Crime prevention is any initiative or policy which reduces or eliminates the aggregate level of victimization or the risk of individual criminal participation. It includes government and community based programs to reduce the incidents of risk factors correlated with criminal participation, the rate of victimization as well as efforts to reduce perceptions /fear of crime.

-Wikipedia

Personal Protection

Although the City of Waterbury is one of the safest cities in the State of Connecticut, we encourage citizens and visitors to aware and take caution.  The following are general tips that can help you avoid becoming a victim of a crime anywhere.  By taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risk to yourself, and also discourage those who commit crimes.

In Your Home 

• Always leave your headlights on when arriving home after dark until you have unlocked the garage door, or unlocked the front door.
• Have the door key in your hand so you can open the door immediately when you return home.
• When moving into a new apartment or residence, ALWAYS have the locks re-keyed, or changed.
• Know who is at your door before opening it.
• Never rely on chain locks. They are a privacy lock, but not a security lock.
• Never dress in front of windows, always close your drapes.
• Never let anyone into your home without proper identification. Don't be afraid to ask for identification.
• Never let strangers into your home to use the telephone. Make the call for them while they wait outside.
• Always leave outside lights on after dark, or use motion lights.
• If you receive a wrong number phone call, don't give out your name or phone number. 
• If you suspect anyone is in your house, do not go in. Go to a neighbor and call the police.
• If you see or hear anything suspicious, call the police.

While Out 

• Try NOT to go out alone at night. Avoid unfamiliar areas, if possible.
• Don't take shortcuts: don't walk in or near alleys, and don't walk on deserted streets.
• Use caution in parking lots, and don't walk in poorly lighted areas, or dark doorways, or near shrubbery.
• Don't accept rides from strangers, and don't respond to comments from strangers on the street.
• Don't hitchhike, and if someone suspicious is following you, cross the street and walk into an open business.
• Watch your surroundings and be alert for suspicious persons.
• If you are alone at work after business hours, keep the door locked.
• If you work late, ask the security guard or a co-worker to walk you to your car.
• When meeting a new friend, exchange phone numbers only, not addresses. On a first date, let family and friends know where you are going. Consider a daytime meeting rather than a night meeting.
• Keep your space - Intimate space - 0 to 1.5 feet Personal space - 1.5 to 4 feet Social space - 4 to 12 feet Public space - 12 feet or more
• If you haven't already set a few social standards, do so and stick to them. Don't allow an overly aggressive pursuer to change your mind.

In Your Car

• Never pickup hitchhikers.
• Don't park in the dark.
• Never leave your keys in the car.
• Never allow another vehicle to follow you home.
• Have your keys in hand so you can open the car door without delay. 
• If you stop to aid others, do not get out of the car. Ask what the problem is, and go to the nearest phone and call the police.
• Always lock your doors while driving.
• Always prearrange meeting with anyone so you do not have to wait alone.