‘em knock your block off!"
Want to know the best crime prevention device ever
invented?
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A good neighbor!
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Law enforcement officers can't be everywhere at
once, but you and your neighbors can. You’re the
ones who really know what’s going on in the
neighborhood.
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Put that neighborhood know-how to work. It’s simple:
just use you’re eyes and ears - and then your
telephone. If you spot something suspicious, call
the police or sheriff immediately.
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Don't try to stop a criminal yourself - it can be
dangerous.
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Neighbors working together in cooperation with law
enforcement make one of the best crime fighting
teams around. For more information on how to start
you own NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUP - contact Officer
Ryan Jones in our Public Information & Education
Office.
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Check, Credit Card, and Refund Fraud
What can you do to prevent business fraud? Learn to
recognize it before it's too late. Here are some common
frauds to watch out for:
Identification
Contributing to losses from bad checks and credit cards
is the use of false identification. To minimize this
problem, require at least one primary ID, preferably
backed by at least one secondary ID
PRIMARY I.D.'s ARE:
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a) Indiana driver's license (do not accept a
temporary license).
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b) Indiana identification card.
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c) Employee identification card with laminated photo
(check for alterations).
SECONDARY I.D.'s ARE:
NEVER ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING CARDS AS ID:
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a) Membership cards.
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b) Library cards.
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c) Any card or ID that appears to be altered.
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d) Social security cards.
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e) Temporary driver's licenses.
Credit card fraud
Watch for these telltale signs of credit card fraud:
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The card has been altered, has expired, or is not
yet valid.
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Signatures on the card and sales slip don't match.
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The customer makes several purchases in the same
department, all under the amount of the floor limit
or that which would require an authorization call to
the card issuer.
When suspicious:
REMEMBER...
Always destroy carbons from credit card invoices or
offer carbon copies to customer so that credit card
numbers and names do not fall into the wrong hands.
Check Fraud
SET UP CHECK CASHING GUIDELINES - AND FOLLOW THEM…
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Require two proper I.D.'s to cash a check. Make no
exceptions.
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Only accept local checks.
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Only accept checks with the name and address
imprinted on them.
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Only accept payroll or government checks when you
know the person or verify the check.
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Consider limiting the check to the purchase amount.
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Do not accept two-or-more party checks.
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Do not accept postdated checks.
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Do not accept checks with alterations.
Fraudulent refunds
Refunding is a courtesy extended by the store and no
store is compelled to honor any request.
If merchandise is defective, you may refund, exchange,
or follow the posted policy.
To minimize losses on fraudulent refunds, consider the
following:
SCHEMES TO DEFRAUD MANUFACTURERS, SUPPLIERS OR
DISTRIBUTORS
Schemes to defraud manufacturers, suppliers or
distributors can be used by all sorts of dishonest
persons on all kinds of businesses. It's a favorite ploy
of con men and organized criminals. Often, they will
establish a fake company, buy materials on credit, and
vanish. Sometimes they'll set up a company with a name
and address almost identical to a well-known, respected
company. That way, many suppliers are fooled into
granting them credit. Finally, organized crime may buy a
legitimate business, and use it (and its credit rating)
as a starting point for such schemes.
Sometimes these types of frauds are hard to detect.
Watch out for conditions like these:
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A sudden change in your customer's management,
without any public notice.
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The customer's payments start to lag behind, and the
credit balance starts to climb.
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A new customer suddenly orders unusually large
amounts of merchandise - on credit.
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Trade references for the customer cannot be
verified.
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Suddenly a company increases its orders; sales
become "too easy."
If you notice these signs, take action. Get to know the
new management of a company. Do a careful credit check
on the customer. Make sure that new orders are not
filled until a credit check has been completed.
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Child Abuse
It Shouldn’t Hurt To Be A Kid
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Yet. children Continue to be hurt every day. For these
children there is no hope unless each one of us realizes
that our most important duty is the protection, welfare
and growth of our children.
·
Child abuse can leave a scar that is carried throughout
life. In fact, statistics show that the abused child all
too often grows up to be an abuser. We know that
breaking the cycle of abuse will not only protect our
children, but will reduce crime now and in the future.
Studies suggest that 85 percent of convicted felons were
abused as children.
·
Without individual and community concern and Involvement
there are really three "victims" of child abuse: the
child, the abuser, and the community. However, each of
us may make a valuable contribution to the protection of
children and the prevention of abuse. Our concern and
involvement is critical - it may save a life.
WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?
Child abuse Is legally defined as:
·
A physical injury which is Inflicted by other than
accidental means on a child by another person.
·
Sexual abuse, including both sexual assault and sexual
exploitation.
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Willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment of a child.
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Cruel or Inhuman corporal punishment or Injury.
·
Neglect, including both severe and general neglect
·
Abuse (all of the above) in out of home care.
Indicators of Child Abuse
Below are some indicators of child abuse which can help
you recognize an existing or potential problem of abuse.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may be defined as any act which results
in a non-accidental physical injury
Indicators of physical abuse:
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Bruises, burns, abrasions, lacerations. or swelling
caused by other than accidental means.
·
Belt buckle marks, hand prints. bite marks and pinches.
·
Child states injury was caused by abuse injury unusual
for a specific age group.
·
A history of previous or recurrent injuries.
·
Unexplained injuries; conflicting explanations or
reasons for injury.
·
Child excessively passive, compliant or fearful.
·
Caretaker attempts to hide injuries.
Neglect
Neglect is essentially the negligent treatment or
maltreatment of a child by a parent or caretaker under
circumstances indicating harm or threatened harm to the
child's health or welfare
Indicators of neglect:
·
Child lacking adequate medical or dental care.
·
Child is always sleepy or hungry.
·
Child is always dirty or inadequately dressed for
weather conditions.
·
There is evidence of poor supervision.
·
Conditions in home are extremely or persistently unsafe
or unsanitary
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is defined as acts of sexual assault on and
the sexual exploitation of minors
Indicators of sexual abuse:
·
Child reports sexual activities to a trusted person.
·
Detailed and age - inappropriate understanding of sexual
behavior (especially by younger children.)
·
Child wears torn, stained or bloody under-clothing.
·
Child is victim of other forms of abuse
REPORTING
·
The law requires certain processionals to report
suspicion and/or knowledge of child abuse, which
includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and
cases of severe emotional abuse that constitute willful
cruelty or unjustifiable punishment of a child But,
community members also have an important role in
protecting children from abuse and neglect. The life of
a child may be saved if community members become
involved and report cases of suspected child abuse.
YOUR INVOLVEMENT
·
Involvement does not mean physical intervention or
snooping on your neighbor. It simply means not ignoring
the obvious Fear of involvement has resulted in family
tragedies in which neighbors reported they knew what was
going on, but declined to get involved.
·
If a member of the community, who is riot required by
law to report, does not want to identify himself or
herself, the report may be made anonymously.
AFTER YOUR REPORT
Many people are under the misconception that if a family
is reported for child abuse the parent will always be
arrested and the child will be taken away from the
family. Although this may occur in serious abuse cases,
the family is usually referred to services such as
counseling or parenting classes. In neglect cases, the
family may be referred 10 public assistance agencies
However, the goal of child protective agencies is to try
to keep the family unit intact unless the child is in
danger. The goal of all of us is to protect our children
and help them grow up healthy and happy
To report suspected child abuse contact your local:
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Police or Sheriff’s Department.
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County Welfare Department; or
·
County Juvenile Probation Department
Child Abuse and Neglect
(219) 462-7555 or (219) 462-2112
24-hour hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect
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Crime Prevention Tips for Seniors
Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. not just
a job for law enforcement- Seniors can learn how to
protect themselves from crime by following these simple.
common-sense suggestions. Share these tips with your
neighbors and friends, too, and make it tough for
criminals to work in your neighborhood.
At home...
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Always keep your doors and windows locked. Install
dead bolt locks on all your doors.
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Keep your home well lit at night, inside and out,
and keep your curtains closed at night.
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Install a peephole in your front door so you can see
callers without opening the door.
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Ask for proper identification from delivery men or
strangers. Don't be afraid of asking if they are
legitimate they wont mind.
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If a stranger asks to use your telephone, offer to
place the call for him/her yourself. Never let a
stranger into your home.
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Do not leave notes on your door when you are gone.
and do not hide your keys under the mat or in other
conspicuous places.
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Never give out information over the phone indicating
you are alone or that you won't be home at a certain
time.
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When you are gone for more than a day. make sure
your home looks and sounds occupied - use an
automatic timer to turn on lights and a radio or TV.
While you're out...
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Carry your purse very close to you - don’t dangle it
from your arm. Also, never leave your purse in a
shopping cart.
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Don’t carry any more cash than is necessary. Many
grocery stores now accept checks and automatic
teller cards instead of cash.
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Avoid walking alone at night. Try to have a friend
accompany you in high risk areas even during the
daytime.
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Do not carry weapons - they may only be used against
you.
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Have your paychecks or government checks sent
directly to your bank account many banks have senior
citizens discounts.
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Never withdraw money from your hank accounts for
anyone except YOURSELF. Be wary of con artists and
get-rich schemes that probably are too good to be t
rue.
In your car...
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Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly
maintained to avoid breakdowns.
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Always lock your car doors. Even when you’re inside
and keep your windows rolled up. Driving with the
windows closed also improves gas mileage.
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Lock packages and other valuables in the trunk. Do
not leave them on the back seat or on the floor of
the car where potential thieves can see them.
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When you return to your car. always check the front
and back seat before you get in.
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Never pick up hitchhikers.
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If your car breaks down. Pull over to the right as
far as possible. Raise the hood, and wait inside the
car for help. Do not get out of the car or unroll
the window until the police arrive.
If you are a victim at home…
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If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be
inside, DON'T GO IN. Leave quietly and call 911 to
report the crime.
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If you are attacked on the street, make as much
noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a
whistle. Do not pursue your attacker. Call 911 and
report the crime as soon as possible.
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If you have been swindled or conned, report the
crime to your local police or District Attorney's
Office. Con artists count on their victim's
reluctance to admit they’ve been duped, but if you
delay, you help them get away. Remember, if you
never report the crime, they are free to cheat
others again and again and you have no chance of
ever getting your money back.
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Crime prevention tips for the
Disabled
Disabled persons face many physical challenges. This
could make them vulnerable to would-be assailants who
assume the disabled are incapable of protecting
themselves.
If you are a disabled person, or know someone who is,
the following information may be helpful. Take your time
to read and remember these tips. You may be able to
prevent yourself or a friend from becoming a victim of a
crime.
General Crime Prevention Tips
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Know and avoid situations and locations that could
invite crime, i.e., dark alleys, unlit parking lots,
etc.
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Decide what you plan to do in the event you are
confronted, i.e., show confidence; scream, etc.
-
Consider your options in these situations and
practice your responses often so that can recall
them in a real situation.
Home Security Tips
-
Consider having a peephole installed in your doors.
Make sure you have the proper locks on doors and
windows and use them while you are at home as well
as when you are out.
-
Never open the door for a stranger. Always demand
verification of the stranger's identity and the
purpose of the visit.
-
Never tell a stranger calling by phone that you are
alone or that you are disabled.
-
Plan an avenue of escape from each room in your
residence to use in case of emergency, such as a
break-in or a disaster.
Consumer Protection Tips
-
Always ask for identification from all solicitors
and call their agency for verification.
-
Don't commit yourself to purchases or charitable
donations over the phone. Ask the caller to mail the
information to you so you can make an informed
decision. If your are not familiar with the company
or organization, consult the State Department of
Consumer Affairs or the Better Business Bureau.
-
Be sure to read and understand all contracts before
you sign them. If your sight is impaired, have
someone you trust read the entire document to you.
-
Beware of anyone who is offering products or
services at a "once in lifetime" offer.
-
Consider having your checks mailed directly to your
bank to avoid mail theft or robbery.
Travel Safety
-
Whenever possible, travel with someone you know.
There is safety in numbers.
-
Leave word of your plans with family including your
ultimate destination and estimated time of return.
-
When waiting for a bus, train, etc., wait in a
centralized location near other passengers.
-
When riding the bus, sit as near to the driver as
possible, particularly during late hours.
-
Keep your handbags and packages on your lap instead
of the floor or the seat next to you.
-
Consider using travelers checks instead of carrying
cash.
-
Be aware of those around you, particularly when
exiting a bus or train.
-
If you have a speech or hearing impairment, always
carry a card of communication symbols.
If You Become a Victim of a Crime...
-
Try to remember as many details about the assailant
as possible, such as clothing, hair color,
identifiable marks, etc.
-
Be certain not to destroy any possible evidence.
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Elder Abuse
A MAJOR ISSUE
Senior citizens currently represent four and a half
percent of California's population. By the year 2020.
over 16 percent of the state's population will be 60
years of age or older. Many of these people will retire
comfortably and lead happy and robust lives. However,
many of America's elderly are not experiencing the
relaxation of retired life. Many are being physically.
psychologically or financially exploited - some by
strangers, some by acquaintances and some even by their
own family members. Gerontologists consider this type of
exploitation to be elder abuse.
Elder abuse crosses all social, economic and ethnic
lines - any elderly person could become a victim. It is
important to become aware of the possibility of elder
abuse and to be able to recognize signs that might
suggest its occurrence. This awareness will enable us
to help neighbors, friends or family members who may be
in trouble.
TYPES OF ABUSE
Abuse of the elderly usually falls into the following
categories:
The example cases that follow outline typical
characteristics of elder abuse. Although they are
hypothetical, they do include aspects of actual reported
cases.
Physical Abuse
-
Joan is an 84-year-old widow who was living with her
grandniece. Her home environment was clean and in a
nice rural setting, however, the landlord often
noticed bruises on Joan's face and arms. Suspecting
abuse, he immediately notified County Adult
Protective Services (APS). After assessing the
situation, the APS investigator found that Joan had
been beaten and slapped by her grandniece. APS
removed Joan from the grandniece's care and placed
her with a new caretaker.
Psychological/Emotional Abuse
-
Alex is a 77-year-old man who had his house cleaned
twice a week by a neighbor-hood volunteer. When a
next door neighbor did not see Alex come out of the
house for several weeks she suspected something was
wrong so she notified the county sheriff's
department Sheriff's investigators discovered that
the volunteer cleaning person had often isolated
Alex in a room and verbally abused him. The mailer
was referred to APS, who helped Alex find a new
cleaning person.
Financial Abuse
-
Eighty-one-year-old Mitsuko is a recent widow and
was residing alone in her home. A friend suggested
she allow a college student to move in with her as a
boarder to help pay for expenses. Soon after, the
student allowed two of his friends to move in
without offering to pay Mitsuko any additional rent
Next door neighbors, who regularly kept an eye on
Mitauko, became worried when they noticed groups of
young people coming and going from the house at all
hours. They phoned the city police department to
report the matter. Police investigators found that
the students had threatened Mitsuko and had used her
automated bank teller card to withdraw large sums of
money. The students were arrested and Mitauko is
once again living alone.
Physical Neglect
YOUR INVOLVEMENT
-
Fortunately. most older persons do not experience
this type of treatment Nevertheless, elder abuse is
a frightening and real issue. Knowing what to look
for and who to contact if you 8uspect abuse, will
help you do your part to correct the situation. By
being alert to situations that could lead to abuse
of an elderly person, you may be able to prevent a
serious injury or even save a life.
-
If you live with and/or care for an elderly person,
you know that the responsibility can be overwhelming
at times. One way to cope is to be sure to take time
away from your responsibilities on a regular basis.
This will help to alleviate stress and the potential
for abuse and give you a chance to put every-thing
into perspective.
REPORTING
Indiana
law mandates elder care custodians, medical and non
medical practitioners or employees of elder protective
agencies to report suspected abuse. The following is a
list of elder protective agencies that you can contact
if you are uncertain about reporting suspected abuse:
-
The State Department of Social Services
-
A county probation department
-
A county welfare department
-
A police or sheriff's department
-
A nursing home ombudsman
Remember, one alert person can make a difference
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Family Violence Reduction
Beyond Burglary Prevention
-
Neighborhood Watch is not a new concept - in fact it
has become one of society's most effective tools to
reduce residential burglary.
-
Neighborhood Watch is very simple - neighbors get to
know each other and work together in a program of
mutual assistance. They are trained to recognize and
report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.
-
But Neighborhood Watch can do much more than just
help reduce theft and burglary.
-
Now neighbors are being taught to detect another
kind of residential crime family violence.
What Is Family Violence?
Family violence consists of abuse -physical or mental -
of children, adults or seniors in a familial setting.
Family violence is broken down into three major
categories: child abuse, battered women, and elderly
victimization. It is not uncommon that if one type of
abuse is occurring within a home, other abuse may be (or
soon will be) taking place.
Through family violence reduction information, you can
learn...
-
To recognize signs of abuse
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How to contact family - help agencies; and
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How to help prevent family violence and abuse.
Your Involvement.
Does not mean physical intervention. It does not mean
snooping on your neighbors. It simply means a
willingness to help by recognizing the obvious signs -
the continuously injured child, the couple who becomes
involved in physical confrontations, or the long -term,
unexplained absence of the senior living next door.
How to Start a Neighborhood Watch/Family Violence
Reduction Program
-
1. Contact our Public Relations & Education
Department and ask them to assist you in developing
a Neighborhood Watch Program.
-
2. Contact your local child abuse council, battered
women's shelter, family service center, etc., to
arrange for speakers at Neighborhood Watch meetings
on the programs and the services they provide. They
can also provide you with printed material or assist
you in locating it.
-
3. Plan your Neighborhood Watch Program Meetings to
cover each family violence category (child abuse,
battered women & elderly victimization).
-
4. Develop and print a list of agencies which
provide emergency assistance to abused children,
battered women and victimized elderly. Distribute
this list to all of the members of your Neighborhood
Watch group.
-
5. Encourage your Neighborhood Watch members to
start Block Parent groups and support prevention
programs for children in the schools, scouting
programs, churches, etc.
Help stop family violence
Family violence prevention information in a Neighborhood
Watch setting is a new concept. It needs your support.
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Holiday Safety
HOLIDAY/MALL SAFETY
CRIMINALS ARE
OPPORTUNISTS- THEY WANT THE EASY HIT. IF THEY WANTED TO WORK, THEY’D HAVE A JOB!
SHOPPING
·
FIND A
BUSY, WELL LIT SECTION OF THE PARKING LOT
·
LOOK AROUND
BEFORE YOU GET OUT
·
WHEN YOU
EXIT, WALK WITH CONFIDENCE!
·
MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH PEOPLE WHO APPROACH
·
WHILE IN THE
LOT, KEEP YOUR KEYS IN YOUR HAND
·
DON’T PUT
NAME OR ADDRESS ON KEY RING
·
DON’T
FLAUNT CASH
OR JEWELRY
·
TUCK PURSE
UNDER YOUR ARM
·
USE CREDIT
CARDS RATHER THAN CASH
·
KEEP PACKAGES
OUT OF SIGHT
IF YOU ARE A
VICTIM
·
DON’T RESIST!!- ROBBERS WANT STUFF NOT YOU
·
BEST
DEFENSIVE SPRAY IS MIXTURE OF CS/OC
·
CALL 911 FROM
SCENE, NOT WHEN YOU GET HOME
·
DO NOT
LEAVE SCENE WITH BAD GUY
WHILE YOU ARE
AWAY FROM HOME
·
LOCK YOUR
HOUSE.- ˝ OF BURGLARS JUST WALK IN!
·
MAKE YOUR
HOME LOOK AND SOUND OCCUPIED
PLAN TO BE
OKAY
·
LET SOMEONE
KNOW YOUR ITINERARY
·
KEEP A
CHARGED CELL PHONE WITH YOU
·
USE YOUR INSTINCTS!
·
BE AWARE!
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Marine Security
Marine Security
Marine theft is on the rise. But there are many things
you can do to discourage waterway pirates. The following
tips can help guard your boat and gear from theft.
Locks
Strength and durability are the keys to security
-
Install inside hinges and dead bolt locks on all
doors.
-
Secure ports and windows with inside auxiliary
locks.
-
Attach inverted strong hasps and padlocks to all
hatches.
Operational ID
-
Inscribe all valuables, (including electronic
equipment, your engine, sails, radios, binoculars,
and other loose gear) with your name, your home
port, your Indiana driver's license number (preceded
by the letters "IN"), and your hull identification
number.
-
Keep an inventory list (ashore) of all your gear.
Include name, model, serial number, manufacturer and
description.
Alarms
Additional tips
-
Never leave your keys aboard even in a "hidden
place."
-
Always moor your boat to something secure with a
chain or cable that cannot be lifted over or torn
loose from the piling or mooring.
-
Run the chain or cable around and under a thwart or
around a stanchion.
-
Use one-way bolts, lock nuts, and backup plates on
your eye bolts.
-
Consider leaving your engine out of commission when
you are away: remove the rotor; install a hidden
cut-off switch; drain the fuel; remove a spark plug
or the propeller.
-
Secure outboard motors with special transom bolts or
clamping screw locks.
Dock Watch
A good neighbor is one of the best crime prevention
devices around.
-
Get to know the people and boat owners where you
dock, and look out for one another.
-
Insist on good night lighting at your marina.
-
Let each other know if anyone will be using your
boat when you are not present.
-
If you spo | | |