Personal Safety In The Home By Winnipeg Police Service

Personal Safety In The Home By Winnipeg Police Service

Many people operate under the assumption that concerns for personal safety apply only to someone who is away from the comfort of his or her home. A person should not take anything for granted when it comes to their safety.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE AWARE OF YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY IN ALL SITUATIONS, INCLUDING THE HOME

• Keep doors and windows secure at all times.
• Only open the door when it is safe to do so.

SERVICE AND DELIVERY PEOPLE
• Place a peephole in the door.
• Verify person’s reason for attendance.
• Ask for proper identification.
• Consider contacting the organization/company to confirm/verify delivery time.
• Consider contacting the organization/company to schedule an appointment.
• Be sure to utilize reputable and reliable companies.

STRANGERS AT THE DOOR
• It is common practice for a burglar to knock first to see if anyone is home.
• Verify the persons reason for attendance.
• If you are uncomfortable with their attendance, stay calm and tell them to leave.
• If they refuse to leave advise them that you are calling police.

APARTMENT/CONDO SAFETY
Remember the front door of your apartment/condo block is the front door of your residence.
• Never allow anyone that you do not know into the building.
• Lock/secure doors, windows and lockers.
• Do not identify yourself on the call board.
• Do not enter an elevator if you are suspicious of the occupants.
• Report suspicious people loitering.

TELEPHONE SAFETY
Be cautious when speaking to someone on the phone, as you cannot confirm their true identity. They could be a fraudster.
• If a caller refuses to identify him or herself to you – hang up.
• Do not give out any personal information to anyone. This includes credit card or banking info.
• Do not divulge that you are home alone.
• If you are receiving annoying or harassing telephone calls, hang up and activate the call trace feature (*57). Document the date, time and nature of the calls and assemble a record of calls before contacting the police.
• Notify the police immediately if the calls are threatening in nature.

SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER
• Keep sightlines clear – trim trees and shrubs to prevent a place to hide.
• Lighting can be an effective deterrent for criminals:
? use motion lights on the exterior
? use timers inside your home to give appearance someone is home
• Change locks upon moving into a new residence.
• Keep doors locked even when you are home or in your yard.
• Include children in your safety plan.
• Get to know your neighbours.
• Be aware of suspicious activity and look out for each other.

Trust your instincts!

Connect with your
Community Relations Officers
To book a presentation, request officers
attend an event, or for more information:

204-986-6322
Winnipeg.ca/TakeAction
Make the Right Call
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 204-986-6222
Report a Crime Online: Winnipeg.ca/police

More information about personal and in-house safety,
visit www.winnipeg.ca/police