Keep your eyes and ears open. Being alert to possible threat is the best way to keep safe.

At Home

• Keep your doors and windows locked and do not open them to strangers.
• Do not allow your children to answer the door without your knowledge.
• Watch for anyone who may have followed you home.
• Keep your front entrance well lit and visible from inside your house.

At Check Cashing Stores

• Be aware of who is around you so you know if you are being followed after cashing a check.
• Do not count out large quantities of cash in open view.
• Park in areas that are well lit.
• Avoid routine, such as cashing a check at the same time and location each week.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry when obtaining cash. Robbers look for people who appear to have lots of cash.
• When making purchases, do not advertise that you have a large amount of cash.
• Keep cash in small amounts in different pockets.

While Driving

• Keep your doors locked, windows rolled up, and your car in gear.
• If your car is approached while you are stopped, try to safely drive away.
• Be aware whether you are being followed.
• If you are being followed, drive to a well-lit public area and ask for help.

What to Do If You Are Being Robbed

• Stay calm. You will remember more about the suspect. Most suspects do not harm their victims.
• Do not resist the robber. Cooperate with the robber, but do not volunteer to do anything other than what is asked of you.
• Try to remember as much about the suspect as possible, including a vehicle description, license plate and direction of travel.
• Call 911 as soon as possible (from the scene if practical) and stay on the phone until an officer arrives to assist you.
• Complete a report with the responding officer.