Boston Police Remind Residents of Safety Tips

In light of a Thanksgiving weekend assault on a Charlestown woman who was walking home from the T station, Boston Police have issued the following safety tips and are encouraging people to use extra caution:

When You Are Walking

1. Be aware of your surroundings—especially at night. Accept the fact that you can be a potential victim. Trust your instincts.
2. Show that you are in control and walk with confidence. Be assertive—do not let anyone violate your space.
3. Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you. It shows that you are paying attention and could later identify someone.
4. Look around to see if someone is following you.  Be observant of passing vehicles.
5. Do not become distracted by talking on the cell phone or listening to an IPOD.
6. Avoid walking alone late at night. Attempt to walk with people that you are familiar with or feel safe around.

When You Are Using a Motor Vehicle

1. Park in a well lighted and populated area.
2. Always lock your doors.
3. If necessary, press the alarm on your vehicle security clicker or honk the horn.
4. When you feel threatened or sense that you are being followed on the street: 

• Walk into a crowd of people; ask someone if you can walk with them.
• Consider changing direction, crossing the street, or walking toward a store, restaurant or a well lighted building or house.
• Take out your cell phone and/or whistle.
• Put your keys into your hand through your knuckles in order to make a weapon.

If You Are Being Assaulted

1. Believe that you may be able to scare, distract or even incapacitate the person enough to escape.
2. Scream out “Fire, Police, Help or Rape” until someone assists you or the attacker flees the area.
3. Avoid being controlled. Push away from your attacker. Use quick evasive movements.
4. If possible, use a whistle to signal that you are being assaulted.
5. When you are able, always call 9-1-1.

Defend Yourself

1. Kick and scratch. Use your hands, nails, elbows, knees, legs, teeth, and head as weapons. Your primary targets of attack are the eyes, windpipe & groin.
2. Use your keys as a weapon.
3. Do not allow the perpetrator to take you to a secondary location.
4. Consider carrying pepper spray.

Get a Good Description and File a Police Report

It is most important to get the best description of the suspect, direction of flight of the suspect and the suspect’s actions including verbal remarks. A police report needs to be filed.

FID Cards and Whistles

Obtain an FID card for Pepper Spray at the BPD Licensing Unit (Call 617-343-4425).

For whistles and other information, contact the District A-1, Community Service Office at 617-343-4627.