How not to become a statistic:  General

• Whenever and wherever you are -- stay focused and be aware of your surroundings.
• If you look lost you look like a victim.
• Present an "air" of confidence by standing up straight and tall.
• Listen to your "gut".  Trust your instincts!
• If something or someone makes you uncomfortable, avoid either one.
• Concentrate on the "lay of the land".  Know the location of the closest police station, gas station, hospital or any 24 hour restaurants.  
• Don't wander into "strange" neighborhoods alone.
• Don't walk alone at night, most assaults take place then.

How not to become a statistic while walking:

• Stay on well-traveled streets  --  Avoid shortcuts, wooded areas, alleys or parking lots.
• Don't display large amounts of cash or flashy jewelry.
• Carry your purse close to your side, put your wallet in an inside jacket or trouser pocket.
• Always carry some form of "personal protection" with you.
• Try to avoid using ATM's at night and even in the daylight if those around the unit look questionable.
• Don't fumble for your keys at the door.  Have them ready.
• If you think you are being followed, change direction or cross the street to verify.  Proceed to somewhere well lighted with people around.

How not to become a statistic while driving:

• Plan Ahead -- know where you are going.
• Make sure your tank is not on "E".
• Roll up the windows and lock the doors - Always!
• Park in well lighted areas that are populated.
• If you think you are being followed, do not drive home.  Drive to somehwere there are people.
• Never pick up "hitchhikers".
• Always take your "Personal Protection" with you.
• When stopped at a light, leave enough room ahead of you to pull out if something happens.

          You should be aware of the following statistics:
               2007 FBI Crime Stats:

               Every 30.0 minutes          One murder occurs
               Every 5.8 minutes            One forcible rape occurs
               Every 1.2 minutes            One robbery occurs
               Every 22.4 seconds          One violent crime occurs
               Every 36.8 seconds          One aggravated assault occurs
               Every 3.2 seconds            One property crime occurs
               Every 14.5 seconds          One burglary occurs
               Every 4.8 seconds            One larceny-theft occurs
               Every 28.8 seconds          One motor vehicle theft occurs

In a recent 12 month recorded period, government statistics show that there were approximately 1,350,000 combined reported rapes, assaults and burglary's.  That's 3,700 per day here in the United States of America, the safest country on the planet.  Please don't let yourself or someone you care about become a statistic.