Tips for your personal and family safety Published Jan. 28, 2010 911 AW PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- In the pamphlet, Crime Prevention - What Can You Do?, there are several ways to help increase the protection and awareness levels for you and your family. - Never carry a large amount of money. Whatever the amount, don't flash it around. Never resist an armed robber. - Women with purses should keep them under their arm when walking down the street, not freely hanging from their shoulder. Do not leave pocketbooks in a shopping cart or walk away from a checkout counter. If the handbag has a top flap, keep it facing you. Always lock your purse up at work. This is a prime place for theft. In the restroom, don't hang it on a hook inside the stall where it can easily be snatched. - Men should carry their wallets close to their skin. Don't have a bulging wallet in a hip pocket or coat pocket as it slips out easily. Be alert in public places for pickpockets. If you are bumped, it could be a distraction allowing a second thief to grab your wallet. - If your wallet or pocketbook is lost or stolen, be aware of someone calling you to tell you to pick it up at a specific location. When you leave to get your wallet or purse, someone may burglarize your home. - Avoid dark alleys, streets and parking lots. Stay clear of sidewalks bordered by high bushes. - The Pennsylvania Crime Code allows residents to use reasonable force to resist a criminal attack. You also have the right to hold for the police any person who commits or attempts to commit a crime against you. - Consider a course in self-defense, and carry something to scare off an attacker such as a whistle. - If during a crime you get a look at the criminal's face, immediately write down a description. For Children and Parents - Warn children never to go anywhere with strangers. - Know where your children are at all times. - Tell them to always stand at least 6 feet away from a stopped car who is asking directions and to refuse gifts from strangers. - Children should always travel in groups when walking to school or other distances from home. - Organize a block parent program. Select at least one home per block where children can go if there's trouble. That parent should keep an eye out for when children are coming home from school. - Teach children to go to parents, teachers, and counselors or others responsible persons if threatened or if a problem exists. The Crime Prevention officer for the 911 AW, Jack Gladd, can be reached at (412) 474-7131. He has material and equipment, such as engravers, available for you to use to help protect your family.