Purse snatching, robbery or sexual assault...no one wants to be a victim of such a crime. Fortunately, only a minority of the crimes reported in Minnesota involve a confrontation that could lead to personal injury. In other words, you’re much more likely to have your property stolen than your life threatened.

Most crimes are crimes of opportunity. A dangling handbag invites a purse snatcher. An unlocked window encourages an intruder. If you eliminate the opportunity, you could avoid the crime.

Tips for Protecting Yourself at Home

• When changing addresses, change your locks, too. Install a deadbolt lock and a high security strike plate as well as a peephole.

• Don’t leave keys hidden outside. They’re too easily found.

• If you suspect your home has been broken into, immediately call 911 from a neighbor’s house. Don’t go inside and risk confronting the burglar or destroying evidence.

• Never allow a stranger access to your home to use the phone -- even is they claim it’s an emergency. Speak to them through your locked door and offer to make the call for them.

• Always check the ID of any trades people, sales representatives, police officers or other individuals who wish to enter your home.

• Invite a friend or neighbor to visit when a repair person is in your home.

• Instruct children and babysitters not to give out any information about who is home, who is out or for how long.

• Always lock your doors.

Tips for Protecting Yourself when you're Out Alone

• At night, try to stay on well-lighted streets; avoid shrubbery, dark shadows near buildings and other potential hiding places. Carry a flashlight.

• While walking or jogging, be aware of your surroundings. (If possible, exercise with a friend or family member. Not only is it more fun, it is safer.) Always look alert and confident. Make quick eye contact with people around you. Dress so you can walk or run easily to avoid attack.

• If you are being followed by a car, change direction. If followed by a person, turn and look at him. This gives you time to think and lets the person know that you are alert. In either case, get to the nearest public place.

• When riding the bus, try to sit near the driver.

• A woman should try to minimize the size of her handbag and carry it next to her body with the flap or clasp toward her. A man should carry his wallet in an inside or front pocket.

• Don’t leave or set your purse or briefcase on the back of the door or on the floor in restrooms, theaters, restaurants, or other public areas. Don’t leave your purse open or unattended in a shopping cart.

Tips for Protecting Yourself in Your Car

• While walking to your car, have your door key ready in hand as you approach. (Before getting into your car, glance into the back seat and floor for someone hiding there.) Always lock the door before settling yourself and your packages.

• Look for a well-lighted parking place and lock your car -- even if you’re just running into the store for a minute. Never leave your purse or wallet in your car.

• If you must leave your key with a parking attendant or service

• garage, leave only your car key, never the keys to your home. These can be duplicated while you’re gone.

• Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up most of the way, especially while in heavy traffic.

• Don’t leave mail or packages with labels listing your name and home address in view inside your car.

• Know your route. Use well-lighted and well-traveled roads. Let someone know the route you will take and when you plan to arrive.

• When driving in the winter, keep emergency items such as a traction mat, a shovel, and a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk. Flares, blankets, water, flashlight, canned food, and a reflective "Call Police" sign are also useful.

• Avoid short cuts that take you through unfamiliar or unsafe areas.

• If you are being followed, don’t drive directly home. Drive to the nearest 24-hour police or fire station, hospital emergency entrance, all-night restaurant, gas station or other place where there are people.