Protecting Yourself

While Walking

• If at all possible, never walk alone.
• If you absolutely have to walk alone, walk on well-lighted, well-traveled walkways and plan your route ahead of time. Avoid places where attackers might hide (dark passageways, overgrown shrubs, and spaces between parked cars).
• If anyone follows you, look confident and let him/her know you are aware of their presence. Don’t be polite or engage in conversation.
• If they continue to follow you, change directions or/and cross the street. If possible walk towards other people or an occupied building.
• If someone in a vehicle follows you, obtain a vehicle description, the license plate number, note the location/direction of travel of the vehicle and report it to the Tulare Police Department as soon as possible.

While Driving

• If someone follows you and is persistent or becomes obscene, write down the license plate number, note the location/direction of travel of the vehicle and report it to the Tulare Police Department as soon as possible.
• Approach your car with the key in hand before getting in.
• As you approach your vehicle, look underneath to make sure no one is hiding under the vehicle. Before you enter your vehicle make sure you look inside of your vehicle and make sure no uninvited passengers are in the back seat or on the floor. If you see someone inside of your vehicle, leave the area quickly and notify Tulare Police Department.

Preventing Thefts From Vehicles

• Install and activate a vehicle alarm or mechanical locking device for the steering wheel.
• When leaving the vehicle unattended, leave the windows rolled up, close sunroof and always lock the doors.
• Do not leave keys in the vehicle.
• Do not leave the garage door opener in plain view.
• Place valuable items in your trunk or out of sight, not the front or back seats.
• Do not leave money, checkbooks or credit cards inside of the vehicle at any time when unattended.
• If possible, park in a busy, well-lighted area with good visibility, close to walkways, stores and people.
• Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away from it, even for “just a minute.”
• Know the license plate number, year, make and model of your vehicle in case your vehicle is stolen.

Preventing Thefts From Residence

• When leaving your home, even for a short time, make sure your home looks occupied and all doors and windows are locked.
• Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a long period of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked
• Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers to build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange with a neighbor or friend to take them.
• Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with sure devices. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.
• Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
• Most windows can be pinned for security. Drill a 3/16” hole on a slight downward slant through the inside window frame and halfway into the outside frame. Place a nail in the hole to secure the window.
• Never leave notes on your front door such as “Went to the store. Be right back.”
• Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended.
• Install an alarm system for home security.
• If you have a home alarm system, use it! Make sure your emergency contact is up-to-date with the alarm company.
• Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other “secret” hiding places.

An important responsibility of a victim or witness of a crime or other emergency is timely reporting to the appropriate authorities. Tulare Police Department have Police Officers on duty 24 hours a day who are prepared to deal with incidents. You can report a crime or emergency by calling Tulare Police Department. When doing so, attempt to provide as much detail as possible, including the following:

• Your name
• Your location and telephone number where you can be reached
• What you are reporting

 If You Witness a Crime

If you see or suspect a crime is being committed, pay particular attention to the features of the offender(s) and any vehicles if involved. Witnesses who wish to remain anonymous may do so. Be prepared to provide at least the following about the offender(s):

• Age, race, height, and weight
• Hair color and style, beard or mustache
• Notable characteristics (scars, acne, glasses, etc.)
• Clothing description
• Location where last seen
• Last known direction of travel
• Vehicle description

Submit Anonymous Crime Tip

Contact Us

Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-Emergency: 684-4290
260 South M Street, Tulare, CA 93274

This page is not monitored 24 hours a day. For emergencies, dial 911.