Don’t make it easy to become a victim, be aware of your surroundings

North Bay Police Service
News Release

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Do your part to build strong and safe communities:

1. Discuss crime prevention with your family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers.

2. Protect your family, your property and yourself.

3. Get involved in your community.

4. Speak up for victims of crime.


Theme of the day – “Don’t make it easy to become a victim, be aware of your surroundings”


While anyone can be victimized, children, women, seniors and persons with disabilities are usually more vulnerable.

These guidelines will help you to protect yourself and your family by reducing crime and maintaining a more secure and safer environment:

• Use only your first initials with surname on mail boxes, directories, etc., especially if you live alone.

• Never open your door to a stranger who does not show proper identification. Speak through the closed door if you are not sure. Always verify identification.

• Arrange a system so that someone you trust has a key to your home and is aware of your whereabouts at all times, especially if you live alone. Make sure the key is kept in a secure place for use by family and friends.

• Don’t display large amounts of money in public and use cash alternatives such as debit cards.

• Always be aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of persons loitering or acting suspiciously.

• If you suspect you are being followed, go to the nearest well-lit public place or populated area. Yell, if necessary, to attract attention or call the police immediately.

• Don’t hitch-hike or pick up hitch-hikers. Once you are trapped inside a vehicle, it is difficult to escape.

• Be aware that any form of sexual activity without consent, even in a marriage or on a date, is a sexual assault and a criminal offence.

• Don’t reveal personal information to anyone on the telephone or at your door.

• Don’t leave purses unattended in shopping carts or on store counters.

Tomorrow’s theme of the day – “Promote road safety, don’t drink and drive!”

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