Don’t Be a Victim

Unfortunately, some of the crimes most commonly reported to the Post Falls Police Department are also the ones that leave people feeling the most victimized.  While it is not always possible to prevent yourself from becoming a victim from a crime, you can minimize your vulnerability through proactive behavior and modifications in your daily life.  If you are ever victimized the Post Falls Police Department is here to help.

Assault and Battery

Assault is threat of violence or physical harm paired with the perceived ability to carry out the threat whereas battery is the unlawful touching of another person.  The following tips may help reduce your risk of being the victim of a violent crime.

  • Don’t walk or jog early in the morning or late at night
  • When out at night have a friend walk with you
  • Only care the money you’ll need on a particular day
  • Don’t display inviting targets such as cash, cell phones, or expensive jewelry
  • If you think someone is following you switch directions or cross the street, if that person continues to follow you go into an open store or restaurant or lighted house and don’t be afraid to yell for help
  • Always lock your car
  • If someone tries to rob you, give up your property-don’t give up your life

Violent Crime and Personal Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://archive.ncpc.org/topics/violent-crime-and-personal-safety.html

Credit Card Fraud

A criminal may be able to gain access to your banking or other financial information that may allow them to make fraudulent purchases.  It its important to take steps to safeguard your financial information, the following steps can help:

  • Don’t give your account number to anyone on the phone unless you can verify the business as reputable
  • Carry your cards separately from your wallet
  • During a transaction keep your eye on your card
  • Never sign a blank receipt. Draw a line through any blank spaces above the total
  • Save your receipts to compare them with your statements
  • Open your bills promptly and reconcile them with the purchases you’ve made
  • Report any questionable charges to the card issuer
  • Notify your card issuer if your address changes or if you will be traveling
  • Don’t write your account number on the outside of an envelope.

Protecting Against Credit Card Fraud. (2018, March 13). Retrieved from https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0216-protecting-against-credit-card-fraud

Auto break ins

Having someone invade your personal space such as your  car can definitely leave you feeling like a victim.  Many of these crimes are crimes of opportunity and therefore preventing the crime means limiting the opportunity for a criminal to commit it

The following tips are helpful in reducing auto break ins

  • Lock your doors
  • Keep it tidy
  • Stash bags and purses in a concealed area
  • Get an alarm
  • Park in well-lit visible places

For tips on securing your home be sure to visit https://www.postfallspolice.com/secure-your-home/