FARMINGTON — One thing people can do to be safer is to not look and act like a victim. Those who do, tend to be more victimized, Farmington police Detective Marc Bowering told a group gathered Monday for a community presentation on staying safe.

“It’s about first appearances,” he said, while suggesting ways to travel safely.

Bowering and Deputy Chief Shane Cote provided tips on traveling and Internet safety along with home and vehicle safety ideas as part of the Healthy Community Coalition sponsored “Staying Safe in Your Environment: Don’t Fall Victim.”

The presentation grew from concerns for personal safety following recent crimes mingled with an observation that most people are not as vigilant as they could be about protecting themselves and their belongings, Sherra Osgood, of HCC, said.

“When meeting a stranger on the street, don’t look down or away, look them in the eye and they’ll think you’ll recognize them,” he said.

When there is no eye contact or someone is looking down or unhappy, they can appear to be an easy victim.

A small, door wedge carried with a traveler can keep a motel door from being opened.

The officers advised not leaving items in rooms or using room safes. The motel is not responsible for lost items.

If a vehicle breaks down while traveling locally, they suggested calling police first so they can come wait with the driver and help make other calls. Calling *22 on a cell phone will reach the nearest sheriff’s department to the cell phone tower or 911 brings the call in locally, they said.

They also had some words of wisdom regarding credit cards and paying bills. Although a card holder is responsible for the first $50, rules vary according to cards as to how soon the card loss has to be reported, they said.

Back statements and voided checks should be shredded. Never leave payments in a home mailbox with the red flag up for the postman. Take them to the post office, they said.

While it’s recommended to get a credit report twice a year to see what activity is taking place in your name, Cote warned about online services. Some can be fraudulent and ask for personal information. Check for an “s” after https: in the address. The “s” stands for a secure site, he said.

Bowering said the Police Department has forms to apply for a credit report that he will provide for people who stop at the department.

When participants asked about ways to protect themselves, such as carrying mace, the officers said mace is legal and stun guns and personal Tazers are available. They also warned that by the time a person is ready to use one of these, they can be taken away from them and used on the owner.

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