The Munster Police Department offers these tips for Personal Safety & Maintaining Situational Awareness
• Always be aware when you are pulling in or out of your driveway. Look around the area of your garage before pulling in and look at your rear view mirrors to check for any suspicious individuals before closing your garage and exiting your vehicle. Beware of individuals who may be hiding behind your vehicle or garbage cans.
• Always try to park in well-lit areas when possible that are visible to the public, and make it a habit to start your car and drive away immediately when possible.
• If you believe that you are being followed, call 911 and try to get to a public area.
• Do not stop for stranded motorists who you do not know. Call 911 to get help on the way for them.
• If someone bumps the back of your vehicle while driving, continue to proceed to a safe area in view of the public if your vehicle is drivable and call 911 on the way there to get the police enroute.
• Try to bike, walk, job, or shop with a family member or friend when you can as criminals are more likely to approach someone who is alone. Look out for each other while in parking lots. If you do not feel safe walking out to your car, call 911 to request an escort by an officer.
• Avoid walking alone at night or sitting inside of vehicles in dark areas.