Police: Safety Tips for Cranford Residents

The Cranford Police Department released a few personal safety tips Wednesday for residents to keep in mind while out and about town.

A 16-year-old Cranford male was assaulted and robbed Saturday while walking near Hampton Park. Police have mentioned other similar incidents have taken place recently in Cranford and the surrounding towns. They have yet to release the details of these potentially related cases.

Chief Eric Mason suggests residents keep in mind the following:

1. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark or in unfamiliar surroundings.  Try to have a friend or companion with you.  If you must walk alone, make sure someone knows where you are going and the route you are taking.  Check in when you safely arrive.

2. Keep a cell phone on your person, and keep emergency numbers on speed dial.  Also, always keep ICE, or "In Case of Emergency" telephone numbers in your contact list in case law enforcement of medical professionals need to reach a family member in a crisis.

3. Don't keep valuables, such as expensive jewelry or electronics, visible to passersby.

4. Try to stay in well lit areas and/or on well traveled roads.  You are less likely to be confronted when there are potential witnesses present.

5. Avoid walking with headphones in your ears and/or avoid reading while walking. Both activities limit your awareness of your surroundings.

6. Don't wait to become a victim.  If circumstances make you feel uncomfortable (e.g., a car driving slowly behind you, persons crossing the street to be in your path, etc.) immediately call the police.

7.  In the event you are confronted, the safest course of action is to comply with the robber's demands. Do not jeopardize your health or life to save material property. You accomplish more by becoming a good witness and remembering as many details as possible.

8. Promptly report crimes and suspicious activity to the police.  There is no way to know what information or piece of evidence will lead to a successful arrest and prosecution.