| Since the average women are often physically weaker than men, it may seem that women make more vulnerable victims. But criminals don’t usually attack based on gender — they simply look for what they perceive as easy prey, someone who will not fight back.
There are certain things women can do to avoid being easy targets, says Deputy Pete Ball, the Community Resource Officer for Kitsap County Sheriff’s:
At home
No matter how safe you think your neighborhood is, keep the doors and windows locked. “I don’t care what neighborhood you’re in, it’s a good safety practice,” he says. Lock the car too.
Have your locks rekeyed or changed altogether when renting or buying a new home. Make sure every exterior door has a deadbolt. “Most crime is a matter of opportunity. If doors are unlocked, someone can sneak in easily,” Ball says.
Keep the yard and front door well lit. Criminals don’t like well-lit areas.
If you are considering a home alarm system, make sure you’re actually using it properly. Choose quality equipment, train everyone in your family how to use it, and make sure you always turn it on. If you have a remote car “key” that includes a panic button, keep the key near the bed and use the button at night if you think someone’s breaking in or is lurking around the house.
“First and foremost, always pay attention to your surroundings,” Ball says. “Look for things that may be out of place. Trust your instincts — if something doesn’t feel right, it may not be.”
If you come home late, be prepared to walk to the house quickly and have your keys ready to go. A good habit is to carry your door key between fingers, sticking out, so it can be used as a weapon if needed.
While shopping
Most women know to park their cars in well-lit areas. Ball says it is better to park further in a bright area than closer in a dark spot. Just as with going home, be prepared to unlock the car and get in quickly — and lock it right away once you’re in.
| MORE INFO
The Kitsap Sheriff’s Department offers security surveys as a free service to residents and some businesses. Officers will come to your home, examine your windows, door locks, landscaping and other safety vulnerabilities and give you advice. The Citizens on Patrol program also offers free vacation house checks for residents served by the county sheriff; uniformed volunteers in marked vehicles will randomly check on a home, upon request, while you’re away. Call 360-337-7101 to request this service.
Presentations on safety are also available to groups. Call CRO Deputy Pete Ball at 360-337-7074.
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If you have a remote door-lock system, and you are scared, attacked, or need help while in the parking lot, don’t hesitate to use the panic button, which will set off the car alarm and get attention. Conversely, do not unlock the car with the remote key while halfway across the parking lot, Ball recommends, because that may alert a potential attacker to the direction in which you’re heading and allow the person extra time to set up. “Unlock the car when very close, get in quickly and relock the car,” he says.
Try to keep a free hand while walking and don’t linger as you load up the car. If you’re grocery shopping, use a cart even if you don’t have a big load, so you can keep the hands free. Don’t turn down help for carryout at night — there is safety in numbers.
Be prepared to leave your groceries or your purse if you’re being attacked. “You can replace the groceries, but not your life,” Ball says.
While traveling
Visitors and tourists are another favorite target for criminals. If you’re driving to a new area, don’t tell the whole world you’re from out of town: Don’t keep a map on the dashboard.
Pack the bags wisely so your mobility isn’t limited. Resist the urge to be organized; don’t carry all your cash, credit cards and ID cards in one place, Ball suggests. That way if your wallet or purse is stolen, you don’t lose everything. “It’s a huge challenge for women, but you don’t want to have all your ducks in one basket,” Ball says.
If you need directions, look for a nationally known retail chain or gas station and never stop in the middle of the street to ask for directions. If you have a GPS system, be aware that this is among the most frequently stolen car items. Remove the unit when you park. “Crooks have even started looking for the suction cup marks on the glass as an indication there might be one in the car so leave nothing of value in your car,” Ball says.
Fight back if you have to, no matter where you are. “Crooks don’t like light and noise,” Ball says. That means carry a whistle, scream, or do anything else to attract attention. A good investment is a keychain flashlight and safety whistle, as well as a small can of pepper spray. Buy two, and test one. Not only will you learn how to use it, but if you test it on yourself, you learn what it feels like and adjust your reaction — it’s not uncommon for someone to spray an attacker and be impacted by the spray too because of wind or other circumstances.
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