• You have to stay alert. The nosey neighbor is key. Know your neighbors. Be aware who lives next door and what cars they drive. Call the police if a suspicious person or vehicle is in your neighborhood.
• Keep doors and screens locked at home.
• Lock doors when you go out, even if it's only for a few minutes.
• Consider a security system.
• Do not open the door for any suspicious individual. Look out a window or peephole any time the doorbell rings, rather than opening the door immediately.
• If a person identifies himself as a police officer and you have doubts, call 911 and demand that a uniformed police officer in a marked squad car respond to your home.
• If a person is from a utility or other company ask them to slide their identification in the mail slot or under the door and inspect it. If you're not satisfied call the company and verify the information or call the police.
• The police have multi-lingual translators that will be able to communicate. All calls made to 911 will be investigated even if nothing is spoken on the telephone.
• If you think or feel you're being followed, do not go home. Go to a well-lit or busy area.
• If a car is following you while you are walking, turn and run in the opposite direction.
• Don't let anyone you do not know into your home.

• Stay calm. Try not to panic or show signs of anger or confusion. Don't resist or refuse to give up property.
• Focus on escape. Your first concern should be getting away from the attacker. As soon as you can run to an open area—yell "FIRE", "HELP" to draw attention.
• If you are being physically attacked and cannot defend yourself, minimize injury by lying on the ground with your knees tucked up against your stomach and covering your head with your arms.
• Fighting back can be risky. If you decide to fight back, use all of your strength and focus on incapacitating the attacker so you can run away.
• Get a description. Look at the attacker carefully and make mental notes of characteristics that will help you give an accurate description to the police—including the suspect's sex, age, race, height, weight, race, hair, eye color, glasses, tattoos, scars, or marks, and complexion. Also note the color fabric and condition of the attackers clothing as well as distinguishing shoes, hats, or other items.
• Never chase the attacker. This can cause the situation to become more violent.
• Most importantly call the police immediately and first.

Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street and the alley if you have one to help police and fire departments respond to emergency calls.

Get together with your neighbors to keep an eye on each other.
Together as a community we can make a difference.

Information provided by:
Cook County Sheriff's Police Department • 1401 Maybrook Drive • Maywood, IL 60153 • (708) 865-4700