9/11-15/08                               

1. More than 6 million residential burglaries occur annually - that’s one every ten seconds!
2. Nearly half of these burglaries are committed without force - through UNLOCKED doors/windows!
3. Many burglars will spend no longer than 60 seconds in trying to break into a home. Good locks and good neighbors who watch out for each other are major deterrents to crime!

1. Always lock your doors and windows even when leaving for “just a minute.”
2. 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!
3. Exterior doors should be of solid core wood or metal and have “dead bolt” locks with a 1-inch strong metal bar (“throw”) extending into the frame.
4. Sliding glass doors and windows can offer easy access if they are not properly secured. You can bolster them by installing additional security locks or putting a broomstick or dowel in the inside track to jam the door. To prevent the door being lifted off the track, drill a hole through the sliding glass door frame and the fixed frame - then insert a pin in the hole.
5. Security locks should be added to garage, patio or other doors that lead into the home.
6. Install a wide angle lens viewer (180 degrees) in your front door - NEVER open the door to someone you don’t know or don’t know very well!
7. Use timers so that lights, radio and/or the TV will go on and off, so that it appears that someone is home even while you are away.
8. Thieves hate bright lights. Install exterior lights on timers that illuminate your doors and windows all through the night.
9. Prune back your shrubbery so it doesn’t hide doors and windows. Cut back any tree limbs that a burglar could use to climb to an upper-level window.
10. Stop mail and newspaper delivery if you are going to be away for an extended period of time.
11. Consider an alarm system or owning a dog for added protection. You can still post “Beware of Dog” signs even if you don’t own one!
12. Engrave, photograph, and keep a list of your valuables with serial numbers and descriptions.
13. Remember - if you come home and see a broken window or a jimmied or open door, DON’T go in! Go to a neighbor’s home and call the police immediately.

1. Lock all doors and windows.
2. Fill out a Vacation House Check form with the Buena Park Police Department.
3. Make arrangements for someone to pick up your mail and newspapers, and if you are going to be away for a long period, stop delivery.
4. Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor in case of emergency and also an emergency number so you can be reached.
5. Use timers for your lights, keeping the same schedule as when you are home. You can also put a radio on a timer, so the home seems lived in.
6. If you are parking your vehicles outside, have a neighbor move them periodically, so they look driven.
7. Make sure all garages and outdoor sheds are locked.
8. Have your lawn mowed and trash picked up if you are going to be away for a lengthy period.
9. Be sure and give a relative or neighbor your itinerary and estimated times of arrivals at major stops. Also, call and check-in with the relative or neighbor so your whereabouts are always known.
10. By taking a few simple precautions, your vacation can be the pleasant, relaxing time you planned.

1. Law enforcement officers can't be everywhere at once, but you and your neighbors can. You're the ones who really know what is going on in the neighborhood.
2. Put that neighborhood know-how to work. It's simple: just use your eyes and ears - and then your telephone. If you spot something suspicious, call the police department immediately.
3. Don't try to stop a criminal yourself - it can be dangerous.
4. Neighbors working together in cooperation with law enforcement make one of the best crime fighting teams around.
5. Don't let anyone tell you that Neighborhood Watch is an excuse to be nosey - Neighborhood Watch programs have been known to reduce residential burglaries by 45%!!

1. Always be alert and aware of the people around you.
2. Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics.
3. Be aware of locations/situations which would make you vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots.

1. Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you, especially if you are alone or it is dark.
2. Whenever possible, travel with a friend or as part of a group.
3. Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
4. Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
5. Walk confidently and at a steady pace.
6. Make eye contact with people when walking - let them know that you have noticed their presence.
7. Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street or in a car - continue walking.
8. If you carry a purse, hold it securely between your arm and body or consider wearing a fanny pack.

1. Always lock doors after entering or leaving your vehicle.
2. Park in well-lighted areas and away from shrubs or other potential hiding places.
3. Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your vehicle to unlock it.
4. Check the back seat before entering your vehicle.
5. If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place like a police station, gas station or hospital emergency entrance.
6. If your vehicle breaks down, open the hood and attach a white cloth to the antenna or put a CALL THE POLICE sign in the rear window. Stay locked inside your car, and if someone stops to assist you, roll down the window only slightly and ask them to call for assistance.
7. Consider buying a cellular phone for ready access to emergency communication.
8. Don’t stop to aid motorists stopped on the side of the road. Call and request help for them.
9. Keep your vehicle maintenance current and always have a FULL tank of gas!

1. Avoid isolated bus stops.
2. Stand away from the curb until the bus arrives.
3. Don’t open your purse or wallet while boarding the bus - have your pass or money already in your hand.
4. Don’t invite trouble by flashing your jewelry - hide it under a collar, turn ring stones around so that they don’t show or leave them at home.

1. Sit as close to the bus driver as possible.
2. Stay alert and be aware of the people around you.
3. If someone bothers you, change seats and tell the driver.
4. Keep your purse/packages close by your side. Keep your wallet inside a front coat pocket.
5. Check your purse/wallet if someone is jostling, crowding or pushing you.
6. If you see any suspicious activity, inform the driver.

1. Never leave your purse or wallet in plain view or in the pocket of a jacket hanging on a door.
2. Don’t leave cash or valuables at the office.
3. If you work alone or before/after normal business hours, keep the office door locked.
4. If you work late, try to find another worker or a security guard to walk out with you.
5. If you are in the elevator with another person, stand near the control panel. If someone gets on that makes you feel uncomfortable, get off immediately and wait for another elevator.
6. Be alert for pickpockets on crowded elevators or escalators.
7. Report all suspicious persons/circumstances to the proper authorities: office manager, building security and/or the police.
8. Be aware of all escape routes for emergencies and post police business and emergency numbers.

Sexual  Abuse

1. Find a safe place and seek assistance by calling the police or dial 911. Although a person alleged to have committed Domestic Violence may have been taken into custody, that person may be released at any time.
2. Your report of Domestic Violence will be investigated to its fullest extent and an investigator will be assigned to maintain contact with you throughout the investigation.
3. If you have been the victim of an assault or other related conduct, you may request the District Attorney’s Office to file a criminal complaint. 
4. As a victim of Domestic Violence, you can use the Domestic Violence Assistance Program.
5. You can call a 24-hour crisis counselor.
6. You have the right to file a civil suit for losses sustained as a result of the abuse. 
7. Domestic Violence is a crime.

1. Many victims of Domestic Violence don't know where to turn for help. Some feel trapped in their situations because they feel dependent on their spouse for financial support and sometimes emotional support.
2. Others tolerate the abuse and make excuses for their spouse such as, "he/she only does it when he's drunk, he promises he won't do it again, I still love him/her."
3. Others blame themselves. They are only fooling themselves. No one ever has the right to assault another person. It is against the law and a violator is subject to jail and/or fine, as well as civil liability.
4. The police department will assist you in filing a complaint through the District Attorney's Office or you may place the person under a private person's arrest. You will be required to testify in court, and should avoid arresting a person just to "teach them a lesson", then later drop charges.
5. To stay in a violent environment is dangerous and could result in injury or even death in a "heat of passion". We understand how hard it sometimes is to leave a situation like this. But it may be necessary for your own safety. It sometimes takes a great deal of courage, but if there is a likelihood of you or your children getting injured you should leave.
6. Gone are the days when it was legal to beat your spouse. 
7. There are many agencies which can assist you with temporary shelter, counseling, or just someone to talk to. If you or your spouse are in the military you can contact the on-base family services division.

1. The officer has issued you a number that identifies your case number (commonly called the "C.R."). The officer will do as much follow-up investigation as possible, depending on the level of calls for service.
2. The officer will write the report and submit it for approval. Usually the report is written on the same day it is taken. On occasion, it may be held for additional investigation prior to submission.
3. Once the report has been submitted and approved by the supervisor, that officer is no longer involved with the case. After approval, the report is sent to Records to be filed as an official police document.
4. After filing, the Records Division will forward the report to the Investigative Bureau where it will be assigned to an investigator who specializes in investigating that particular type of crime i.e.; burglary, assault, auto theft.
5. If there is workable suspect information, the investigator may continue to work on the case for resolution. If there is no workable information, there is nothing further that can be done beyond this point. You will not hear from the investigator unless new evidence comes to light, or your case becomes associated with another active case or with an arrest.
6. From the time the officer writes the report to the time it is assigned takes approximately 7-10 working days. You may obtain the name of your investigator by calling during business hours but you will not be able to obtain that information until the case has been assigned. Remember to wait 7-10 days before calling.
7. If you need to add information to your report, a desk officer will take a "supplemental" report to be added to the case, either by phone or in person if you choose to come to the Police Department.
8. If you would like a copy of your report, the fee is $10.00. Some reports are not available without the investigator's approval and there may be a delay. Call to find out if the report is available to you before you come in to purchase a copy.
9. If your insurance agent has advised you a copy of the report is needed, it can be obtained directly from the Police Department, either by mail or at the front desk. A phone call by your insurance representative to the Records Division is all that is required to order a copy of the report.

1. Portable heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least three feet away.
2. Keep fire in the fireplace. Use fire screens and have your chimney cleaned annually. The creosote buildup can ignite a chimney fire that could easily spread.
3. Kerosene heaters should be used only where approved by authorities. Never use gasoline or camp-stove fuel. Refuel outside and only after the heater has cooled.

1. Children of all ages set over 35,000 fires annually.
2. Every year over 400 children nine years and younger die in home fires.
3. Keep matches and lighters locked up and away from children. Check under beds and in closets for burnt matches, evidence your child may be playing with matches.
4. Teach your child that fire is a tool, not a toy.
5. Appliances Need Special Attention

1. Do not trap electric cords against walls where heat can build up.
2. Take extra care when using portable heaters. Keep bedding, clothes, curtains and other combustible items at least three feet away from space heaters.
3. Only use lab-approved electric blankets and warmers. Check to make sure the cords are not frayed.
4. Electrical Wiring
   1. Most electrical fires result from problems with "fixed wiring" such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords and plugs, such as extension and appliance cords, also cause many home electrical fires.
   2. In urban areas, faulty wiring accounts for 33% of residential electrical fires.
   3. Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.

You Should:

1. Know where your children are at all times.
2. Never leave children alone in cars.
3. Establish strict procedures for picking your children up at school, at a friend's, after a movie, etc. Do not let your children accept rides from people with whom you have not made previous arrangements - even if they say they are a police officer, teacher, or friend of the family.
4. Establish a family code word. Tell your children never to go with anyone who does not know the code word.
5. Teach your children their full names, your full name, address, and telephone number. Teach them how to reach either you or a trusted adult, and how to call for police assistance.
6. Make sure they know how to make local and long distance telephone calls. Even a small child can be taught to dial 911 or O for “Operator” for help.
7. Tell your children about the abduction problem in a calm and simple way as if you were teaching any other important coping skill.
8. Listen attentively if your children talk about anyone they encounter in your absence.
9. Have photographs of your children taken four times a year (especially for pre-schoolers). Make a note of birthmarks and other distinguishing features.
10. Have fingerprints taken of your children. Most local law enforcement agencies have child fingerprint programs.

Teach Your Children:

1. Never to leave the yard without your permission. Very small children should play only in the backyard or in a supervised play area.
2. Not to wander off, to avoid lonely places, and not to take shortcuts through alleys or deserted areas.
3. They are safer walking or playing with friends.
4. Always to come straight home from school unless you have made other arrangements.
5. Never enter anyone's home without your prior approval. Exception: A Block Parent.
6. To scream, run away, and tell you or a trusted adult if anyone attempts to touch or grab them.
7. Not to give out any information on the telephone, particularly their name and address, or that they are alone.
8. Never to go anywhere with anyone who does not know the family code word.
9. To keep all door locked and only admit authorized people into the house. No one else should be permitted to enter.
10. To memorize their full names and address, including city and state.
11. To memorize their telephone number, including area code.
12. To use both push button and dial telephones to make emergency, local, and long distance calls, and how to reach the Operator.
13. To always check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home.
14. Never to go into your home if a door is open or a window is broken.
15. How to work door and window locks.
16. How to get out of the home quickly in case of fire.
17. How to answer the doorbell and telephone when they are home alone.
18. Never go anywhere with another adult unless you have made arrangements ahead of time. Adopt a family code word to use if you have to ask a third party to pick up your children.
19. That a stranger is someone neither you nor they know well.
20. To run to the nearest public place, neighbor, or safe house if they feel they are being followed.
21. To tell you if anyone asks them to keep a secret, offers them gifts or money, or asks to take their picture.
22. To always tell you if something happened while they were away from you that made them feel uncomfortable.

Listen and Talk With Your Children

Safety Rules Start Early

Observe Physical and Behavioral Signs

1. Changes in behavior such as withdrawal, fearfulness, crying without provocation.
2. Appetite disturbances.
3. Recurrent nightmares, disturbed sleep patterns, fear of the dark.
4. Regression to more infantile behavior such as bedwetting, thumb sucking, or excessive crying.
5. Torn or stained underclothing.
6. Vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swollen genitals, vaginal discharge, or sexually transmitted diseases.
7. Unusual interest in or knowledge of sexual matters, expressing affection in ways inappropriate for a child of that age.
8. Fear of a person or an intense dislike at being left somewhere or with someone.
9. Other behavioral signals such as aggressive or disruptive behavior, running away, failing in school, or delinquent behavior.

If You Think Your Child Has Been Abused....

1. Believe the child. Children rarely lie about sexual abuse.
2. Commend the child for telling you about the experience.
3. Assure the child that you will protect him or her.
4. Convey your support for the child. A child's greatest fear is that they are at fault and responsible for the incident. Alleviating this self-blame is of paramount importance.
5. Temper your own reaction. Your greatest challenge is not to convey your horror about the abuse. Recognize that your perspective and acceptance are critical signals to your child.
6. Do not go to the school or program to talk about your concern. Instead, report the suspected molestation to a social services agency and/or the police.
7. Find a specialized agency that evaluates sexual abuse victims - a hospital, child welfare agency, community mental health program, or child abuse treatment center. Keep asking until you find a group or an individual with appropriate expertise.
8. Search for a physician with the experience and training to detect and recognize sexual abuse when you seek a medical examination. Community sexual abuse treatment programs, children's' hospitals, and medical societies may be sources for referrals.
9. Talk with other parents to ascertain if their children exhibit unusual behavior or physical symptoms.

Choosing a Preschool, Child Care Center or Day Care

1. Find out if the program is reputable and whether any complaints have been made against it by contacting the state Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, child care information and referral services, or other child care community agencies.
2. Find out as much as you can about the teachers and caretakers. Talk to other parents who have used the program.
3. Learn about the school's or center's hiring policies and practices. Ask how the organization recruits and selects staff. Find out whether they examine references and employment histories before hiring decisions are made.
4. Ask if the center or school welcomes and supports parental participation. Be sensitive to the attitude and degree of openness about such participation.
5. Make sure you have the right to drop in and visit the program at any time.
6. Make sure you are informed about every planned outing. Never give the organization blanket permission to take your child off the premises.
7. Prohibit, in writing, the release of your child to anyone without your explicit authorization. Make sure the caretakers know who will pick up your child on any given day.
8. Remember: Taking action is critical because if nothing is done, other children will continue to be at risk. Child sexual abuse is a community concern.
9. Make sure that your children know you want to be told about someone who does something confusing to them, like touching, or gives them gifts. Reassure your child and explain they will not be blamed for whatever and adult does to them.