Soulard Star Directory 2027

✯ SOULARD STAR DIRECTORY | 2027 21 continued on page 22 • Walk with purpose. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times • Follow the safest route possible.Walk on the side of the street where you can best see around you • Have your house or car keys ready in your hand • Avoid overburdening yourself with parcels. Carry your purse close to you but do not wrap it around your neck, shoulder or hand • Do not be afraid to draw attention to the fact that you feel at risk • Carry only the cash and credit cards that you need • Carry a loud, battery-powered noisemaker alarm that can only be silenced by inserting a small key into its side. If you feel at risk from another person, briefly demonstrate to them the sound it makes and explain that you are not worth their attention • If the person continues to approach, remove the small key to initiate the audible alarm and throw the small key into the bushes IN YOUR CAR  • After dark, do not sit inside your car unnecessarily. Move away from your car before you check your cell phone.Would-be carjackers love a distracted driver sitting in an idling vehicle in the dark • Always keep your car doors locked. Look inside the car before entering and lock the doors when you are inside • If you suspect you are being followed by another vehicle, call 911 while you drive to the nearest police station • If you have car trouble, raise the hood, get back in your car and lock it. If someone offers assistance, remain in the car and ask that person to call for help • Do your part. If you see a motorist in trouble, call for help IF YOU ARE ASSAULTED  • There is no right or wrong response to a sexual assault.You must use your own judgment when deciding what to do • Display confidence, as best you can, even if you feel fear. Look the perpetrator in the eye. Loudly tell them to stop • Purses and valuables can be replaced. It is not worth risking personal injury for property. Don’t be heroic or take any foolish chances. It is better to lose your property than to lose your life • Remember that surprise and speed can be used in your favor. Run and yell if there is an opportunity • Call the police as soon as possible. Don’t chase or follow the perpetrator. Police could mistake you for the bad guy • Ask witnesses to stay until an officer arrives.Ask each witness to immediately record a voice memo on their personal phone detailing their perspective of what happened.This memo can later be shared with police. If a witness must leave, ask them to share their name and number with you so you can give it to the police • Immediately record a detailed voice memo on your phone with identifying details about the suspect and your recollection of the events • If a weapon is used, try to notice the barrel length, color, grip color and type and type of weapon • Consider taking a self-defense course that teaches awareness, avoidance and action PROTECT YOUR HOME We all have the potential to be victims of crime. Each of us can REDUCETHE RISK of our homes or property being victimized by eliminating the opportunity.