• When calling from a pay phone it is not necessary to deposit money.
• You may dial 911 from a cellular phone while in DeKalb County.

If your call is a non-emergency situation, you may call 815/748-8400.
When calling:

• Describe the event. What happened? When, where, and how? Who did it?
• Tell whether the crime is in progress or has already occurred.
• Describe the suspect – sex, race, age, weight, hair color, clothing, other identifiers.
• Describe the vehicle – color, make make, year, license plate, special markings, which way it went.
• Stay on the phone with the police department until they tell you can hang up.

• CrimeStoppers at 895-3272
• DeKalb Police Department at 815/748-8400
• E-mail us at dekalb.police@cityofdekalb.com

Crime Prevention Tips
PROTECT YOUR HOME:
Lights
Leave at least one on – inside and out – when you’re not home.
When you’re away on a trip, use a timer to turn lights on and off.

LOCKS
Buy high-quality deadbolts – and use them!
Be sure any door and window locks can be opened quickly in case of fire.

UNWANTED CALLS
Don’t give out personal information such as your name and address.
If you have an answering machine, use it to screen unwanted calls.
Notify the police or phone company of threatening or harassing calls.

STRANGERS
Install a peephole, if possible.
Don’t open the door for strangers, unexpected repair people or deliveries, etc.
Always ask for a company ID. Call to verify if you are suspicious.

NEIGHBORHOOD FRIENDS
Watch other houses or apartments. Let your neighbors know of anything suspicious.
Offer your phone to neighbors for emergency use. Ask if you can use theirs when necessary.
Keep in touch with your neighbors.

If you think someone is inside your home
Do not enter the home.
Call the police from a nearby home.

PROTECT YOURSELF ON THE STREET
Dress appropriately.
Avoid flashy clothes and jewelry. This might attract unwanted attention.
Dress so you can walk or run easily.
Walk with someone.
Stay alert to those around you.
If you must walk alone, walk confidently.
Go into a public place if you need to ask directions.
Walk near people.
Avoid isolated areas, parks, and parking lots.
Avoid shortcuts – they may expose you to danger.

Protect your Valuables
Carry only what you need.
Carry necessary valuables close to your body. Don’t set them down.
Carry a wallet in a front or inside pocket, instead of a purse.
If you carry a purse, hold it close to your body.

TRAVELING TIPS
Doors and windows:
Keep doors and windows rolled up in traffic especially at traffic lights.
Always lock your car.

Valuables
Keep them out of sight in the trunk, never on a seat or in the glove compartment.

Parking
Park in areas that are well lit.
Before getting into the car, check the back seat and around the car.

Car Trouble
Raise the hood, put on emergency flashers.
Stay inside with the windows up. Ask anyone who stops to call the police or nearest service station.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN
Don’t play alone or in isolated areas.
Don’t talk to people you don’ t know well.
Don’t go with anyone you don’t know well.
Learn to say NO! – especially to uncomfortable touches.
Don’t open the door to anyone you don’t know well.
Don’t tell people you’re home alone.
Know your name, address and phone number.
Learn how to call for help in an emergency – call 911.

I’ve Been a Victim of a Crime
Prosecuting a defendant can include several steps. The Illinois Bill of Rights allows victims and witnesses to obtain information at each step. Certain rights must be provided automatically.

• Be notified when the State begins prosecuting your attacker.
• Be told – in advance – when you must appear in court.
• Be notified – in advance – of the date, time, and place the defendant will plead guilty or when a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
• Be told of an upcoming hearing for the offender.
• Be told when the offender is granted parole.
• Be notified if the offender escapes from prison and if the prisoner is later recaptured.
• Be given information about the social services and financial help available to victims and how to get that assistance.
• Have a State’s Attorney or victim advocate talk to your employer so you don’t lose pay because you had to appear in court.
• Have property that was used as evidence returned to you promptly.
• Be spoken to in a language you understand.
• Have a safe waiting area when you come to court.

• You have been injured as a result of a crime of violence;
• You are a survivor of a victim of a violent crime and are dependent upon the victim for support;
• You are a relative of the victim and you incurred reasonable funeral and/or medical expenses;
• You are a parent of a child who witnessed a violent crime committed against a relative;
• You are an Illinois resident who became a victim of a violent crime in another state or country that does not have a compensation fund for crime victims.

If you meet one of the above mentioned criteria, you will be required to:

• You must report the crime to the authorities within 72 hours and cooperate fully with the officers.
• If death occurred, you must not have contributed to his or her death by engaging in wrongful conduct or provocation.