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Center for the Administration of Justice
Florida International University
Modesto A. Maidique Campus
MARC 330
11200 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33199
Tel: (305)348-5952
Fax: (305)348-4700
Email: caj@fiu.edu

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Home › Hispanic Crime Prevention Program › Visitors To Dade County

Visitors To Dade County

Visitor Safety Tips Guide

Welcome to the Visitor Safety Tips Guide presented by the Metro-Dade Police Department's Robbery Bureau. The guide was designed to facilitate visitors and residents alike in their daily activities throughout Dade County. The information has been translated into five languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German).

While the tips presented here are by no means all inclusive, they are intended to provide assistance in avoiding precarious situations.

"The best prevention is common sense and awareness of your surroundings".

Robbery Prevention Tips List:

Know your destination and have a planned route of travel.
Always be alert and aware of what is going on around you.
If you see someone on the road who indicates they need help, it is best to call police when you get to the nearest telephone.
If your vehicle is bumped from behind, do not stop on the roadway or shoulder. Drive to the nearest public area and call for police assistance.
If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle at a red light or stop sign, blow the horn.
Do not pull over for flashing headlights. An emergency or police vehicle has red or blue flashing lights.
If you become lost, find a public place, like a service station, to read your map or ask for directions.
If you are told that something is wrong with your vehicle, do not stop immediately. Drive to the nearest service station or another well lighted public area.
Keep doors locked and windows up when driving, and when the vehicle is parked.
Valuables should be kept in the trunk, locked glove compartment, or out of sight whenever traveling or leaving a vehicle parked.
Always park in well lighted areas.
Check the interior of your vehicle and surrounding areas before entering your vehicle.
Do not pick up hitchhikers.
If using an automatic teller machine, be sure the area is well lighted. Count your money inside your vehicle with the windows up.
Do not leave the keys in your vehicle or the motor running when using the automatic teller machine or a public telephone.
If you suspect that your are being followed, go to the nearest well lighted public area and call police.
If you must carry a purse or shoulder bag, hold it in front of you close to your body. Be sure it is closed securely.
If you are challenged by a hostile individual, do not resist. Give the person what is asked for, your belongings are not worth your life or serious injury.
In case of emergency call 911 on any telephone.

Safety Precautions for the use of Automated Teller Machines (ATM)

REMEMBER: THERE IS SAFETY IN NUMBERS. WHENEVER POSSIBLE, HAVE ANOTHER PERSON ACCOMPANY YOU WHEN TRANSACTING BUSINESS ON AN AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE.

OBSERVE THE SURROUNDINGS: Before approaching any automated teller machine ("ATM") be alert for any suspicious persons or circumstances. Should you observe suspicious persons or circumstances or otherwise feel uneasy or uncomfortable with your surroundings, leave the area immediately--do not use the ATM. Come back at a later or more appropriate time or use an ATM at another location. Report any suspicious persons to law enforcement authorities.
BE READY TO TRANSACT BUSINESS: Before approaching any ATM machine, have your access card and any other paperwork necessary for your particular transaction ready and in your hand. Having to retrieve these items from a purse or wallet is time consuming and allows a potential thief easier access to your valuables. By being ready to transact business before approaching the ATM, your transaction becomes quicker and safer.
REMAIN OBSERVANT WHILE USING THE ATM: While transacting business at the ATM, continue to observe your surroundings. Be careful not to disclose or otherwise reveal your Personal Identification Number ("PIN") to others while using the ATM. Never begin a transaction when stran gers have a clear view of the ATM keyboard. Use your body to shield the ATM keyboard as your access the machine. This will allow you to access the machine without disclosing or revealing your PIN. You should check your surroundings every few seconds while actually using the ATM. Should you observe any suspicious persons or circumstances, terminate your transaction immediately, leave the area, and contact law enforcement authorities.

LEAVE QUICKLY: Upon completing your transaction, retrieving your card, and receiving your receipt, immediately leave the ATM area. Do not count or otherwise visually expose any money received from the ATM. Continue to observe your surroundings for any suspicious persons or circumstances, such as anyone following or approaching you. Always maintain a safe distance between you and any stranger. If you believe that you are being followed, you should go to the nearest place where there are people and contact law enforcement authorities.

Source: Originally developed by the Dade County Police Department