Crime Prevention Tips

Protect Your Child

Your child cannot tell the difference between strangers who are not dangerous, and those that are. Children possess a natural ability to trust people, so you must teach them to exercise caution in these situations.

• Your child should know his full name, address, and phone number, including area code, before going to kindergarten. He should also know how to use a public phone, and how to dial "911" and "0" in an emergency.
• Teach your child that although it is not all right to talk to strangers, it is okay to go to a police officer, security guard, or store clerk if he needs help.
• Let your child know that it is never okay to accept rides or gifts from someone that he does not know.
• Teach your child to follow his instincts, and leave immediately if the situation does not seem right.
• Make sure that he always walks and plays with friends, never by himself.
• If your child has to be home alone after school, make sure that he notifies you or a neighbor when he gets home. Leave a phone number where you can be reached, along with numbers for neighbors and emergencies including police, fire, paramedics, and the poison control center.
• Make sure that your child knows not to let anyone in the house without your permission, and to never let a caller at the door or on the phone know that there is not an adult at home. Teach him to say that his parents are busy and take a message.
• Always know where your child is, and whom he is with.
• Make sure that your child knows where the safe places are to go if he feels threatened when walking or riding his bicycle.
• Teach your child to run away immediately if a stranger stops to ask for directions or assistance.
• Make sure that your child knows that it is never acceptable to take candy, toys, gifts, or anything else offered to him by a stranger.
• Keep current identification information about your child in a safe and accessible place. Include fingerprints, video, photo, and physical description.
• Know how to obtain your child's dental x-rays and medical records.
• Never leave your child unattended in a public place.
• Always check the references of daycares, preschools, and babysitters before leaving your child with them.