Crime Prevention : Safety Tips

Safety for children

Parents or caretakers of children must be responsible for their children and ensure their safety at all times; keep an open line of communication and trust between them, their children and the school, and know their children's friends.

They must teach their children...

• basic safety rules and to follow the rules and instructions well;
   
• to trust the Police and that they are their friends;
   
• to only approach uniformed police officers and/or marked police cars;
   
• never to approach a vehicle unless they are absolutely sure they know the occupants;
   
• never to accept a lift from strangers;
   
• not to talk to adults they do not know;
   
• never to accept sweets or ice cream from a stranger;
   
• always to let you know where you they are;
   
• to avoid giving your home telephone number to strangers;
   
• parents must be observant to be able to identify any abnormal behaviour from your child;
   
• to walk to and from school and bus stops in groups;
   
• to stay close to them especially at swimming pools, beaches or busy shopping centres;
   
• not to wander off, to avoid lonely places, and not to take short cuts through alleys or deserted areas; and
   
• not to hitchhike.
   

HOME ALONE...

• For children to be less vulnerable to dangerous situations they must...
   
• not be left alone at home or elsewhere where they can become susceptible to abuse, alcohol and drugs;
   
• be taught how to give directions to your home in case of emergency;
   
• be taught never to let a caller at the door or phone know that they are alone. Teach them to say "Mom or Dad can't come to the phone or door right now";
   
• be taught to carry a house key with them in a safe place. Don't leave it under a mat or on a ledge outside the house;
   
• be taught to keep the doors and windows locked;
   
• know their parents' and the police's numbers;
   
• know their home street address; and
   
• know that its ok to say NO when they are faced with uncomfortable situations.

IF THREATENED OR IN EMERGENCY CASES TEACH CHILDREN TO RESPOND IN A PROPER WAY.

They should:

• Run away
• Yell loudly
• Say exactly what is happening

Examples:

• Help, this is not my Dad or Mother
• Help, I am being kidnapped
• Help, call the Police.
   

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