Personal Safety

Reducing Violent Crime

Everyone - and this applies to residents of big cities, small towns, and rural areas - needs to be careful and if people are vigilant, following common-sense precautions, many crimes can be prevented. 

Here are some general personal safety tips to stay safe:

• Always be aware of your surroundings, practicing good "situational awareness."
• Do not get into someone’s car even if they display a weapon. It is better to fight back in the street where help is closer at hand and other people may hear your calls for help. 
• Walk confidently and don’t avoid eye contact.
• Don’t let strangers into your ‘space.’ Keep plenty of distance between yourself and people you don’t wish to approach you. 
• Don’t stop to talk with strangers asking for directions or other types of help, as this can be a ploy to get close for an attack. 
• If you feel you are in danger of being followed, call 911. If the event is over and the suspect is gone, you can call Eugene Police non-emergency at 541-682-5111.
• If grabbed, fight back and make as much noise as possible. 
• Use the buddy system when walking after dark. You should know the person you are walking with well enough to trust them. 
• Walk in lighted areas as much as possible and don’t walk too close to bushes, alleyways or other places where attackers can conceal themselves.
• If you are in a vehicle and being followed, don’t go to your home, call 911, get to an area that is well populated and if it is safe to do so, get a description of the suspect(s) and vehicle including license plate. Drive to a police station if possible.

For information related to The Eugene Police Department Violent Crimes Unit and Domestic Violence/Protective Orders, please visit this section of our website: Violent Crimes Unit.

For information related to Sexual Assault in Lane County, please visit this link: Sexual Assault Resources In Lane County