Protect against thieves Check the back seat before entering your car. 11/20/06 Respond to this story Email this story to a friend .. ..In Your Car Always lock car doors after entering or leaving your vehicle. Park in well-lit areas. Have your car keys in hand so you don't have to linger before entering your car. Check the back seat before entering your car. If you think you are being followed, drive to a well-lit public place. If your car breaks down, open the hood and attach a white cloth to the car antenna. If someone stops to help, stay in your locked car and ask him to call the local law enforcement agency or a garage. Don't stop to aid broken down motorists. Go to a phone and request help for them. When being driven home, request the driver to wait until you are inside. In The Office Never leave your purse or billfold in plain view or in the pocket of a jacket hanging on a door. Personal property should be marked with some type of identification. Don't leave cash or other valuables at the office. If you are in an elevator with another person, stand near the control panel. If attacked, press the alarm and as many of the control buttons as possible. Be alert to pickpockets on crowded elevators. If you work alone or outside of normal business hours, keep the office door locked. Report all suspicious persons and activities to the proper authorities (office manager, building security, law enforcement). Be aware of escape routes for emergencies and post emergency numbers near telephones. Neighborhood Watch Neighborhood Watch is a community-based crime prevention program that is part of the Douglas County Sheriffs Office Community Relations Unit. Neighborhood Watch Block Captains are individuals who take an active role in making their neighborhood safer. The Block Captains receive specific crime and Neighborhood Watch information on a continuing basis from the Community Relations Unit. Likewise, the Community Relations Unit receives information and inquiries from the Block Captains. The Block Captains also stay in contact with their neighbors to stay abreast of any incidents and/ or suspicious activity that may occur in their neighborhood. Although this may not guarantee that you will be protected from victimization, the coordinated effort with the your Sheriff's Office will help reduce crime in our communities. A website known as USAonwatch.org offers up-to-date information on Neighborhood Watch Programs. Since September 11th President Bush requested that our communities become more active in achieving greater security through Neighborhood Watch Programs. The website listed above provides useful information to all individuals who seek a safer and stronger community. Courtesy of FEMA Rodney says, "Check the back seat before entering your car."