We often overlook the simple steps that we can take to prevent crime. Listed here are a few tips on personal, vehicle and apartment safety. As the National Crime Prevention Council says, “Partnerships that actively involve the local community and its residents are key to preventing crime.”

• Take the time to get to know your neighbors. It always helps to have another set of eyes and ears on your side.
• Know where local police stations, fire stations and other safe places are located.  For a list of all municipalities and counties in HAA’s service, click here.
• Keep valuables concealed if possible. Wallets should be kept in front pockets.
• Walk with a purpose. Stand up straight and be aware of the people around you. If you suspect someone is following you and it makes you uneasy, make eye contact with that person very briefly. This will let him or her know that you are aware.
• Walk in well-lit areas. Avoid wooded areas, alleys or secluded places.

For additional resources visit The National Crime Prevention Council’s website.

Downloadable Resources

Personal Safety
Personal Safety Guide from San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
National Crime Prevention Council Checklist for Violence Prevention
Streetwise Brochure from National Crime Prevention Council

Houston Police Department Robbery Prevention Brochure

Domestic Violence Resources
Family Violence Hurts Everyone Brochure
Dater’s Bill of Rights 

Car Safety Resources
Car Theft Fact Sheet  
Preventing Car Theft Brochure
Vehicle Burglary Prevention 

Apartment Safety Resources
Brochure on Home Safety
Apartment Inventory Checklist
A Safety Checklist for Apartments

• Have important phone numbers nearby for you and your children. Include numbers for the police, emergency hotlines, friends and your local shelter.
• If you are in immediate danger and cannot take your children, contact the police immediately to arrange for temporary protective custody. (This does not mean you will lose custody. Permanent custody will be decided later by a judge.)
• Get the officers' names, badge numbers and the report number in case you need a copy of the report.
• If you have been hurt, go to the hospital or your doctor. Domestic violence advocates (people to help you) may be called to the hospital.
• If you are the victim of family violence, you could be eligible to terminate your lease, provided that you meet certain criteria and properly notify the property as stated in the Texas Property Code. For more information see family violence victim’s right to break a lease pamphlet.

For more information on domestic violence, visit www.domesticviolence.org. 

Helpful Numbers to Know for the Houston Area

Emergency
911

Non-Emergency Police
713.884.3131

Rape Crisis Hotline
713.528.RAPE

Family Violence Hotline
713.528.2121

Houston Area Women’s Center
713.528.6798
www.hawc.org

Asians Against Domestic Abuse
713.339.8300
www.aadainc.org

Daya
713.981.7645
www.dayahouston.org

Family Violence Unit
713.308.1100
http://www.houstontx.gov/police/fvu/index.htm