• Personal Safety
• Home or Apartment Security
• Preventing Bicycle Theft
• Preventing Auto Theft

Be prepared to physically and psychologically protect yourself. A good way to prepare is to think ahead. Here is a list of suggestions to help you do that:

• Think through how you usually react to crisis situations. Do you flee, freeze or fight? Think of a few past examples to see if there is a pattern. You can change how you react by practicing a different response if needed. 
  

• Talk to others about ways to handle confrontations and rehearse alternatives. 
  

• There is no right or wrong way to react. Every situation is different. The best response depends on a combination of factors such as the location, the assailant, presence of weapons, your personal responses, etc.

When walking:

• Plan and use the safest and most direct route.

• Choose well-lighted streets at night.

• Stay alert to your surroundings; look confident and purposeful.

• Become familiar with businesses that are open late.

• If you feel uneasy, go directly to a place where there are other people.

• Walk with a friend if possible, particularly at night.

• Carry your keys and money in a pocket, not in a purse or wallet.

If you are being followed by someone in a car:

• Turn around and walk quickly in the opposite direction.

• Try to obtain the license plate number and a description of the car; and call the police.

If you are being followed by someone on foot:

• Turn around to let the person know you see them.

• Immediately cross the street and walk or run toward a place where there is likely to be other people.

• Call the police or get someone else to call for you.

In cases involving verbal harassment:

• Ignore it and walk away.

• If you are alone at a bus stop, walk to the next stop if there are other people there.

In face-to-face confrontations:

When faced with danger, trust yourself. Your single most effective weapon is your own judgment. Rely on it to choose what you think is the best response at the time, whether it is to:

• Run

• Stall

• Not resist

• Negotiate

• Verbally assert yourself

• Scream to attract attention

• Distract or divert the assailant

• Physically resist or fight off the attacker

Always evaluate your resources and options. Continue to assess the situation as it is occurring. If the first strategy is not working, try another. For more information on safety, contact the Minneapolis Police 2nd Precinct at 612-673-3204.

Tips to increase your home or apartment security:

• Use only a first initial and last name on your mailbox and/or buzzer.
  

• Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
  

• Participate in the apartment club or watch force, or organize one.
  

• Never let a stranger follow you through your building's  security door.
  

• If your apartment doorbell rings, never buzz someone in until you have identified him or her.
  

• If a stranger tells you they are going to visit one of your neighbors, tell them they have to wait until that neighbor lets them in.
  

• Never prop open security doors.
  

• If someone you don't know is standing in the lobby fumbling for keys, don't assume they live there. They may be trying to trick you into letting them in.
  

• Never give out copies of your building key or let someone use it; it only takes a few seconds to make a copy of a key. 
  

• Keep all doors to your unit locked at all times, even when you go to the laundry room. Be sure to keep terrace and balcony doors locked. 
  

• Make sure all exterior windows have security devices if the sills are within 24 feet of ground level or are accessible by  means of balconies, fire escapes, porches, etc. 
  

• When you see illegal or suspicious activity, call 911 and then report it to your landlord. 
  

• Consider purchasing a portable alarm system.
  

• Plan an escape in case of fire. 
  

• Never open your door until you know who is there. Use a peephole. 
  

• Don't rely on a chain latch for security. Install a deadbolt lock if possible. 
  

• Be cautious in and around elevators. If you are suspicious of another passenger, wait for the next elevator. 
  

• Do not pay rent or other housing charges in cash. Request proof of payment.

Things you can do to help prevent bike theft:

• Always lock a bike before leaving, even for just a minute -- even if it's in a fenced yard and especially if it's on a car bike rack. 
  

• Be sure to lock a bike to something stationary, preferably where you and others can see it. (In Minneapolis it is illegal to lock bikes to any city sign or parking meter.) 
  

• Avoid locks, chains or cables that can easily be cut, broken or picked. A quality U-lock is the best locking device you can buy.
  

• Make sure both wheels are locked, either by removing one and U-locking it with the other and the frame or by using an auxiliary lock on one. You can also purchase keyed devices that replace the cam and the lever on quick-release wheels and seats. 
  

• Remove any components and accessories including a tire pump, seat or bags, which can easily be taken. 
  

• Make sure a garage is properly secured if parking your bike in there.  Lock your bike inside the garage using the same techniques listed above. 
  

•  Don't resist if someone attempts to steal your bike. Your life is more valuable than your bike. 
  

• Register/license your bike as required by law. It costs only $10 for three years and can be done at any Minnesota motor vehicle deputy registrar's office, or through the Minneapolis Park Police or the University of Minnesota Police Department. Filling out an application will require the following information:   
  bicycle brand name; serial number; wheel size (in your manual or on the side of the wheel); frame type (men's, women's, tandem); number of speeds; purchase date; and owner's full name, address and date of birth. A sales receipt or proof of purchase is not required; however, it will be noted on the record if no proof of ownership was available at the time of registration.