Bag snatching, housebreaking and robbery are crimes that many Malaysians worry about. We can all help to fight crime. People can learn how to protect themselves. To do this, people have to know how to prevent crime and what to do if they are victims of crime. Here are some simple crime prevention rules:

Report suspicious activities to the police. The police cannot help if they are not informed.

When away from home

Lock all doors and windows when going out. Leave a light on at night. Do not leave the house-keys above a door, under a mat or any note on the door.
 
When at home

Many burglaries are crimes of opportunity. A burglar only needs to spot an open window or unlocked gate to enter. So make sure all the doors leading to the outside of the property is locked and make sure that the TV, video and other valuables can’t be seen from the window and there isn’t any cash scattered around.

Never let strangers into the house without checking their identity or making sure of the reasons for their visit.

When on the street

Beware of high crime areas. Dark deserted streets, parking lots, bus stops are all high crime areas. Do not carry much money with you. Do not ‘flash’ money in public. Beware of people asking directions or brushing up against you. If somebody follows you, enter the nearest occupied residence or building and ask for help. Always walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic. If anyone in a car tries to stop you, run in the direction opposite to the moving car.

Safety on public transport

Stand close to others when waiting for a bus or taxi. In dark or deserted areas, stand close to occupied or well lit places. If anyone on a bus acts suspiciously or attempts to interfere with you or another, notify the driver. When taking a taxi, be sure to use an established company and note the driver's name and license number.

Never share a cab with a stranger and avoid exiting the taxi in a dark, desolate or poorly lit area. If possible, share the taxi with a friend. If ever you feel uneasy in a taxi, ask the driver to stop in a busy place that you know well and leave.

Vehicle safety

Make sure that the car is in good working condition with safe tyres and enough fuel. Always keep the car locked. Don’t leave anything in the car. Park with care. Park in a busy or well-lit area near CCTV cameras or in approved car parks. Always chain bikes, motorbikes and scooters to something fixed like security rails and ground anchors. Never leave the keys in the ignition, not even when paying for petrol. Get a professionally fitted car alarm or a use a steering lock.

When driving, keep doors locked and windows up, especially in slow traffic. Keep bags and mobile phones out of view. A thief can lean in and steal what’s on the passenger seat withinin the time it takes for a red light to turn green.

Children

Children should not enter vehicles or premises or accompany unknown adults to lonely places. Children should write down the registration number of a vehicle if the driver has stopped or taken their friends for a ride. Tell parents, instructors or the police about adults who loiter around school playgrounds or follow children about.

Children should not accept gifts or lifts from strangers. Children must know that strangers do not have the right to touch them. Tell children that it's all right to say 'no' if someone tries to touch them. Tell children never to talk to strangers and to politely ignore any approach from a stranger. Tell children that they can do whatever within their means to stay safe. They can run away, scream, lie or use force, for example by kicking against the other to get away from danger.

Women

Women who are attacked should try to escape. They can pretend by being insane or irrational or by suggesting that they are HIV positive. They should try to remember everything about the rape by noticing every detail about the assailant. (for example; height, weight, clothes, complexion, any distinguishing marks or scars, hair, eye colour and body build, age and nationality).

Leave some personal items which can be identified such as a button, earring, ring, lipstick or scarf. Do not bathe, change or wash the clothing before being examined by a doctor to make sure that no evidence is lost. Call the police immediately. Be willing to cooperate and to prosecute in court. Only the victim’s testimony can convict the rapist and reduce the chances of another woman falling victim to rape.

Going on a trip

When away on a trip, cancel any deliveries (for example; newspapers). Ask a neighbour to collect the mail. Arrange for the lights to be turned on at night. (by a friend or a time switch). If possible, ask a friend to stay in your house while you are away. In some neighbourhoods, you can ask the police to check your property once a day.

If the house has a burglar alarm, tell the security company that you are going away and if somebody is staying in your house, the name of that person.