Trail & Open Space Safety Tips from APD

The following information received from APD - please pass along to your neighbors.

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Dear Foothills Neighbors,

I’d like to share some crime prevention information with you geared towards the summertime activities that we all enjoy in our beautiful city’s open space areas. When using our trails and paths in the open space areas, along Tramway, and our beautiful parks, please do not hesitate to report suspicious behavior and learn to be good witnesses. Please call 242-COPS (2677) to report suspicious activity.

I like to think of these simple things as the 3 As:
Awareness: you are walking with purpose and have a destination
Alert to your surroundings: you can see and hear those around you
Acknowledging those you encounter: A simple “hi” or “hello” to a passerby on the trails sends multiple messages; 1) you are aware, 2) you would be able to describe that person because you acknowledged them, and 3) you are not timid nor confrontational, but confident to have eye contact and go about your walk or run or ride

I’ll even toss in a B and a C for you too!
Buddy: Please walk with a buddy
Cell Phone: Please carry a cell phone to report an emergency to 911 or suspicious behavior to 242-COPS (2677)

Our officers have noticed that there are many women walking alone along our arroyos, trails and open space areas with headphones on and are unaware of being approached by others. If you have to listen to music on while walking, running or bicycling, please keep the volume low enough to be aware of your surroundings or only use one ear bud!

Your safety and well-being is dependent upon your level of awareness. Please enjoy the trails, paths and parks we have to offer but play it safe.

Jill Garcia, Crime Prevention Specialist
APD, Foothills Area Command
332-5240