:: Thiruvananthapuram City Police ::

Keep your doors locked and windows covered even in daytime.
Properly check whether the doors and windows of your house are closed and locked when you are going out.
Fix grills on windows and glass paneled doors.
Keep side doors pad locked and main door bolted.
Use slam-shut locks instead of pad locks
Install magic eye and safety chains on doors. Look through the magic eye and ensure the door chain is secure, before opening the door to a stranger.
Leave a light burning when you go out of town
Inform your neighbours about your absence from your home for a long or short period.
Insure all valuable properties like VCR, TV etc.
Mark valuables with an identification number like your Ration Card, Passport or Driving licence number.
Provide lights on the exit points of your house.
Install an alarm system and learn how to use it
Monitor your alarm system and arrange for guard response
Stow away ladders and tools
Make your home appear lived in

DONT's

Don't keep huge amount of cash and ornaments in the house. Use Bank lockers.
Don't keep the keys of the receptacles in which the valuables are kept in the keyhole or nearby places.
Don't sleep near an open window during the night. A burgler could snach the ornaments from you. Keep your bedroom locked from inside.
Don't disturb the scene, if you notice theft in your house, wait for the arrival of police otherwise it will lead to tampering of evidence like fingerprints, footprints etc.
Don't allow any stranger to enter your house, when you are alone without finding out his identity. Beware of persons coming to your house under the pretext of repairing/selling things, conducting meter readings etc.
Don't wear heavy ornaments while travelling alone.
Don't open your bag-containing valuable like cash and ornaments, while travelling in public places.
Don't go alone with cash and jewelry during the nighttime.
Do not record a message on answering machine telling people you are on holiday or away

STEPS FOR PERSONAL SAFETY

HOW TO PREVENT BAG SNATCHING WHILE TRAVELLING

Carry your purse close to your body and slightly to the front
Your purse should be closed and fastened at all times. Do not leave it on a counter
Do not carry your keys, cheque book or credit-cards in your bag. carry them in a jacket or other pocket on your person
Do not carry more money than necessary
If someone attempts to take your bag, give it up rather than risk personal injury

BEWARE OF UNVERIFIED SERVANTS IN YOUR HOUSE

Get your domestic help's antecedents verified.
Give his/her photograph as well as address to the nearest Police Station for verification.
Get his/her background verified from previous employer.
Avoid giving access to his relatives and friends.
Avoid displaying jewelry and valuables in the house.

PREVENT VEHICLE THEFTS

Don’t keep vehicles in your house compound without locking.
Two wheelers should be kept in the safe places after tying with a chain and lock.
When you park your vehicle in the parking area, ask somebody to keep an eye over it.
Never leave the vehicle door unlocked. Nor the windows partially open. Make sure that quarter glasses are properly secured.
Never leave the key dangling in the ignition.
Double-check all doors (including the boot) to ensure that they are properly secured.
Etch registration number of your car on the rear & front window screens and windowpanes.
Do not leave valuables in your car even if it is locked.
Cut down on extra fittings, as these tempt prospective thieves.
Install a car alarm
Never leave important documents in the glove box or boo
Never identify your key ring with your name
Do not offer a lift to anyone you do not know
If someone needs assistance, stop some distance away and communicate through locked doors and partially opened window. Always stay in the car with the engine running. tell them you will send help
In case of theft, immediately inform nearest police station, dial 100 or 1090.