Personal safety is everyone’s business!
No-one wants to ever think that they might become a victim of a crime, but, denying the possibility may sometimes put you at greater risk also. In order to be safe, you have to prepare and prevent. Preparation and prevention is always better than reaction! It is more effective and preferable to prevent a problem from occurring in the first place rather than having to deal with a problem once it occurs. Undeniably, crime is a concern for all of us. However, you CAN lessen your risk of becoming a victim! The following information, while not all-inclusive, will provide valuable suggestions in regard to making yourself and your family safer. Nothing is 100% effective. However, well-learned and utilized safety tips will certainly improve your opportunity to Live Safely!
Safety In General
• Wherever you are, always stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
• When entering the front doors swipe your "fob" and pull the door instead of hitting the handicapped button. The doors will stay open for a shorter amount of time, which will reduce the number of people able to follow you in.
• Don't look like a victim. Walk tall with your head up. Project an air of confidence as you walk and speak to persons.
• Trust your instincts. If something, or someone, makes you uncomfortable, avoid the person or leave the area. Listening to "your gut instinct" can help you avoid becoming a victim of a violent crime. Like Mark Buckley at the Lowell Police Department said to us, "If it walks like a duck and looks like a duck, it's probably a duck!"
When You Are Walking
• Stay on well-traveled streets and well-lit streets. Avoid taking a shortcut through wooded areas, parking lots, or dark dangerous alleys to be safe.
• Don't flash large amounts of cash or other tempting targets like expensive jewelry or clothing that draws attention.
• Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the lengthy straps. Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not a back pocket..
• If you think someone is following you, switch direction and look at the person. They will be less likely to attack you if you can identify them. Walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted house, any place where there are people.
When Driving
• Look under and around your car as you approach and check the interior and back seat of your car before entering.
• Always know where you are going and the best way to get there without having to stop and ask strangers for directions.
• Make sure you have enough gas to get where you're going and back.
• Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you're coming right back. Check inside and out before getting in.
• Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in lots and underground parking garages. Always park in a well lighted, heavily traveled area.
• If you think you are being followed, don't head home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, gas station, or other open business to get help.
• Don't pick up hitchhikers when you are driving and only accept rides from people you know and trust.
• When you're stopped at a light or stop sign, leave enough space to pull around the vehicle in front of you. An easy way to gauge this is to stop your car so that you can still see the rear tires of the car in front of you touching the pavement. If anyone approaches your vehicle in a threatening manner, you will have enough room to pull out safely and get away.
• Beware of the "bump and rob." It works like this: A car rear ends, or bumps you in traffic. You get out to check the damage and the driver or one of the passengers jumps into your car and drives off. Look around before you get out; make sure other cars or around. If you feel uneasy, stay in the car and insist on moving to a busy place or police station. Call the police right away.
Also When Driving - Road Rage Many motorists become victims every day because of "road rage." Many drivers get angry when someone cuts them off or tailgates them. A lot of drivers get angry at slow drivers. Violent incidents on the road recorded by police have increased more than 50 percent over the last five years. The following are some tips to avoid becoming involved in a "road rage" confrontation.
WHAT IS SUSPICIOUS?
"Am I witnessing a crime?" Most of us have found ourselves wondering this at some time or other. However, because we are not really sure, we tend to ignore what we have just seen and, hoping it wasn't so, we continue about our business. Together as a community we can make Lofts at Perkins Park a safer community.
"PEOPLE AREN'T SUSPICIOUS, BEHAVIOR IS!"
Signs and behavior to look for that may be suspicious:
- A person running.
- A person going door-to-door in an building or a residential area.
- Any person forcibly entering a locked vehicle.
- Business transactions being conducted from a vehicle.
- One or more persons sitting in a parked car exhibiting suspicious behavior.
- A juvenile or female being forced into a vehicle.
- A person exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms.
Please call the Lowell Police Non-Emergency line if you see anything or anyone suspicious (978) 973-3200. Also, in the event of an emergency always remember to dial 911! We want your experience here at the Lofts at Perkins Park to be as enjoyable and safe as possible. With just a small amount of effort and awareness we can make this happen!
