The following are a few fundamental safety tips on different topics:

• Avoid using after dark.
• Bring a buddy with you or use bank machines while others are around.
• If you see anything that makes you uncomfortable, or any suspicious persons, continue on to another machine.
• If you think you are being followed, go to a public place with a lot of people.
• Have your access card and other documents ready.
• Stay alert to your surroundings, glance up frequently during transactions.
• Memorize your PIN number.
• Secure your card, money and transaction slip when completed.
• Do not display cash openly.
• Do not remove large amounts of money at one time, remember you can use your debit card to make purchases at stores and don't have to rely on cash.
• When leaving, be alert to anything suspicious.

• Avoid walks or exercising at night and if you do, use the buddy system.
• Avoid poorly lit areas.
• Avoid short cuts and use main streets where possible.
• If asked for directions, answer from a distance of 6-10 feet or more.
• When leaving your car or getting off a bus, be alert to anything of a suspicious nature.
• If you are being followed, go to a well-lit area with people.

• Go shopping with a relative, friend or a group of people.
• Be alert to your surroundings.
• Be aware of persons all around you.
• NEVER LEAVE YOUR PURSE IN A SHOPPING CART.
• Walk with confidence.
• Avoid talking to strangers.

• Everyone is vulnerable to abuse of different kinds, and sexual assault is no exception.
• Sexual assault is any unwanted act of a sexual nature which can range from touching to intercourse, and even endangerment of life.
• Sexual assault can happen in marriage or during dating relationships.
• Offenders will not respect colour, creed or age.
• The 24-hour crisis line for Leeds & Grenville is 345-4288, or 1-800-567-7415, ou en francais S.O.S. femmes - 1-800-387-3603.
• Remember - you are not alone.

• If you are robbed, don't argue or try to resist.
• Carry a personal alarm or a whistle.
• Don't let fear of crime rule your life and stop you from doing the things that you enjoy. Simple precautions such as this can make every outing safe and secure.
• Use 911 in an emergency.
• Give police information you have on a crime. Even if you can't identify the offender, ever little bit helps. Example: description of offenders, direction they have headed, time, details of the offence, car registration/description, witness details.
• Don't think you will make things worse by involving the police - they will protect you.
• If we can stop one person from committing a crime, there is a good chance we will prevent them from carrying out more crimes in the future.