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How to be Streetwise and Safe

The City of Irving urges residents to be proactive partners in community safety. By protecting themselves and working with neighbors, residents can significantly reduce opportunities for muggers, purse snatchers and other street criminals.


Basic Safety Guidelines

  1. Stay alert and maintain awareness of your surroundings—pay attention to who is around you. If personal safety is a concern, consider having a companion when venturing out.
  2. Project confidence, walk with purpose, make clear eye contact and carry yourself with calm assurance. This communicates that you are aware and in control.
  3. Trust Your Instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe, leave immediately.

When Walking

  1. Plan and use the safest route to your destination. Choose well-lit, busy streets, and avoid isolated areas like vacant lots, alleys, or construction sites—even if it means taking a longer route.
  2. Familiarize yourself with neighborhood landmarks, such as late-night stores, restaurants, and the locations of police and fire stations.
  3. Ensure your children know safe routes and have designated meeting points if they feel unsafe.
  4. Secure personal belongings by carrying purses close to the body and keeping wallets in inside pockets; avoid displaying expensive jewelry or clothing.
  5. Walk facing traffic to monitor approaching vehicles, and if you suspect you’re being followed, cross to a well-lit area or seek assistance immediately.

In the Car

  1. Keep the vehicle in good condition, plan routes ahead, and ensure sufficient fuel and funds for emergencies.
  2. Always lock car doors, keep windows up, and park in well-lit areas.
  3. If you’re followed while driving, steer towards a safe location such as a police station or a busy business area, and use your horn or emergency signals as needed.

On Public Transit

  1. Use well-lit, frequently used stops, and choose seats near the driver or conductor.
  2. Stay alert, avoid distractions like falling asleep, and stand away from platform edges.
  3. If you feel unsafe, move to a more populated area or notify transit personnel immediately.

In Elevators

  1. Quickly assess the interior for any suspicious behavior before entering.
  2. Stand near the controls, and if someone unfamiliar joins, consider delaying your ride or exiting promptly.
  3. In an emergency, activate the alarm and press as many floor buttons as possible.

During Outdoor Activities

  1. Choose and vary safe, well-populated routes when jogging or biking.
  2. Avoid wearing stereo headphones that could distract from your surroundings, and consider carrying a personal alarm for added security.

If an Incident Occurs

  1. Stay calm and do not panic. If the attacker is targeting valuables, avoid resistance to prevent escalation.
  2. Make a detailed mental note of the attacker’s appearance, clothing, and any other distinguishing features.
  3. Contact the police immediately, providing your location and any details you can remember, and seek support from local victim assistance services.

Community Action

Residents are encouraged to take further steps to enhance community safety by:

  1. Ensuring that street lighting is adequate and public spaces are maintained free of debris and graffiti.
  2. Joining or establishing neighborhood watch programs or similar community protection initiatives.
  3. Volunteering to assist neighbors who may be at risk, especially during vulnerable times such as late-night commutes.


By following these guidelines, residents of Irving contribute to a safer community where proactive measures make it more difficult for criminals to operate.