CRIME IN THE UNITED STATES
In a recent survey, people across the United States were asked: "How afraid are you of being attacked or robbed?" The results were very disturbing. Sixty percent said they lived in fear of becoming a violent crime victim. Society appears to be headed down the road to self destruction. Crime seems to be everywhere. It is now the number one concern of the citizens of our country. In 1992 alone there were almost 2.5 million reported crimes of violence. These include: almost 180,000 rapes, over 1 million robberies, and over 5 million assaults. We are not safe from crime even in our own homes. In 1990 there was a household burglary or theft once every 2.03 seconds. In 1992 approximately 4 percent of all households in the United States experienced one or more burglaries with an estimated economic loss of $4.2 billion. Reflecting the apparent state of society in general, our educational institutions are no longer safe havens. Almost a half million boys and girls reported that in 1992 they were the victim of a violent crime while either at school or going to or from school. Another 2 million said they had something stolen from them while away from home. There are ways we can stand up and fight back. By taking a few simple it is possible to protect yourself, your children and your property from becoming another crime statistic.

PERSONAL SELF DEFENSE
In response to a recent survey almost half the people questioned said there was a place near their home where they were afraid to walk alone at night. But now is not the time to lock ourselves in our homes and surrender our society to criminals. By taking a few simple steps we can make society safer. Always keep your head up and your eyes open. The best protection is to always stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Stay out of empty parks, vacant lots and poorly lighted alleys and streets. If a motorist pulls over and asks for information, stay away from his car. When approaching your own car, do so with your keys in your hand. If you see a suspicious person in a parking lot near your car, do not go near the vehicle until they have left the area. Before entering your car, look inside to make sure that no one is hidden in the back seat. Carjackings are on the rise. To avoid becoming a victim of a carjacking, park close to the door of shopping centers. Always keep your doors locked and your windows rolled up. Plan a course of preventive action before being attacked. If you are attacked don’t just scream. Yell "help" instead.

HOME PROTECTION
Perfect or absolute security can never be attained. However there are a few simple things that you can do to make your property unattractive to a burglar. To deter and prevent a criminal from targeting you property: Doors are the primary point of entry for most burglars. A visit to your local hardware store and the purchase of a dead bolt lock with harden cylinder guard and/or a double lock swing lock can take care of this problem area. Keep your doors and windows locked at all times. Good exterior lighting of a home is an excellent way to deter burglars. Keep shrubbery away from windows or any other point of entry that might provide a burglar with a place to hide during his attempt to get inside. A wooden broom stick handle placed in the bottom track of a sliding glass door frame will help stop the door from being forced open. Install a peep hole in your front door to provide a view of anyone standing outside. Never open your door to strangers. Try to make your home looked lived in, even when you are away. Use automatic timers on some of your lights. A dog makes a fine companion and a first rate burglar alarm system.

YOU AND YOUR CHILD
According to the United States Department of Justice, there are more than 100,000 unsuccessful attempts every year by non-family members to abduct children. Of these annual attempts, over 5,000 are successful. Yet many of them could have been avoided if parents taught their children these simple safety tips: Teach your child his full name, address and telephone number. Tell him where you work and make sure that he knows how to get in touch with you in case of an emergency. Make sure that your child understands strangers represent danger and a stranger is anyone they do not know. Explain to your child he should never go near a stranger’s car even if the stranger knows his name and calls to them. Make sure your child understands he is never to open the door to any stranger and that he is never to tell anyone that he is home alone. Tell your child that he can trust his own feelings and if he feels that something is wrong he has the right to say "no." Be involved with your child. Know the names and addresses of his friends. Encourage him to walk home from school with others. Be perceptive to any changes in your child’s behavior.

BELLEVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS
The Belleville Police Department cordially invites you to schedule and attend one or both of these informative seminars designed to teach you how to protect yourself, your children and your property from crime.

STREET SMARTS SEMINAR
The STREET SMARTS SEMINAR teaches the skills necessary to AVOID an attack. The class participants are provided with a range of common sense self-defense strategies that can be used at home or away.

SELF CONFIDENCE SEMINAR
The SELF CONFIDENCE SEMINAR teaches the skills necessary to DEFEAT an attack. The control methods that are taught are the same easy to learn, effective self-defense techniques used by police.

In addition to these two innovative programs the Belleville Police Department can also provide workshops in:

• Home Security
• Car Safety/Winter Driving
• Child Fingerprinting
• Protecting Your Child
• Prevent Carjackings
• D.A.R.E. Presentations
• Canine Demonstrations
• Senior Safety
• Bicycle Safety