Safety tips to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime:

1. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

2. No honest policeman or bank employee will ever ask you to take money out of your account, or ask for the secret code to your computer card. If anyone asks you to do so, talk to the bank manager or to a police officer that you know.

3. Never allow someone to look over your shoulder while you use your computer card or secret code.

4. Read and understand any contract before you sign it.

5. Never open your door to strangers including door to door salesmen, use a side window or peephole to see who is at the door and talk through a locked door. Be alert to personals claiming to work for a utility company: electric, gas, water, cable. If you did not call the utility company with a problem, that person should not need to enter your home. Ask for a telephone number and call to verify who that person is. If you think something is not right or the person refuses to leave call the police immediately at 911.

6. Do not be afraid of or intimidated by a salesperson. Do not be pushed into anything. Any genuine deal or money making plan can wait a few days for you to check it out. When anyone tells you different, pass up their proposal.

7. Do not enter a contest or accept free gifts or prizes unless you clearly understand your obligations.

8. Never pay for something you did not order or do not want. If anyone says that a deceased loved one has ordered something, check it out, or simply say that you will not accept delivery or make payment.

9. Buy insurance from someone you trust. Buy only what you really want, need and can afford.

10. Never carry large sums of money. Have payroll, social security or other checks automatically deposited into your bank account. Pay your bills by check.

11. When you carry a purse, keep it firmly in your hand with the clasp nearest your body. Do not dangle it as a target.

12. Travel, walk or park in well lit areas with a companion if possible.

13. Keep your car in good repair and always lock your doors. Store packages or valuables in the trunk or out of sight.

14. Protect your home with good door locks and window locks. Use dead bolt locks and install peep holes. Keep all shrubs trimmed below windows. Make sure your house is well-lit at night time. Consider purchasing an alarm system.

15. Trim shrubbery that blocks the view of your doors and windows.

16. Always leave your home so that it looks occupied. Leave some lights or a radio on. When away, have a friend pick up your mail or paper and cut your grass.

17. If you, or an elderly or disabled person that your know are being abused, neglected or exploited, report it to the county department of social services. In an emergency, you may need to call 911. The law protects you if you act in good faith with the desire to help.

18. Be a "nosey neighbor." Report all suspicious activities in your community.