Skagit County Sheriff

"Committed To Your Safety"

At Home

• Be aware of your surroundings. Be familiar with who is coming and going - who belongs and who doesn't.
• Know your neighbors and learn who can be called for assistance when needed.
• Women may be safer using only first initials and last names on mailboxes and in phone directories.
• Change locks when you move into a new residence. Make sure your doors have dead bolt locks, security chains, and peepholes, USE THEM!
• Don't hide spare keys outdoors.
• Check ID when repair people, salespeople, meter readers, etc.. come to the door. Don't hesitate to call and check them out or refuse them admittance if something feels wrong.
• If you let someone in and have second thoughts, be assertive. Tell them to leave or leave yourself. Pretend you are not home alone by mentioning a friend or family member asleep in the next room.
• Make sure entrances, garages, grounds, and hallways are well lighted.
• Leave porch lights on at night or when you expect to return after dark. Leave an interior light on in a room or two with the shades drawn. Leave a radio on.
• Instruct children and babysitters not to give out information about who is home, who is out or for how long.
• Don't leave notes on your door for others or allow solicitor's material to remain on your doorknob since they advertise your absence.
• If you suspect your home has been broken into, don't go in or out, go someplace else and call the police.

In your car

• Keep car doors locked at all times, and windows rolled up all the way.
• Do not stop to help a stranger in a stalled vehicle, go to a safe place and report the stalled vehicle to the police.
• Don't pick up hitchhikers.
• If you are being followed, don't go home. Drive to the nearest fire or police station or an open gas station, anyplace with people around.
• Try to keep your car maintained, and keep your gas tank at least half full.
• If security staff are available to walk you to your car, don't be embarrassed to use them.
• If you leave keys with a parking attendant or at a service station, leave only the car (not the house) key.