Citizens can reduce their chance of becoming a crime victim by utilizing the following safety tips:

• Always lock your doors and windows. Install deadbolt locks on exterior doors.

• Don't answer the door if you feel uncomfortable with a particular situation.

• Apartment dwellers: Don't allow anyone to follow you into a building or hallway. Don't buzz or allow anyone into the complex that you do not expect, know or trust. Be careful while in a laundry room.

• Never divulge your personal information to anyone who you do not know.

• Be cautious of strangers who want to use your phone - offer to call the police to assist them.

• Don't let anyone lure you out of your home.

• Don't let babysitters entertain visitors in your home.

• Admit "repairmen" only if you have an appointment with them.

• Door hinges should be on the inside of the residence. Make sure exterior doors are made up of solid core material, and your bedroom door should have a lock.

• Exterior doors or entrances should be well lit. Create a barrier of light all the way around your home. Place lights up high enough to prevent tampering.

• Prune or transplant overgrown bushes and trees around windows or entryways.

^* Reduce the opportunity for criminal activity by being aware of your surroundings. This can lessen the possibility of becoming a target.

^* If you observe someone suspicious in your neighborhood or housing complex, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1.

For information about the Tucson Police Department's Operation Identification Program, please visit http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/police/Crime_Prevention/Operation_ID/operation_id.html.

For additional safety tips please visit the Tucson Police Department’s web page at www.cityoftucson.org/police. Once there, follow the link to Crime Prevention.