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ABILENE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Safety at Home

• Keep doors and windows locked at all times. Doors should have a one-inch dead bolt and a door viewer. Look before opening your door to anyone.
• Leave outside lights on when it is dark outside.
• Never come home to a dark house.
• Before leaving your house, take a minute to look outside and see what is going on. Take time to be aware of your surroundings.
• Don't let a stranger inside your house to use the phone. Make the call for him.
• If you haven't called for a repairman, don't let one inside your house. Leave him outside and call his place of business to verify his reason for being in your area.
• Never admit to anyone that you or a neighbor live alone.
• Women living alone should use only initials on mailboxes and in phone book listings.
• Report suspicious activities to the police immediately.
• If you receive an obscene phone call, hang up immediately. Don't react.
• Be careful of the message you leave on your answering machine. Never tell people you are not at home.

Safety Tips While Driving

• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Keep car doors locked at all times.
• Before leaving your house or the store to go to your car, look around and be aware of what is going on.
• Always have your keys ready to unlock the door so you can enter without delay.
• As you are entering your car, look into the back seat.
• Always have at least half a tank of gas in your car.
• Keep your vehicle in good shape.
• Travel on well-lighted streets and avoid taking short cuts.
• If you are followed, drive to the nearest open business for help or drive to the police or fire department. Never go home while being followed.
• Park in areas that will be well lighted when you return to your car.
• Don't leave your house keys with your car when having your car serviced.
• Women driving alone should never stop to aid a stranger in a stalled car. Proceed to an open business and report the car to the police.
• If you have car trouble, raise the hood, then stay in your car. When someone offers assistance, do not roll the window down. Talk to them through the window and ask them to call someone for you. Never go with a stranger.
• Notify your family and friends of your travel plans.

Safety Tips While Walking

• Avoid walking alone. Walk with someone or where other people are near.
• Stay in well lighted areas, away from alleys, bushes, and entry ways. Avoid shortcuts through parks, vacant lots, and other deserted areas.
• Don't hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
• If a car pulls along beside you and the driver calls you over to ask a question, avoid getting near the car.
• If you are followed, go to the nearest business for help. Turn around and walk in the other direction. This will force the driver to turn around to follow you.
• Avoid carrying extra money or valuables on your person. If you must carry a purse, keep it close. Don't dangle it.
• Remember to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
• Don't walk alone, especially at night. Your vulnerability to street crime is reduced as much as 70 percent by simply being in a group.

Tips for Dating and to Singles

• Don't go to or leave from a club alone. You are safer in numbers.
• Don't accept blind dates.
• Don't accept rides from strangers.
• Don't take a first time acquaintance home.
• If you must leave with a first time acquaintance, make sure a friend knows the person and where you're going.
• Don't go to private places on a date until you are better acquainted.
• Don't give out personal information until you are better acquainted.

Sexting is against the Law

How Do Gangs Recruit Members?

Gangs influence youths into joining by using the following methods:

• Peer pressure, offers protection
• Monetary enticements
• Challenging kids to take risks
• Invitations to parties where gang-related activities are occurring
• Family members already belong
• Affection and attention shown to the youths by gang members that may not be given at home

 What Are The Consequences of Gang Involvement?

Short Term Consequences

• In trouble with law enforcement
• Drop in performance at school
• Withdrawal from family
• Drug and alcohol involvement
• “Dirty work” for the gang, earning their “bones” or “stripes”

Long Term Consequences

• Loss of opportunities for education/employment due to criminal record
• Time spent in jail or prison
• Possibility of losing family or friends
• Risk of personal injury or death
• Risk of family members’ lives
• Increased risk of violence in criminal activity

What Are Signs of a Gang in My Neighborhood?

Graffiti

Youths hanging out

Increase in crime- Gang-related acts such as burglary, vandalism and assaults.

 How Can Neighbors Help?

You and your neighbors can work to eliminate gangs and drugs from your community and neighborhoods. They key is organization:

1)      Get to know the neighbors on your block.

2)      Contact your local law enforcement agency for advice and assistance for organization tips.

3)      Contact Crime Stoppers  

What Are Signs of Gang Involvement?

Changes in attitude or behavior

Openly admits gang affiliation

Showing colors (bandanas, t-shirts, jackets, shoes, ball caps)

Association with known gang members

Unwillingness to discuss their activities

Loss of family interest

Reluctance to be seen with other family members

Unexplained injuries (cuts and bruises)

Trouble with law enforcement or at school

Has unexplained cash or goods (clothing, jewelry, electronics)

New Friends

Tattoos or graffiti-style writing on clothing or books

Disregard for persons or property

Exhibiting signs of alcohol and drug use 

How Can Parents Intervene?

• Spend quality time with your child.
• Encourage your child to become involved in athletics or other group activities that have adult supervision.
• Set reasonable rules and enforce them consistently.
• Demonstrate how to set goals.
• Monitor and support child’s progress.
• Teach social skills that enhance self-esteem and how to cope with peer pressure.
• Educate the teen or child about the dangers of gang involvement.
• Provide strong religious background.
• Keep an open line of communication with your child.
• Know your child’s friends and where they hang out.
• Keep track of your child’s work at school.
• Teens and children need to be involved with positive activities without a lot of leisure time.
• Keep them involved in after-school activities, athletics or a job along with family time.