Crime Safety Tips

Bullying

Please visit these websites for helpful resources that will assist you in dealing with bullying.

How to Protect Your Identity

Here are some tips for how to protect your identity:

  • Don't leave mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends
  • Don't leave your purse and/or wallet in unattended vehicles
  • Deposit outgoing mail in U.S. Postal Service collection boxes
  • Shred unwanted documents that contain personal information
  • Put your trash out on the day that it is collected
  • Review your consumer credit report annually
  • Report lost or stolen credit cards to the issuer immediately
  • Destroy expired/old credit cards and drivers licenses
  • Memorize your Social Security number and passwords.
  • Don't list your Social Security number on your checks
  • Match credit card receipts against monthly bills
  • Check your financial statements for accuracy
  • Always safeguard birth certificates, credit history reports, and any statements that contain personal information

What to do if you are the victim of identity theft:

  1. Make a police report: Give the officer as much information on the theft as possible: How the fraud was discovered, activity to date of fraud (in chronological order), affected accounts and losses, and any information about how the imposter got your information.
  2. Cancel any fraudulent or compromised accounts: Immediately close and dispute any new, unauthorized accounts. The FTC has prepared an "ID theft affidavit" that is accepted by many banks and creditors at the Federal Trade Commission.
  3. Notify Credit Bureaus: Contact one of the three credit bureaus to report the theft. When contacted, the credit bureaus will put a "fraud alert" on your credit report to prevent any further fraudulent accounts from being opened. As soon as one of the credit bureaus places a fraud alert, the other two bureaus are automatically notified to do the same and you should receive a free credit report from all three bureaus.
  4. Review your credit reports carefully: Look for changes in old accounts and look for newly opened accounts. Check your name, address and Social Security number for any changes. Have the credit agencies remove all information in your credit report that results from the theft. Order new credit reports every three months until your situation is cleared up.

Internet Safety Information

Here are some internet safety tips:

  • Install antivirus and firewall software on your computer
  • Search only trusted websites
  • Use caution when purchasing merchandise online, and make sure the site is secure
  • Do not open email attachments from someone you do not know
  • Be mindful that banking institutions will not ask for your personal information through an email
  • Do not post your date of birth, home address and other identifying information online for complete strangers to see
  • Keep your computer in a central location, so you can see what sites your children are on
  • Establish rules/guidelines for your children to follow while they are online

Theft From Vehicle Prevention Tips

Here are some tips for preventing theft from your vehicle:

  • Park in lots with plenty of lighting during the hours of darkness
  • Do not leave valuables in plain sight of others including accessories to electronic devices
  • Make sure packages recently purchased are stored in the trunk of your car
  • Do not leave wallets or purses lying in the car in plain sight

Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe

Home safety tips:

  • Lock your doors even if you are only running out to do a short errand
  • Make sure your doors have a deadbolt
  • Keep your garage doors closed even if you are at home
  • Keep your windows locked, or have the safety latches engaged
  • Do not place a note on your door informing someone you are away
  • Make sure your home has sufficient exterior lighting for nighttime hours
  • Install motion sensitive lighting
  • Keep your house address numbers visible for emergency responders
  • Keep ladders in your garage, or locked tool shed so they are not accessible to a burglar
  • Invest in an alarm system
  • If a new appliance was purchased, such as a new television or home theater system, avoid placing the empty box outside where it is visible to others
  • While vacationing, ask a trusted neighbor or family member to watch your home and pick up mail or newspapers