Walk this way: Oakdale police kick off weekly tips with safe strolling

On its Facebook page, the Oakdale Police Department has kicked off weekly crime prevention tips with a simple enough topic: walking.

The post ask readers to “share the tips with your children, including teenagers, as well as your parents or grandparents. ... We are hoping you will think of these crime prevention tips as reminders to your day-to-day living. We want our community to remain alert to situations that could make you vulnerable to crime.”

Here are some of the tips on keeping safe while on walks. For more, see the Facebook page.

▪ If at all possible, never walk alone.

▪ Plan your route ahead of time, and let someone know where you will be walking.

▪ Walk facing traffic

▪ Look confident when walking. Would-be thieves and attackers look for people who are easy victims.

▪ Be alert to your surroundings. Texting while walking and engrossed in your phone makes you more vulnerable to being hit by a car, as well as vulnerable to would-be thieves or attackers.

▪ Be aware of scams. Be cautious of strangers asking for directions or money. It could be a way of drawing you closer to them.

▪ If you carry a bag or purse, keep the purse closed, zipped, and close to your body. However, if threatened by a demand for your purse, do not sacrifice your well-being for personal property.

This story was originally published November 30, 2016 at 8:13 AM with the headline "Walk this way: Oakdale police kick off weekly tips with safe strolling."