October is Crime Prevention Month

The Missouri State Highway Patrol joins the National Crime Prevention
Council in observing October 2011 as National Crime Prevention Month. The Patrol says that Missourians can help decrease crime with these simple habits:

Anticipate potential crime situations; recognize when there is a problem; and, take action to remove or reduce the risk of a crime occurring. The Patrol urges residents and visitors to be alert and think safety. The following are some ways to help yourself during October and beyond: 

Identity Theft: Once you realize you’ve become a victim of identity theft:

* Notify the credit bureaus, your creditors, your bank and law enforcement.

* Notify the local postal inspector if you suspect an identity thief has filed a change of address with the post office or has used the mail to commit credit or bank fraud.

* In dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, keep a log of
all conversations, including dates, times, names and phone numbers. Note
the time spent and any expenses incurred. Confirm conversations in writing.
Send correspondence by certified mail (return receipt requested). Keep
copies of all letters and documents.

* If someone is using your driver’s license number from your stolen checks,
you may need to contact the Missouri Department of Revenue’s Fraud Unit.

* If you have a passport, notify the passport office in writing to be on the lookout for anyone ordering a new passport fraudulently.

For more detailed information, visit www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Select publications then brochures and read the Patrol’s brochure on identity theft.

Home:

* Make sure you have good locks on all exterior doors—at least dead-bolt
locks with a minimum of one-inch throw.

* Make sure your windows have strong locks.

* Use the locks you have.

* Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks or put a wooden dowel or broom handle in the door track.

* Porches, entrances and outside areas should be well lighted.

* Trim any bushes or trees that hide doors or windows. Maintain your yard
and keep ladders and tools inside when they are not in use.

* Don’t hide a house key under the doormat or in a flowerpot. That’s the
first place a burglar will look! Give a key to a trusted neighbor instead.

*Consider an alarm system.

In Missouri, a burglary occurred every 12.1 minutes in 2010. (Statistic
from Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime In Missouri 2010 report.)

Car:

* Always lock your car and take the keys, even if you plan to return in a
short time. One motor vehicle theft occurred every 33.2 minutes. (Statistic
from Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime In Missouri 2010 report.)

* Keep your car in good running condition to avoid breakdowns.

* If your car breaks down, raise the hood or tie a white cloth to the 
street side door handle. Stay in your locked car. Call *55 on your cellular
telephone to reach the nearest Missouri State Highway Patrol headquarters
and ask for assistance. If you don’t have a cell phone with you, wait in
your car. If someone stops and offers assistance, ask them to make the call
for you.

* NEVER pick up hitchhikers.

* Park in well-lighted areas that will remain lighted until you return to
your car. Be particularly alert when using enclosed parking garages.

Children:

* Teach your children how to use the telephone properly in an emergency
situation.

*Make sure your children know their name, address, phone number and your 
work number.

* Teach your children to walk and play with friends, not alone.

* Tell your children to refuse rides or gifts from someone they don’t know
well.

*Teach your children to tell a trusted adult immediately if anyone, even a
teacher or close relative, touches them in a way that makes them feel
uncomfortable.

* Remind your children to leave the door locked if they are home alone.
 They shouldn’t answer the door if you’re not there.

* Teach your children never to tell anyone they are home alone, especially
over the phone. 

Parents are encouraged to listen to their children’s worries and problems.
 Talk to them. Make sure you know where your children are going, who they
will be with, and when they will return. Know their friends’ names and
phone numbers.

There are other ways to prevent crime. Education through your schools and 
Neighborhood Watch groups are good first steps.

The Missouri State Highway
Patrol has public information and education officers assigned to each troop 
headquarters and the Division of Drug and Crime Control. These troopers are
available to present a variety of programs to civic groups, church groups, 
schools and companies. Contact the nearest Patrol troop headquarters if 
you would like a safety or related program presented to your group.