Crime prevention for people with physical disabilities

Look out for yourself

  • Stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings, whether on the street, in an office building or shopping mall, driving, or waiting for a bus.
  • Send the message that you are calm, confident, and know where you are going.
  • Be realistic about your limitations. Avoid places or situations that put you at risk.
  • Know the neighborhood where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, restaurants or stores that are open and accessible.
  • Avoid establishing predictable activity patterns. Most of us have daily routines, but never varying them may increase your vulnerability to crime.

At home

  • Put good locks on all your doors. Sturdy deadbolt locks are best. Make sure you can easily use the locks.
  • Install peepholes on front and back doors at your eye level.
  • Get to know your neighbors. Watchful neighbors who look out for you as well as themselves are a front-line defense against crime.
  • If you have difficulty speaking, have a friend record a message (giving your name, address and type of disability) to use in emergencies. Keep the tape in a recorder next to your phone.
  • Ask the police department to conduct a free home security survey to help identify any security concerns.

Out and about

  • If possible, go with a friend.
  • Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through vacant lots, wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys.
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. If you use a wheelchair, keep your purse or wallet tucked snugly between you and the inside of the chair.
  • If you use a knapsack, make sure it is securely closed.
  • Always carry your medical information, in case of an emergency.
  • Consider installing a cellular phone in your vehicle or always having one on your person.

Before you go on vacation

  • Plan ahead. If you are traveling by yourself, get maps and plan your route. Have your vehicle checked before you leave. Leave your itinerary with someone.
  • Leave copies of the numbers of your passport, driver's license, credit cards and travelers checks with a close friend or relative in case you need to replace these papers.
  • Put lights and a radio on timers to create the illusion that someone is at home while you are away. Stop mail and paper deliveries or ask a neighbor to take them in.

On public transportation

  • Use well-lighted, busy stops. Stay near other passengers. Sit by the driver.
  • Stay alert. Do not doze or daydream.
  • If someone harasses you, make a loud noise or say, "Leave me alone". If that doesn't work, hit the emergency signal.

Don't let a con artist rip you off

Many con artists prey on people's desires to find miracle cures for chronic conditions and fatal diseases. To outsmart con artists, remember these tips:

  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Don't let greed or desperation overcome common sense.
  • Get a second opinion.
  • Be aware of high-pressure tactics, need for quick decisions, demands for cash only, or high yield, low-risk investments.

(Reprinted from a brochure from the National Crime Prevention Council)

Contact Information

Submit a tip through Crime Stoppers

Submit a web tip

People may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest of a suspect.

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The City of Bloomington does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Bloomington services, programs, and activities. Upon request, this information can be provided in Braille, large print, audio tape and/or electronic format.