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Preventing Crime: Don't become a statistic

October is National Crime Prevention Month, and while it's always a good idea to make sure you and your surroundings are safe, now is a good time to make a point of it.

Protect yourself

Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in America. The U.S. Department of Justice defines identity theft as a type of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another's personal data for fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. In North Carolina alone, approximately 300,000 people are victims of identity theft and fraud every year. Here's how to help protect yourself:
  • Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet, and only give out the number when absolutely necessary.
  • Never carry personal identification numbers (PINs) in your wallet or purse, choose a different PIN for each account and avoid using easily available information for your PINs or passwords, such as your mother's maiden name or your birthday.
  • Write "Check ID" on the back of your credit or debit card so retailers will confirm the name on the card matches the name and photo on the ID.
  • Get your photo placed on your LGFCU credit and debit cards (just visit your local branch).
  • Be aware of billing cycles to catch missing bills, and review monthly statements for odd charges.
  • Contact your creditors if a bill doesn't arrive when expected or includes charges you don't recognize.
  • Use automatic deposit for payroll, Social Security or other federal benefits checks.
  • Buy a shredder and destroy receipts that show your entire credit card or Social Security numbers (cross-cut shredders are best).
  • Shred credit card offers that come through the mail.
  • Call 888.5.OPT.OUT to stop pre-approved credit card offers.

Protect your home

In 2009, there were more than 330,000 property crimes reported in North Carolina. These include crimes like burglary, larceny and vehicle theft. Physical security constitutes 90 percent of burglary prevention. A home that is locked and secured makes it difficult and time consuming for burglars. Consider these tips for protecting your home and surroundings.
  • Lock all outside entrances with double-cylinder deadbolts with movable collars.
  • Make sure doorjambs are solid, and exposed hinges are pinned to prevent removal.
  • The perimeter should be well lit, especially around entry points.
  • If you have an alarm system, make sure it's from a licensed alarm company with a central monitoring station.
  • Engrave driver's license or Social Security numbers on enticing objects. These numbers, along with serial numbers, should be recorded in case of theft.
  • When away, try to make your home look as if it is occupied by using timers on lights and/or a TV.
  • Ask a friend or neighbor to get your mail and newspaper if you will be away.
  • Be creative when hiding valuables. Burglars often go straight to the bedroom to look under mattresses, in bedside tables and in closets for money and jewelry. Instead, buy a safe or keyless lock box and have it bolted to the floor. Robbers might be able to find it, but they won't be able to take it or its contents.
  • Always keep vehicles locked and parked in well-lit and populated areas with valuables confined to the trunk.

Protect your neighborhood

If your community has a neighborhood watch program, join it. Those extra eyes and ears make these programs one of the most inexpensive and effective ways to prevent crime and reduce fear, while also developing a bond among area residents and local law enforcement.

Most programs center around a few core components:

  • Regular meetings to help neighbors get to know each other. Often a law enforcement officer is invited to share recent crime activity in the area.
  • A citizens' patrol made up of volunteers who walk or drive through the community and alert law enforcement to crimes and questionable activities.
  • Members who are alert, watch out for their neighbors and report suspicious activity, like shouts for help or slow-moving vehicles with no apparent destination.

For more information on crime prevention, visit www.nccrimecontrol.org.