Safety Tips

Is a common term used for all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another persons personal data in some manner that involve fraud or deception, usually for economic gain. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America.

How Identity Theft is Committed?

• Shoulder Surfing - Watching you punch in telephone calling card, credit card, ATM numbers.
• Business Record Theft - Stealing personal files from businesses or institutions where you are a customer, patient, employee, etc.
• Scamming - Posing as a legitimate company or government agency to obtain your personal information. This often happens through e-mail.
• Phone Fraud - Establishing cellular phone service in someone else's name.
• Skimming - Stealing credit and debit card numbers as the card is being scanned/processed to pay for a purchase, using a special data collection device known as a “skimmer”.
• Dumpster Diving - Going through your trash or the trash of businesses to obtain copies of checks, credit card/bank statements, or other records.
• Mail Theft - Stealing mail to get new credit cards, bank, or credit card statements, tax information, as well as falsifying change of address information.
• Steal Wallet or Purse - Obtaining personal information from the theft of your purse or wallet.
• The Information Highway - Obtaining information that you share over the Internet.
• Spoofing and Phishing - When thieves set up look-alike websites of legitimate businesses and trick consumers into entering their personal information by sending e-mail messages that warn them that their account is about to expire or has been accessed illegally.

Warning Signs Of Identity Theft

• Your monthly credit card and bank statements suddenly stop arriving.
• You are denied credit for reasons that do not match your understanding of your financial position.
• You start getting bills from companies you do not recognize.
• You receive calls from collection agencies or creditors for an account you don’t have or that is up to date.
• You observe unusual entries on your credit report.
• Financial account statements show withdrawals you didn’t make.
• A creditor calls to say you’ve been approved or denied credit that you haven’t applied for. Or, you get credit card statements for accounts you don’t have.

Preventing Identity Theft

• Guard your Social Security number. Remember this is the most important step. This is the key to your credit report and banking accounts. Give it out only when it is absolutely necessary.
• Minimize the amount of personal financial information and credit cards you carry. Memorize passwords and PINs instead of carrying them with you.
• Keep personal financial information in a secure place in your home. Shred identifying information before throwing it away.
• DO NOT give sensitive information to unsolicited callers. Remember that most legitimate businesses will not ask for your Social Security or bank account numbers.
• Shield your hand when entering your PIN at a bank ATM or when making long distance calls with a calling card. Take your credit card receipts and ATM slips. Shred them before throwing them away.
• Pick up new checks or a new or reissued credit card at your bank rather than having them delivered to your home. Do not have your driver’s license number or social security number printed on your checks.
• Check your credit report each year for signs of unusual activity.
• Limit the exposure of your Social Security number and personal information by giving it only when it is absolutely necessary.
• DO NOT give personal information over the phone, over the Internet or through the mail unless you initiated the contact or are certain of the business’ trustworthiness.
• Keep duplicate records of your wallet’s contents.
• Mail payments from a safe location. Do not place them in your mailbox where they can be stolen.

If your bank or credit card statement does not arrive on time, call the issuer to make sure they are being sent to the proper address. Also contact the Post Office to see if a change of address has been filed in your name. A thief may steal or divert your statements to hide illegal activity.

If You Have Been The Victim Of Identity Theft

Contact the Houston Police Department immediately: 713-884-3131

Contact the following credit reporting agencies:

• Trans Union 1-800-680-7289 www.tuc.com
• CSC Fraud 1-800-272-9281 www.csccredit.com
• Equifax 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.com
• Experian 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission 1-877-IDTHEFT
• Review your Credit Report

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

By practicing the suggested crime prevention tips you can help reduce the chances that you will become the victim of a burglary of a motor vehicle. You can take an active role in reducing the crime in our city by securing any property in your vehicle where thieves cannot see it, taking your keys with you, and locking your car doors.

• BE AWARE of your surroundings at ALL times.
• PARK ONLY in well-lighted areas and in high traffic areas of a parking lot.
• REMOVE all interior valuables/packages from plain view (preferably prior to reaching your destination). Lock these items in the trunk. These items often encourage a theft.
• DO NOT leave any articles of value in your car unattended, especially overnight (cell phones, laptops, money, wallet, purse).
• LOCK all doors and roll up all windows. Whether you leave your vehicle for a minute or several hours, secure your belongings, lock your car and take your keys.
• USE AUTO THEFT DETERRENTS such as car alarms, kill switches, steering wheel, and column devices.
• PARK your vehicle in your garage when at home.
• PURCHASE stereo or television equipment that can be removed and placed out of sight.
• CARRY YOUR REGISTRATION with you. Don’t leave any personal identification documents, keys, or credit cards anywhere in the vehicle.
• IF YOU NOTICE anyone acting suspicious or hanging around the parking lot, return to the business and notify the management or call the police department.

Burglary of a motor vehicle is most often a crime of opportunity. If you take away the opportunity, you reduce the chance of being a victim. Most thieves won’t gamble with breaking into a vehicle where they may walk away empty handed. Remember, they’re looking for a sure thing. In the majority of these cases, property can be seen by looking into your vehicle.

Download PDF

A robbery is one of the most serious and potentially dangerous crimes committed in the United States today. A robber commits a holdup because he or she believes that their profit will be worth the risk. By decreasing the possible profit and increasing the risk of apprehension, potential victims can reduce their chance of becoming a target.

• Try not to walk alone. It’s a lot safer if you walk with at least one other person.
• Be alert, walk with your head up and do not let your mind wander. Frequently scan your surroundings, that includes behind you.
• When walking at night, consider a taxi cab even for short trips.
• Trust your instincts, avoid uncomfortable situations. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Be observant for groups of males/females driving or just hanging around.
• Do not take shortcuts through unlit, sparsely traveled paths such as trails, stairwells, or alleys.

• Arrive and leave areas early to avoid being out after dark.
• DO NOT park next to a vehicle with dark tinted windows that can prevent you from seeing if someone is sitting inside it.
• Park in a high visibility area and check for lighting in case you leave when it is dark.
• Ask a security officer to escort you to your vehicle if you feel uncomfortable.
• Walk briskly, confidently, and directly through the parking lot. Be cautious of people handing out fliers or asking questions.
• Have your car keys ready to unlock your car door, look around and under your car, and observe other vehicles parked nearby for suspicious persons before approaching.
• Watch for people who may be following you. This can occur inside as well as outside businesses.
• If you suspect that you are being followed, report it immediately to security or police.
• Glance into the backseat and at the floorboards of your car before entering to check for anyone hiding inside.
• DO NOT sit in a parked vehicle. If a stranger approaches your vehicle, sound your horn and don’t let off.
• DO NOT open your car door or window for anyone. If someone is standing near your unoccupied vehicle, do not approach it.

Carry only the amount of cash that you expect to use. If cash is needed use ATM or debit cards.

Avoid outdoor ATM’s, particularly at night and those in secluded areas inside.

Be alert at banks or check cashing businesses. Carrying cash marks you as a target. Avoid showing your wallet when possible. Keep needed cash, ID, and credit cards in an accessible pocket.

DO NOT argue or fight with the robber. Any amount of money or valuables is not worth personal injury to you.

Follow the robber’s directions, but do not volunteer more than asked for.

If you have to move or reach, tell the robber what you are going to do and why. Assure the robber that you will cooperate.

Make mental notes of:

• The robber’s race, age, height, sex, clothing, complexion, hair, eye color, etc.
• Anything unusual about the robber such as scars or tattoos.
• The number of accomplices and how they left the scene, direction of travel, type and color of vehicle. Get the license number if you can safely do so.
• Any conversations the suspects may have with one another.
• What the suspect’s weapon looked like so you can describe it later.
• Also, try to remember what the suspect touches so that fingerprints may be lifted.

• Many of the robberies occur when you’re alone and are committed by one or more male robbers.
• A lot of these robberies take place on the way to and from your car, especially in shopping centers and apartment parking lots.
• The use of a cellular phone or headset, whether driving or walking, is a distraction which can increase your likelihood of being robbed.
• Robbery is a crime of violence that threatens the safety and quality of life of a community.
• Robbery is a crime of opportunity that can be reduced through awareness and prevention.
• Robbers are serial criminals and will continue to prey on victims until arrested.
• Failure to report a robbery, not prosecuting the criminal if you are a victim, not providing information to police or Crime Stoppers about robbers ensures continued victimization.
• One of the most important robbery reduction strategies is to arrest the criminal.

A burglary is reported every 15 seconds in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice defines household burglary as “unlawful entry or attempted entry of a residence.” This crime usually, but not always, involves theft. Of all the major criminal offenses, residential burglary is the most common. By following these simple steps, you can reduce the possibility that your home will be targeted.

• Acknowledge all callers through locked doors. Before opening an exterior door to your home, know who is at the door and do not open the door to an unexpected visitor.
• Lock your doors and windows when you are at home. Criminals look for houses with the easiest entry.
• Never leave notes on your door that reveal that your home is not occupied.
• Trim Shrubs to deny intruders a hiding place to work; shrubs can block the view to the house. Walks and Driveways should also be kept free of objects or plants that might offer concealment for intruders who are trying to break into your house.
• Lawn Care is an effective indicator that someone is home. Keep your yard maintained.
• Permit easy visibility of your home by neighbors and/or police.
• Trim Tree Limbs from the bottom, up to 8 feet, to allow for clear visibility by neighbors and/or police.
• Install large reflective numbers (minimum 3 inches) on your house and mailbox so police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly.
• Be alert in protecting not only your home, but your neighbors' as well. Don’t tell a stranger that your neighbor is not at home or volunteer any personal information about your neighbor.
• When traveling, have a neighbor collect the mail/newspaper or have the deliveries temporarily stopped.
• Before moving into a new house or apartment, ensure all exterior door locks on your new home are rekeyed or changed. Also change the code to the garage door opener.
• Alarms provide added protection and are most effective when used with other security techniques.

Remember:

• Choose a reputable, well established alarm company.
• Set the alarm system at night and when away from your residence.
• Do not write your alarm code or password on or near the alarm keypad.
• Put a warning sign on windows and entrances to notify possible intruders you have an alarm.

Download PDF

• Always stay alert to your surroundings and avoid locations/situations that make you more vulnerable to crime such as alleys or dark parking lots.
• Avoid distractions that decrease your awareness level, ie. talking on a cell phone or wearing headphones.
• Walk with a purpose to communicate a message of confidence. Make eye contact with people, however do not engage in conversation with strangers on the street.
• Travel with family and friends. Walking in a group decreases your chances of becoming a victim.
• Stay in well-lighted areas and avoid short-cuts through deserted areas.
• Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or other tempting items, such as expensive jewelry and clothing.
• Always trust your instincts. If a person or place makes you uneasy, leave.

• Never give telephone numbers, addresses, or plans of fellow co-workers to anyone without their permission.
• Use discretion in revealing personal plans to people at work.
• DO NOT leave valuables in plain view. Always secure your property.
• DO NOT leave the reception area unattended.
• If you work alone or work outside of normal business hours, keep your office door locked.
• If you leave the office after hours, have a co-worker or security guard walk you to your car.

• Immediately lock your doors.
• DO NOT become involved with angry drivers and don’t take traffic problems personally.
• Avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver and do not make obscene gestures.
• If someone is tailgating you, pull into the slow lane and allow them to pass.
• DO NOT tailgate other drivers or cut them off.
• If you have car problems, raise the hood and tie a white cloth to the door handle to signal for help. Get back into the car and keep the doors and windows locked. If someone stops, do not roll down your window. Ask them to call for help. Do not accept rides from anyone.
• If you think someone is following you, do not go home. Drive to the nearest police station, fire station, open gas station, or well-lighted place where there are people that can help you.
• Don’t lose your life or the life of a passenger by becoming involved in ROAD RAGE

• Always park in a well-lighted area so you can see your car and its surroundings from a distance.
• Have your car keys ready as you approach your vehicle and look under, around, and inside
• your car for persons who may be hiding. If safe, enter and immediately lock all doors.
• While stopped in traffic, leave enough room between your car and the one in front of you so
• you can maneuver and escape if necessary.
• Keep an alert eye out for any suspicious characters at intersections.