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Crime Prevention

Crime Prevention works because it removes one of the three elements necessary for a crime to be committed. The "Crime Triangle" depicts the three elements. Remove one of the elements and you have prevented the crime. Contrary to what Hollywood might suggest, most crimes are not well planned by the offender. The vast majority are spur-of-the-moment crimes -- "Crimes of Opportunity." Crime prevention focuses on removing one of the elements, usually the opportunity part of the triangle.

The Hanahan Police Department can help you with a wide variety of crime prevention topics. Information is available in the form of booklets, brochures and other handouts that are free to the members of our community. We can also schedule an officer to speak to your group about crime prevention.

An important factor in preventing crime is the formation of partnerships involving all parts of the community and our police department. We do this through programs such as Neighborhood Watch and the upcoming Citizens Police Academy. Get involved with our community and our police department and together we can reduce crime and enhance the quality of life in our community.

Handy Helpful Hints

Promoting Personal Safety

Think about the unthinkable. Don't mask the facts about rape with myths and stereotypes.

THE TRUTH IS...

• RAPE is an act of violence. It is an attempt to control and degrade using sex as a weapon.
• RAPE can happen to anyone--children, students, wives, mothers, working women, grandmother, the rich and poor, and boys and men.
• RAPISTS can be anyone--classmates, co-workers, a neighbor or delivery person, ugly or attractive, outgoing or shy, often a friend or family member.
• RAPISTS rape again and again, until caught.

USE YOUR HEAD

• Be alert! Walk with confidence and purpose.
• Be aware of your surroundings--know who's out there and what's going on.
• Don't let alcohol or others drugs cloud your judgment.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation or place makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, leave! 
  

COMMON SENSE INDOORS

• Make sure all doors (don't forget sliding glass doors) and windows have dead bolt locks, and use them! Install a peephole in the door. Keep entrances well-lighted.
• Never open your door to strangers. Offer to make an emergency call while someone waits outside. Check the identification of any sales or service people before letting them in. Don't be embarrassed to phone for verification.
• Be wary of isolated spots--apartment laundry rooms, underground garages, parking lots offices after hours. Walk with a friend, co-worker, or security guard, particularly at night.
• Know your neighbors so you have someone to call or go to if you're scared.
• If you come home and see a door or window open, or broken, don't go in. Call the police from a public phone or neighbor's home. 
  

COMMON SENSE OUTDOORS

• Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Stay in well-traveled, well-lighted areas.
• Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
• Be careful if anyone in a car asks you for direction--if you answer, keep your distance from the car.
• Have your key ready before you reach the door--home, car, or office.
• If you think you're being followed, change direction and head for open stores, restaurants, theaters, or a lighted house.
• Park in areas that will be well-lighted and well-traveled when you return.
• Always lock your car --when you get in and when you get out.
• Look around your car and in the back seat before you get in.
• If your car breaks down, lift the hood, lock the doors, and turn on flashers. Use a "Call Police" banner or flares. If someone stops, roll the window down slightly and ask the person to call the police or tow service.
• Don't hitchhike, ever. Don't pick up a hitchhiker. 
  

IF THE UNTHINKABLE HAPPENS

• How should you handle a rape attempt? It depends on your physical and emotional state, the situation, the rapist's personality. There are no hard and fast, right or wrong answers. Surviving is the goal.
• Try to escape. Scream. Be rude. Make noise to discourage your attacker from following.
• Talk, stall for time, and assess your options.
• If the rapist has a weapon, you may have no choice but to submit. Do whatever it takes to survive.
• If you decide to fight back, you must be quick and effective. Target the eyes or groin. 
  

SURVIVING RAPE

• Report rape or any sexual assault to the police or rape crisis center. The sooner you tell, the greater the chances the rapist will be caught.
• Preserve all physical evidence. Don't shower, bathe, change clothes, douche, or throw any clothing away until the police or rape counselor say it's okay.
• Go to a hospital emergency room or your own doctor for medical care immediately.
• Don't go alone. Ask a friend or family member to go with you or call a rape crisis center or school counselor.
• Get counseling to help deal with feelings of anger, helplessness, fear, and shame caused by rape. It helps to talk to someone about the rape, whether it happened last night, last week, or years ago.
• Remember, rape is not your fault. Do not accept blame for being an innocent victim. 
  

IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN RAPED

• Believe her or him.
• Don't blame the victim.
• Offer support, patience, and compassion to help the rape victim work through the crisis, heal and emerge a survivor.

GET INVOLVED

• Ask a neighborhood Watch group, a school, employer, church, library, or civic group to oranges a workshop on preventing rape. Make sure it addresses concerns of both men and women.
• Volunteer at a rape crisis center.
• If you see a TV program or movie that enforces sexual stereotypes and sends the message that women really like to be raped, protest. Write to the station, the studio, or the sponsors. On the other side, publicly commend the media when they do a great job in depicting the realities of rape.

 

Senior Citizen Crimes

Seniors are more vulnerable to certain crimes - purse snatching, mugging, and fraud. But you can reduce opportunities for criminals to strike by being careful, alert, and a good neighbor.

When You're Out

• If you must carry a purse, hold it close to your body. Don't dangle it.
• Never carry a wallet in your back pocket. Put it in an inside jacket pocket or front pocket.
• Make sure someone knows where you're going and when you expect to return.
• Avoid dark, deserted routes, even if they're the shortest.
• Carry change for emergency telephone and transportation use.
• Whenever possible, travel with friends to stores, the bank, or the doctor. Check with your police or sheriff, or senior citizen center about escort services.
• When using the bus or other public transportation, sit near the driver if possible.
• Don't overburden yourself with packages and groceries that obstruct your view and make it hard to react.
• Have your car or house key in hand as you approach your vehicle or home.
• Carry a shriek alarm. In some areas, community groups offer free alarms to seniors.
• When you drive, keep doors locked and windows up. Park in well-lighted, busy areas. If you have car trouble, be wary of strangers who offer help. Stay in your car and ask them to call a service truck or the police.
• If a friend or taxi takes you home, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.
• Communicate the message that you are calm, confident, and know where you are going. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave. 
  

When You Are At Home

• Use deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Keep your doors locked at all times, even when you're inside.
• Protect windows and sliding glass doors with good locks or other security devices.
• Make your home appear occupied when you go out by using a timer to turn on lights and a radio.
• Never let strangers in your home without checking their identification. Call their company if you're not sure. Install a peephole in your door and use it.
• If you live alone, don't advertise it. Use only your first initial in phone books, directories, and apartment lobbies.
• Get to know your neighbors and keep their phone numbers handy for emergencies.
• Work out a "buddy" system with a friend to check on each other daily.
• Engrave your valuables with a unique identification number recommended by the police. Local youth groups may provide this service free to seniors. Keep bonds, stock certificates, seldom worn jewelry, and stamp and coin collections in a safe deposit box.
• Don't hide extra house keys under a doormat or other obvious spots. 
  

Protect Your Money

• If you receive checks in the mail regularly, arrange for them to be sent directly to the bank instead.
• Avoid carrying large sums of money. If you must take a large sum, have a friend accompany you.
• Don't display large amounts of cash in stores or other public places.
• Don't sign a check or contract until you're sure it's for a legitimate reason and you know the details. Check with a friend, lawyers, or police officer if in doubt.
• Never put your purse or wallet on a counter while you examine merchandise in a store. 
  

What if You Are Assaulted?

• If the attacker is only after your purse or other valuables, don't resist. Your life and safety are worth more than your possessions.
• Make a conscious effort to get an accurate description of the attacker and call the police or sheriff immediately.
• Start a crime prevention program in your building or neighborhood. Turn your tragedy into a helping experience for others. 
  

Don't Be Conned

According to the American Association of Retired Persons, older citizens are victims of fraudulent schemes far out of proportion to their population numbers. Keep informed about the latest con schemes in your community by reading the newspaper. Be skeptical about any proposal that sounds too good to be true or has to be kept secret. Don't rush into anything. Check it out with friends, lawyers, the police department, Better Business Bureau, and your state or county consumer affairs department.

Be especially wary of::

• "Get rich quick" schemes for which you have to put up "good faith " money.
• "Good deals" on expensive repair or home improvement jobs.
• Investments that promise unusually large returns.
• Someone claiming you owe money for an item ordered by a deceased spouse or relative.
• Work at home schemes, door-to-door sales, supplemental Medicare insurance, miracle cures, glasses and hearing aids at bargain prices. 
  

Anyone selling goods or services within the City of Hanahan is required by law to obtain a license from the City. Don't be afraid to ask to see proper credentials. Dial 843.747.5711 to report suspected violators, or 911 if you feel threatened.

If you are the victim of fraud, call the police immediately. You may be embarrassed because you were tricked, but your information is vital in catching the con artist and preventing others from being victimized.

Get Involved - Today

• Staying active in your community will help you to feel safer, and help to make your neighborhood a better place to live.
• Join a Neighborhood Watch
• Become a foster grandparent or block parent for children who may need help in an emergency.
• If a friend has been a victim of crime, be supportive. Listen carefully and non-judgmentally, cook a meal, help repair damage or replace belongings. Accompany the victim to the police station and to court.
• Ask the crime prevention officer to talk to your senior citizen group.

 

Having a Safe Vacation

Vacation is a time for fun and relaxation. Don't let yours be ruined by crime. Follow the crime prevention tips below.

Before leaving

• Secure your home
• Have good locks on all doors and windows, AND USE THEM!
• Engrave your valuables with your driver's license number (preceded by "SC").
• Never leave your house key hidden outside under a doormat, in a flower pot, or on the ledge of a door.
• Make your house appear "lived in". Use timers for lights and radios. Have a neighbor pick up mail, packages and newspapers, and keep the lawns mowed and watered.
• Leave your trip plans and an emergency phone number with trusted neighbors or friends. 
  

On the road

• Never carry large amounts of cash: use traveler's checks. If you must carry large sums of money, do not display it openly.
• Keep a record of your traveler's check numbers and your credit card numbers in a safe place. Have the telephone numbers to call in case your checks or credit cards are lost or stolen.
• Be aware of your surroundings and never advertise your plans to strangers; this includes travel routes and the amount of cash you are carrying.
• Do not stop to offer to help a stranded motorist. Go to the nearest phone booth and call for assistance.
• If you suspect someone is following you, drive to the nearest service station, restaurant or business and call the police or sheriff's department. If you believe it is unsafe to get out of your car, honk your horn and flash your lights to draw attention.
• If your car breaks down, raise the hood and attach a white cloth to the car antenna. If someone stops to help, it is advisable that you stay in your locked car and ask them to call the police or garage. If you must abandon your car, keep all passengers together. 
  

Car Security

• Always lock your car when entering or leaving it.
• Park in well-lighted, busy areas.
• Check the back seat before getting into your car.
• Mark your car radio, and other removable car equipment with your California driver's license number (preceded by "CA") for identification.
• Always lock valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk. Always carry wallets, check books, and purses with you.
• Do not advertise that you are a tourist. Place maps and travel brochures in the glove compartment. 
  

Sightseeing

• Remember: Planning reduces your chance of becoming the victim of a crime.
• Ask for directions at a hotel/motel on how to get to those attractions you want to visit.
• Select tour guides carefully.
• Ask if there are any areas in town you should avoid. Stick to well-lighted main streets and public areas.
• Looking lost (stopping and looking at addresses or staring at street signs) may make you look like an easy target for crime. If you do get lost, find an open business and ask for directions.
• Only carry with you the cash you will need, and only in small denominations.
• If older children go off separately, be sure they understand the importance of keeping track of time and returning promptly at appointed hours. 
  

Hotel & motel security

• When staying overnight at a hotel or motel, remember the following:
• Determine the most direct route to and from your room, to the fire escapes, elevators, and nearest phone.
• When occupying or leaving your room, use all auxiliary locking devices on doors and windows. (You may want to purchase a portable door lock for traveling).
• Use the viewer to identify anyone requesting entry. Open the door only if you are certain the person has a legitimate reason to enter your room. If in doubt, call the hotel/motel office.
• Unpack and place belongings in the closet and dresser. Arrange your things so you'll know if anything is missing. Consider locking any electrical appliances (blow dryers, electric shavers, etc.)
• In your luggage. (Suitcases should always be locked so they cannot be used to carry your property out of your room).
• Never leave money, checks, credit cards or car keys in your room. Take them with you.
• Place extra cash, expensive jewelry or other valuables (fur, gems, gold, or silver) in the hotel/motel safe.
• Report any lost or stolen items to the hotel/motel management and to the police.
• Report to the management any suspicious movements in the corridors or rooms. Remember- the only way to stop crime is to get involved crime prevention.

 

Fire Safety

What can you and your family do to prevent a fire in your home?

What can you do to prepare for the worst?

Make your home fire safe

• Smoke detectors save lives. Install a battery-powered smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
• Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace batteries at least once a year.
• Have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Get training from the fire department in how to use it. 
  

Plan your escape routes

• Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
• If you must use an escape ladder, be sure everyone knows how to use it.
• Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
• Once you are out, stay out! 
  

Escape safely

• If you see smoke in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to escape.
• If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, use your second way out.
• If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.

 

Disaster Readiness

Families should be prepared for all hazards that affect their area. NOAA's National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross urge each family to develop a family disaster plan. 

Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere - at work, at school or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disasters may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services - water, gas, electricity or telephones - were cut off?

The American Red Cross recommends these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan

Gather information about hazards.
Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management or civil defense office, and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community's warning signals and evacuation plans.

Meet with your family to create a plan.
Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as a fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your "family contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated and phone lines are down. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate. 

Implement your plan.

• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones;
• Install safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers;
• Inspect your home for potential hazards ( such as items that can move, fall, break or catch fire ) and correct them;
• Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home;
• Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number;
• Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation.
• Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffel bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof, fireproof container.
• Keep a smaller disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car. 
  

Practice and maintain your plan.
Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored water and food every six months.

A disaster supplies kit should include:

• A 3-day supply of water ( one gallon per person per day ) and food that won't spoil;
• One change of clothing and footwear per person;
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person;
• A first aid kit, including prescription medicines (Red Cross sells first aid kits);
• Emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries;
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash;
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.

 

All About Tornadoes

Do you know the facts about nature's most violent storms?

Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, these destructive forces of nature are found most frequently in the United States, East of the Rocky Mountains, during the Spring and Summer months. In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in 80 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries. A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Once, a tornado in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, carried a motel sign 30 miles and dropped it in Arkansas!

Where do tornadoes come from?

• Thunderstorms develop in warm, moist air in advance of eastward-moving cold fronts. These thunderstorms often produce large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes.
• Tornadoes in the winter and early spring are often associated with strong, frontal systems that form in the central states and move east. Occasionally, large outbreaks of tornadoes occur with this type of weather pattern. Several states may be affected by numerous severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
• During the spring in the central plains, thunderstorms frequently develop along a "dryline," which separates very warm, moist air to the east from hot, dry air to the west. Tornado-producing thunderstorms may form as the dryline moves east during the afternoon hours.
• Along the front range of the Rocky Mountains, in the Texas panhandle, and in the southern High Plains, thunderstorms frequently form as air near the ground flows "upslope" toward higher terrain. If other favorable conditions exist, these thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.
• Tornadoes occasionally accompany tropical storms and hurricanes that move over land. Tornadoes are most common to the right and ahead of the path of the storm center as it comes onshore.

The Myths and the Facts:

• Myth: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize the pressure and minimize damage. Fact: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place.
• Myth: Areas near rivers, lakes and mountains are safe from tornadoes. Fact: No place is safe from tornadoes. In the late 1980's, a tornado swept through Yellowstone National Park leaving a path of destruction up and down a 10,000 ft. mountain.
• Myth: The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to "explode" as the tornado passes overhead. Fact: Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause most structural damage.

When Tornadoes Occur

• Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year.
• In the southern states, peak tornado occurrence is in March through May, while peak months in the northern states are during the summer.
• Note, in some states, a secondary tornado maximum occurs in the fall.
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 P.M. and 9 P.M., but have been known to occur at all hours of the day or night.
• The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction. The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from nearly stationary to 70 mph.
• The total number of tornadoes is probably higher than indicated in the western states. Sparse population reduces the number reported.

Tornado Variety

Weak Tornadoes

• 69% of all tornadoes
• Less than 5% of tornado deaths
• Lifetime 1-10+ minutes
• Winds less than 110 mph

Strong Tornadoes

• 29% of all tornadoes
• Nearly 30% of all tornado deaths
• May last 20 minutes or longer
• Winds 110-205 mph,

Violent Tornadoes

• Only 2% of all tornadoes
• 70% of all tornado deaths
• Lifetime can exceed 1 hour
• Winds greater than 205 mph

 

Thunderstorm Safety

Summer storms often bring with them dangerous lightning. Do you know the warning signs and what to do about them?

Keep an eye on the sky
Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder. Remember, so-called "heat lightning" can abruptly turn towards the ground. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately. Listen to weather radio or television for the latest weather forecast.

When a storm approaches
Find shelter in a sturdy building. IF A BUILDING IS NOT NEARBY, A HARDTOP CAR IS SUITABLE. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Fences can carry deadly charges for miles. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances and unplug all large appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose. Turn off the air conditioner-- power surges from lightning can overload the compressor.

If caught outside: 
If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately. If possible, go to a low-lying, open space away from trees, poles or metal objects-- NOT A PLACE THAT COULD FILL WITH FLOOD WATERS.

If someone is struck by lightning 
People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Services. The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.

 

Hurricane Safety

Know What Hurricane WATCH and WARNING Mean

• WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
• WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan

• Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
• Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Take these items with you when evacuating:
• Prescription medications and medical supplies;
• Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
• Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
• Car keys and maps
• Documents, including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Including the Following Items:

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

Prepare for High Winds

• Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.

Know What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
• Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
• Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
• Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.

Know What to Do When a Hurricane WARNING Is Issued

• Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
• Complete preparation activities.
• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
• Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
• Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

Know What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over

• Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
• If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
• Inspect your home for damage.
• Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.

Preventing Identity Theft

What is identity theft?

"Identity theft is a criminal offense. It occurs when a person knowingly transfers or uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit or to aid or abet any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of federal law or that constitutes a felony under any applicable state or local law."
Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, 18 USC 1028(a)(7)

How widespread is the problem?

The FTC received 516,740 complaints from consumers in 2003, up from 404,000 in 2002. Of these, 214,905 (42%) were identity theft reports. Appropriated identity information is used for credit card fraud (33%), phone and utilities fraud (21%), bank fraud (17%), employment-related fraud (11%), government documents and benefits fraud (8%), loan fraud (6%), and other types of fraud (19%). Nearly 20% of all identity fraud victims experience more than one type of identity theft. - National and State Trends in Fraud & Identity Theft, January 2003-December 2003.

How can identity theft happen?

"Check your bank!

We recently received a package cushioned with 1/4" strips of shredded paper filler made from bank records! Names, addresses, deposit amounts, account numbers, phone numbers, Social Security numbers. It was all there. Easily reconstructed.

We wrote to the company who sent us the box.... 'Your packing material was most interesting (the recycled paper). Is there a company that supplies it? Is there a charge for it? If you have a company name I would appreciate your sharing it with me. Thanks!'

Their reply... 'Check with any local bank - they shred 6-10 bags per week - you can get it for free for the asking!'"

- Eavesdropping Detection Specialists - Murray Associates - Bank Record Shredding

Identity theft often occurs because someone has been casual with personal information. Leaving personal information unsecured in your home or sharing personal data on the Internet is an invitation to potential identity thieves, as is throwing out sensitive information such as bank statements, tax forms, or credit card information.

If you can, invest in a good shredder. Whether or not you use a shredder, inspect your bills, receipts, and discarded documents for any information that would make them useful to an identity thief. Look for personal data such as social security number, birth date, bank and credit card identifiers, stock or financial account information, maiden names, employment information, driver's license number, or old identification cards and credit cards. If you find something, don't just dispose of it, destroy it!

Resources:

NCPC tips on avoiding identity theft victimization

• Tips With Thanks From McGruff The Crime Dog (PDF, 129 KB). Identity Theft (PDF, 68.5 KB) This brochure briefly explains identity theft and offers tips on how to avoid it.

In the Fraud and Identity Theft section of Topics in Crime Prevention on this site, you will find links to resources about identity theft including the following:

• The extent of the problem:  National and State Trends in Fraud and Identity Theft: January 2003-December 2003 (Federal Trade Commission) .
• A primer on identity theft:  How Stuff Works: How Identity Theft Works.
• Basic safety tips for preventing fraud: How to Protect your name and your credit.
• The difference between ID theft on the Internet and in the physical world:Identity Theft: A Tragedy for Victims.
• List of items that criminals can use if not properly disposed of: Paper Shredders: Identity Theft Protection & Fraud Protection (abcoffice.com).
• Federal government information sites: Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Site; Identity Theft Resources/Privacy Rights Clearinghouse; Social Security Administration - When Someone Else Uses Your Social Security Number.

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