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- Subject: [SCVTARU] Bus & Rail Safety Tips
- From: "eegenebradley" <http://profiles.yahoo.com/eegenebradley>
- Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:06:37 -0000
The holiday season between now and the New Year is the peak time of the year for shoppers and tourists. It is also the peak time of the year for pickpockets and other criminals. This is especially true given the current (deep) recession our country is in. Here are some tips you can follow to make sure you and your valuables are safe when you take any Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus or light rail train. 1. Try to use well-lit and frequently used bus stops or light rail stations. 2. Sit as close to the driver as possible. When riding light rail, sit as close as possible to the light rail operator at the front of the train. 3. If at all possible, do not fall asleep during your trip. STAY ALERT. 4. Avoid overloading yourself with packages. Take a friend or buddy with you if you must handle a lot of packages on your trip. 5. On crowded buses or light rail trains, beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will jostle you, ask you for directions or the time, or point to something spilled on your clothing, or distract you by creating a disturbance. 6. If at all possible, avoid carrying large sums of money. If you must do so, do not carry all of it in your wallet or purse. 7. Protect your credit cards and transit passes as you would cash. Do not carry any credit cards you will not use. 8. While waiting for a light rail train, stand back from the platform edge. If at all possible, avoid sitting or standing near the exit doors - an attacker can reach in and grab a purse or jewelry. 9. If you are verbally harassed or suspect you have been robbed, IMMEDIATELY alert the operator of the bus or light rail train by screaming or talking loudly. On light rail, use the intercom located near every door of the train to alert the operator. 10. Drove to a VTA transit center? Make sure to lock up your vehicle and activate its security system. Do not leave money or valuables in plain sight in your car where a robber can break in and steal them. 11. When returning to your car at a VTA transit center, have your keys ready. If you see anyone suspicious near your car, immediately alert security at the center itself if possible. Take a friend or buddy with you if possible â?" there's security in numbers. 12. Driving from a VTA transit center? Avoid giving anyone you do not know know a ride. You could be robbed - or worse. WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURITY ON VTA BUSES AND LIGHT RAIL? =================================== Captain Luther Pugh, Chief of Security, VTA Protective Services, 3331 N. First Street, where-I-live Eugene Bradley Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users http://www.vtaridersunion.org/ Yahoo!/AOL IMP: eegenebradley
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