Crime Prevention Month has been declared throughout Richland County, South Carolina. The measure seeks to improve public safety by cutting down on those crimes that most typically plague the community. Many of those crimes involve transgressions that take place in or around parked automobiles and the public transportation options available to citizens. That’s why the local Sheriff’s Office is offering a series of safety tips that would be valuable to citizens all across the country.
First, people should be aware of what to do to ensure their trip on a bus or some other public transportation option is safe. Before you even get on the bus, you should verify that the stop you’re going to be utilizing is well-trafficked so that you don’t suddenly find yourself cut off from the rest of the population. You should remain alert at all times and have your money ready to go before the bus even gets there. That way you don’t have to open your wallet or purse in the tumult of boarding. When the bus (or train) does come, stand far enough back that you won’t be in danger of falling into the vehicle’s path.
There are different procedures that can be taken when the conveyance is crowded versus nearly empty. For the former, keep your purse against your body and your wallet in a front pocket where it won’t be easily picked off. If the crowd is surging and you accidentally bump up against someone, immediately make sure that everything is where it’s supposed to be. And when the bus is empty or nearly empty, sit as close to the driver as possible and alert him or her if anything untoward is happening. If things are really out of hand, get in touch with local authorities.
Parking a vehicle in a public space also carries a variety of risks that can be mitigated with the right techniques. Avoid dark parking spots and always lock the doors and roll up the windows when you exit the vehicle. Also be sure to keep valuables or things that might look like they contain valuables in the trunk where they won’t be seen. That way, you’ll be less likely to be the target of a robbery.
When you get back into the automobile, take out your keys before you even get to the vehicle. Glance into the backseat to ensure that things are as you left them and no one has hidden out. Lock the doors immediately upon reentry.
Finally, if you’re out and about driving and you think that someone has been following your every move, then go someplace you know is going to be highly populated and well lit and seek assistance inside that venue.