Crime Prevention Tips - Back to School

Work out a safe route to school with your parents. Choose the quickest way with the fewest street crossings and use intersections with crossing guards. Stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields, and other places where there aren't many people around.

Whenever possible walk to and from school with a friend, neighbor, brother, or sister. Don't go by yourself.

Be sure you know your home phone number (including area code) and address, the numbers of your parents at work and of another trusted adult, and how to use 911 for emergencies.

Never talk to strangers or accept rides or gifts from strangers. Remember, a stranger is anyone you or your parents don't know well and trust.

If you bike or skate to school, wear a helmet. And don't forget to lock up your bike with a sturdy lock wherever you leave it.

If you're home alone after school, check in with a parent or neighbor as soon as you walk in the door.

Let parents and friends know if you stay late after school. Get permission first if you want to play with a friend instead of going home.

If you see anyone doing something that makes you uneasy or you think isn't right -- a stranger hanging around the school playground, a bigger kid bullying younger children, vandalism or graffiti for example -- tell your parents, a teacher, or another trusted adult.

Pass this information along to your children, friends, grandparents, etc.