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Crime Prevention and Safety

CRIME PREVENTION
In today’s world, maintaining personal safety and actively protecting yourself from robberies, burglaries, and identity theft is a necessity. While methods of victimization can evolve based on technological advances and criminal trends, certain personal safety measures never go out of style. Other types of protective measures, such as those involving alarm systems and digital devices, may need to be modified as new threats emerge. Regardless of where you find yourself and your valuables, you can safeguard yourself from becoming a victim of crime at home, while traveling, or at work.

The Temple Police Department is committed to helping citizens and visitors protect themselves from becoming victims of crime. The following tips have been assembled to address crimes that are most prevalent – many of which can be prevented with some advance planning and precaution..

Local Emergency & Other Important Numbers

Animal Control
254-298-5732

Bell County Sheriff Department
254-933-5400

Crisis Hotline
254-888-4036

FBI (San Antonio)
210-225-6741

FBI (Waco)
254-772-1627

Health Department
254-778-6744

Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center
254-724-5437

National Response Center to Report Toxic Chemical & Oil Spills
1-800-424-8802

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple
254-724-2111

Local Mental Health Authority Central County Services
254-298-4036

Temple Fire Department
254-298-5682

Temple Police Department
254-298-5500

Texas Department of Public Safety
254-939-0677

U.S. State Department
202-647-5225

V. A. Hospital
254-778-4811

Family Protection

FAMILY PROTECTION

Develop a family security and emergency plan and have a family distress code and password.
Keep all doors and windows locked, including the garage, even when you are at home.
Don't open the door for strangers, peddlers, and unscheduled repairs or deliveries.
Get to know your neighbors.
Take part in your local Neighborhood Watch Program.
Don't leave young children home alone.

SPECIAL TIPS FOR CHILDREN

Don't talk to strangers, answer their questions, or go anywhere with a stranger.
Always tell your parents where you are going, with whom, and when you will be back.
Never tell anyone you are home alone.
Do not give out information over the phone or internet about where you live, where you go to school, your age, or what you look like.
Avoid unapproved websites and chat rooms.
Avoid isolated areas, streets, and playgrounds.
Tell your parents, teacher, or police if anyone tries to question, molest, or abduct you, or get you to go somewhere with them.

SCAMS

Don’t provide personal information to unsolicited phone calls/ emails if in doubt verify who you are speaking to
No government agency will call you asking for you to pay money. If in doubt schedule an appointment at their governmental building. Government agencies will never ask you to pay in gift cards.
A hospital will not call you asking for payment prior to treating a loved one’s emergency

Home Security

HOME SECURITY

Use and maintain adequate outside lighting (front, rear, and sides).
Keep shrubs trimmed away from house.
Outside doors should be solid wood or metal.
Have good deadbolt locks on all outside doors.
Have a peep hole on doors - especially front doors.
Use bars and other items to secure and reinforce glass doors and windows.
Don't hide keys outside.
Have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in several areas of the house.
Have escape ladders for all 2nd floor rooms.
Have an alarm system or watchdog to help deter criminals.
Secure outside fuse boxes, utility switches and valves.
Have a safe room with a solid door and lock, phone and radio (rooms without windows such as bathrooms are best).
Keep emergency numbers posted by the phone, and program into speed dial (not necessary for 911).

EXTENDED ABSENCE
When away from home for more than a day, do the following:

Use timers for lights, TVs, and radio.
Stop delivery of mail, newspapers, etc.
Tell a trusted neighbor or the police that you will be away.
Don't leave notes on the door.

Vehicle Security

VEHICLE SECURITY

Always check your vehicle's exterior and interior before getting in.
Keep your vehicle locked at all times even while driving.
Don't pick up hitchhikers or strangers.
Never leave your keys in your vehicle or leave it running while unattended, even if you are just going to be away for a minute.
Know your license plate number.
If you have a car alarm, use it.
If your vehicle is equipped with a remote start button, use it.
Avoid parking your vehicle on the street at night if possible.
Don't leave valuables such as purses, briefcases, laptops, and cell phones in the passenger compartment overnight or when vehicle is unoccupied for long periods of time.
Wear your seat belt always.
Keep your vehicle in good working order and the fuel tank at least half full.
Make sure your spare tire is inflated and the jack is in working order.
Keep a flashlight, tools, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit in your vehicle.
Don’t leave the spare keys to a loved one’s vehicle inside your car.

Travel Precautions

Follow the Vehicle Security tips when traveling.
If traveling by air, arrive at the airport early.
Check with the airport and airline for information on arrival times and security restrictions.
Move through the security checkpoint as soon as possible.
Keep your bags and all other items with you at all times.
Be aware of unattended bags and packages.
Be aware of suspicious persons and activity.
Report suspicious activity, persons, and bags to security.
Pay attention and follow all security and safety guidance provided by the airport and airlines.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
When traveling to other countries:

Check with the U.S. State Department for security and travel advisories at their website or call 202-647-5225.
Learn a few key phrases in the local language, such as "I need help, call the police or a doctor" etc.
Try to be inconspicuous and avoid wearing things that identify you as an American.
Avoid high-risk areas such as demonstrations.

Suspicious Mail Precautions

OVERVIEW
It has been several years since widespread and well publicized incidents involving the mailing of harmful substances via mail were reported. Nonetheless, your local and Federal law enforcement agencies do remind you to remain vigilant about the mail you receive.

SUSPICIOUS MAIL CHARACTERISTICS
Mail should be considered suspicious if meets some of the following requirements:

No return address, or return address differs from postmark
Foreign postmarks and writing, or misspelled words
Addressed to title only or wrong title with name
Marked personal, confidential, private, special delivery, or do not x-ray, etc.
Excessive postage
Peculiar odors (such as shoe polish or almonds)
Oily stains, ink stains, discoloration, or crystallization of wrapper
Wires, strings, or foil sticking out
Excessive tape or sealing material or inner sealed enclosure
Items containing a powder-like or unusual substance
Unusual or abnormal shape, size, or weight
Lopsided or uneven, rigid or bulky

DO'S & DON'TS

Don't open, touch, move, shake, or immerse in water any suspicious packages or letters.
Don't cut tape, strings, or other wrappings.
Don't taste or smell package or its contents.
Do report all suspicious packages and letters to the authorities.
Do wash your hands immediately after handling the mail.
If suspicious mail is believed to be a bomb, evacuate the building and call 911.
If suspicious mail is believed to contain a chemical or biological agent isolate the area and those exposed. If exposed wash hands and exposed skin with warm soapy water. Call 911.
If suspicious mail is believed to contain a radiological threat, evacuate the area and call 911.

Additional Information

ADDITIONAL PREPARATIONS

Keep a 2-week supply of non-perishable foods and water on hand.
If possible, keep a 2-week supply of essential prescription medications on hand.
Have candles, flashlights and spare batteries on hand.
Have a battery-powered radio on hand.
Maintain good health and hygiene and stay current on your immunizations.
If you develop flu-like symptoms or have a sore that turns black, seek medical attention.
If any of your animals become seriously ill or die unexpectedly from an unknown cause, contact your veterinarian or animal control.
In case of an emergency, try to stay calm and use common sense.
Be a good observer, pay attention to details and write them down.

DESCRIBING PEOPLE & VEHICLES
Know how to describe people and vehicles. Make note of as many of the following identifiers as possible:

Approximate age, height, weight and build
Clothing: hat, coat/jacket, shirt, pants, dress, shoes.
Color of eyes
Glasses, if worn
Hair color and length
Race
Scars, marks, tattoos
Sex
Vehicle:
- License plate number (include state or color)
- Make
- Model
- Special identifiers such as tinted windows, special rims, dents, decals, etc.
- Type
- Year

Parent's Guide to Fentanyl

There is a significant risk for today’s generation because of fentanyl. It is a deadly hidden threat. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and the average person is unaware their drugs are laced with fentanyl. Parents, guardians, educators, and anyone responsible for children must rely on drug prevention education to safeguard children and teens from this growing threat.

Since fentanyl is commonly added to illicit drugs, the best way to prevent fentanyl use is to avoid using all drugs. An effective way to do this is through communication and education. As a parent or guardian, how you approach drug education goes a long way in how your children apply it.

Regarding fentanyl, drug education should focus on online safety, how deadly the drug is, and how it is often undetectable.

Tips for Parents:

Speak honestly with your kids about choices and risky behaviors.
Be clear and consistent about family rules, boundaries, and guidelines.
Listen to what they have to say, respect their opinions, and do not be judgmental.
Encourage positive friendships and encourage them to find things that interest them.
Educate them about online safety and safe and healthy social media use.
Create a safe space for them to ask questions. Never make them feel wrong for wanting to know more about drugs.
Correct wrong beliefs they may have with factual information. Help them learn, don't just lecture.
Stay educated on current drug trends so you can teach your children.

To learn more about Fentanyl, including the dangers it poses, how kids are getting it, and additional resources, please visit addicted.org.

Crime Prevention and Safety

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