Police Offer Residents Personal Safety Tips

In response to two recent "strong-arm robberies" in the downtown area, the Manhattan Beach Police Department has released a set of crime prevention tips.

Most strong-arm robberies—or robberies by sudden snatching—occur on the street between the hours of sunset and sunrise, according to police. By taking preventive measures and observing basic rules of common sense, one's chances of being victimized are greatly reduced.

Thus, the best protection is to be "alert and cautious at all times," according to police.

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Know your destination and route. 
• When walking to your car at night, have your keys in your hand and be ready to open the door.
• Walk with a purpose. Avoid using personal stereos or radios—you might not hear trouble approaching.
• Don't flash your cash, iPods, mobile phones or other valuables. Keep their use discreet and put them away after use. Don't carry them or show them in an obvious manner.
• Plan ahead so that when you walk you are very visible to other people. This means that if you must walk alone, choose open, well-lit and well-traveled areas. 
• Avoid taking shortcuts through deserted areas such as parks, playgrounds and vacant lots.
• Avoid dark corners, alleys and entrances to buildings. Robbers don't like to strike where eyewitnesses can provide the police with a detailed account.
• The buddy system works best and two or more people are less likely to be targeted. If something does happen you have a better chance of getting help.
• Leave your purse at home if possible. If you must carry one, carry the smallest one you have, hold it firmly, close to your body. Purse-snatchers prefer to grab from behind.
• If you walk or jog at night, consider getting a dog that can accompany you. Criminal offenders relate that a dog is one of the most effective crime deterrents.
• If you work late hours, arrange to leave at the same time as a co-worker. Try to avoid parking far away from your work site. Be aware of your surroundings at all times by making eye contact with passersby and glancing occasionally behind you. This type of body language will make you less attractive to a prospective mugger.
• If you sense that you are being followed, change directions or cross the street and go directly to the nearest well lit populated area. If you are still being followed turn and in a loud voice say, "Stop following me." Go to an occupied home or stop a taxi and ask the driver to call the police. If there are no lit homes, never be afraid to yell and scream, as they are appropriate reactions if you feel at risk. Run to an unlit occupied home, for example a home with a parked car in the driveway, and wake up the occupants and ask them to call the police.
• If someone asks directions, maintain a safe distance.
• Do not allow a stranger to follow you to your doorstep. Go to a public place where you can call the police whenever you feel threatened.
• When fleeing from danger, alert others as well as the person posing a threat. Yell for someone to call the police.
• If involved in a street-type robbery, don't argue, don't fight and don't use weapons. Robbers are unpredictable and resistance in any form may escalate the level of violence.
• If you are robbed, do not delay in calling the police, even if the robber has threatened you; hesitate only long enough to ensure your safety, then call immediately. The faster the police are able to respond, the better the chances the robber(s) will be arrested.
• If you are robbed, the following information is very important to the police: direction of travel; time of robbery; whether or not the suspect(s) were armed; number of suspects involved; if a vehicle was used, a description of the vehicle and direction of travel if known; and description of suspect(s).
• Your safety is paramount: Never chase or follow a robber.
• Ask any witnesses to wait until the police arrive. Get their names and addresses if they cannot stay.