Make a plan to be safe in your surroundings

Everyone is at risk of crime. However, by taking the necessary steps ahead of time, you can lessen your chances of being a victim.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Crime in Arizona 2018 compilation, larceny-theft accounted for more than 60% of the crime and burglary accounted for nearly 15% of it.

Robbery is the use of a threatening force, such as bodily force or use of a weapon, in the theft of property.

It’s important to pay attention to your surroundings – including those at your apartment community – and avoid being an easy target.

❚ Be aware of your surroundings: We live busy lives. It’s inevitable that we will be distracted from time to time.

When you are at your apartment community, make an effort to gain better environmental awareness. While driving out of your community, check your mirrors diligently. Be alert of suspicious behavior and make sure to report this to your apartment management and, if necessary, the police.

❚ Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act: Most people who become victims of personal or violent crime are so shaken by the situation that they fail to flee. One of the most overlooked components of the “fight or flight” response is the freeze response.

Law enforcement has a training aide called the OODA loop – Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act. Criminals get into this loop with the element of surprise and disrupt the ability to orient and decide. If you are aware of your surroundings and can think clearly, escaping may be the best option.

❚ Make good decisions and be assertive: Don’t let people violate your personal space. Don’t allow yourself to be pulled into situations where you could be victimized. Be careful of giving your charity to someone who presents you with a farfetched story of need. Your safety needs to come first.

❚ Add an extra layer of protection to your apartment home: Coupled with the safety measures your apartment community has already put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, consider investing in a temporary form of security for your own apartment home.

With permission from your community’s management, mounting a damageand wire-free security camera outside your front door that connects wirelessly to your phone can give you peace of mind when you’re away. If you do capture suspicious activity on the security camera, you may be able to help police and your management identify the suspect.