Domestic crimes continue to happen even though authorities maintain and execute specific measures to curb such instances. Maybe this is because of economic problems that drive people to do things that they don’t normally do. Or maybe, there are just too few law enforcers who can watch over communities’ and people’s welfare. There are still a host of other reasons why crime rates are on the rise despite police efforts. Although this may be a scary thought, people should empower themselves. The public can join it efforts to curb criminal activities because people can do a lot to fight crime; and they don’t have to be super heroes to do it.
1. Join Neighborhood Watch Programs and Other Community AssociationsÂ
Neighborhood Watch programs are created in order that people in a certain place will be able to better monitor their surroundings. When someone from a neighborhood notices something strange, a car or an individual perhaps, then the person from the neighborhood is responsible for reporting this. Hence, joining a neighborhood watch program encourages self-protection. Your neighbors watch over you and your family and vice versa. Apart from this, these types of community groups encourage neighbors to get to know each other better; thus, forming closer relationships and promoting community awareness and participation.
2. Immediately Report a Crime
911 is the number to call for emergencies or criminal incidents, like robbery, suspicious activity, or public disturbance. When something bad happens to you or your neighbor, every second counts. So make sure to call the authorities right away. Here are a few pointers when calling 911:
- As much as possible, know the nature of the complaint.
- Give the correct address. With all that’s going on, it’s easy to forget a vital piece of information. But when a crisis arises, be level- headed and make sure to provide the authorities with the right address.
- Provide descriptions of the following: suspect, car or vehicle used, location and direction of the car when it was driven away.
- Give the correct time and date; and take note of extraordinary circumstances, such as snow, heavy rain or thunderstorm.
- Whether you’re a victim or a witness, be prepared to be interviewed and cooperate with the police.
3. Volunteer in Crime Prevention Campaigns
Crime prevention campaigns seek to influence people, most especially the youth, to follow the law. Such programs reiterate why ordinances should be followed and it also explains the dire consequences of rule-breaking.
4. Be Involved in Tracking Criminals
Criminals thrive in anonymity, which is why it’s important that their identities become known. So, make an extra effort to be informed about open criminal cases in your community, including neighboring towns or cities. Be updated and listen to community news as there are details that could largely impact your neighborhood. In addition to this, participate in tracking criminals by reporting any suspicious activity.
5. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Your gadgets are your weapons. Digicams and smartphones can readily take shots of fishy individuals. Have these handy as your pictures can be used as evidence regarding a crime. Online, do your share of watching out for cyber criminals. Use anti-spyware and antivirus software to protect yourself from identity theft, for instance. If you are a parent, discuss with your kids the dangers of engaging in chats with people that they don’t know. Remind them that there are online predators out there. It’s also important to report suspected online predators to the proper authorities immediately. Remember that cyber crimes are becoming more rampant and victims of such crimes include young children.
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