Women become easy prey on streets to chain snatchers, bag lifters, pick pocketers, apart from eve-teasers and kidnappers. Though violent offences are rare, certain precautionary measures taken could prevent the above crimes.

• If you are alone in the house, do not allow strangers to enter the house

• If somebody rings the bell or knocks on the doors,  peep through the ‘Magic Eye’ or window to find out who is at the door

• If it is a postman or delivery man use the chain and collect the post/small parcel through the partially open door but before accepting the letter etc., ensure that it is the right person

• If the person says that he has come to check the installations like TV, Gas, or Telephone installations ask him to come later when the others in the family are at home and ask them to phone up for an appointment from their offices before coming over

• Keep you curtains drawn after dark to discourage strangers peeping into the house

• If you suspect somebody moving around your house, dial – 100, or your nearest Police Station. If you do not have a telephone connection, raise an alarm to alert you neighbours

• If you notice signs of a break-in, or a broken window, or door ajar on reaching home, do not go into the house, call Police (100- nearest Police Station). Till the Police arrive, alert the neighbours and cover the house. Don’t let anyone into the house as you may destroy vital clues

• Do not reveal you identity or pass any information about yourself or your family to any stranger

• If you receive any telephone calls or obscene telephone calls, disconnect the line immediately. If such calls persist, inform Police or Telephone Exchange to trace the caller

• As far as possible, avoid short-cuts through dimly lit bylanes and fields

• On the streets, walk facing the traffic to avoid any vehicle approaching you from behind to commit any offence

• If a vehicle approaches you and you feel threatened, raise an alarm and run away in the opposite direction.  Immediately make a note of the vehicle number and description of the vehicle

• Do not accept lift from strangers

• As far as possible walk along with the crowd than walking alone

• Cover your adorned jewellery

• Avoid walking on the streets late night

• If you are carrying a hand bag keep it close to your body and in front

• If you suspect somebody following you on foot, run to nearest place where there will be other people and plenty of light. If you suspect he is still following you, call the Police as soon as possible from a safe place

• If you are in the habit of going for jogging or work in the morning, please change your route frequently

• To instill confidence in yourself, you can think of attending some self defence classes and carry some safety alarms

• In bus stops, mix with people and avoid isolated bus stops

• If the buses are empty sit near the Driver or Conductor