FORT RUCKER, Ala. (October 6, 2011) -- October is crime prevention month, but Directorate of Public Safety officials said it's something everyone should be mindful of every day.
Lt. Col. Madeline Bondy, DPS director and provost marshal, said those living on or off post should always make sure they aren't setting themselves up to be victims.
"Crime prevention is a proactive stance for everyone," she said. "It's just like preventive medicine in that you don't want to expose yourself to something that could be harmful and you want to ensure you don't leave yourself unprotected."
She said some basic things people can do, such as adding motion sensor lights to a house and not leaving high-dollar items in a vehicle, are simple ways people can avoid being victimized.
Another issue she said both parents and children should be aware of is cyber crime. It can be more than just identity theft, she said.
"Putting things on Facebook or Google+ requires some education on what the parameters are for being responsible," she said. "We have a responsibility, especially as military parents, to make sure we're not putting out potentially harmful information. It all comes back to operational security. You don't want to put certain pictures out there, or your full name because you never know who might be out there looking for information on you or your spouse, especially if they're deployed."
Peggy Contreras, Community Police supervisor, said that while some events are still being planned for the month, the week of Oct. 24-28 is Red Ribbon Week, the annual event that focuses on preventing drug use among school-age children.
"We're planning to have visits in the schools, and talk to children and parents about preventing drug abuse and other crimes," she said. "On Oct. 27, there's going to be the annual Red Ribbon Week parades for the Elementary School and Primary School. We'll have an appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog and the 98th Army Band."
Another crime that Contreras said there was a need to focus on in schools is bullying. It's something that can occur in person or online and is something parents should talk to their children about, she added.
"Our children are vulnerable, and we are vulnerable," she said. "We have to think about what we're putting out there and what kind of effect it can have later."
While school has started again and the summer travel season is over, Contreras and Bondy said those who are planning to travel during the upcoming holidays, or just for a vacation, should still take measures to protect themselves from thieves.
"If you go out shopping, especially at night, it's a good idea to use the buddy system," Contreras said. "Parking in a well-lit area is also a good idea. And if you feel like someone is following you and you've got an alarm on your vehicle, setting it off remotely is a good way to attract attention to yourself, which can deter someone from continuing to follow you."
For more information on Crime Prevention Month, call 255-2222.
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