Garland, Texas is a bustling city with a population of over 238,000 people. While it is a great place to live, work, and raise a family, it is not immune to crime. The city's crime rate is higher than the national average, with a reported 4,824 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2020. These crimes include everything from property crimes like theft and vandalism to violent crimes like assault and murder.

As a resident of Garland, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from criminals. Here are a few strategies you can use to keep yourself safe:

  1. Be aware of your surroundings. Always pay attention to what is going on around you and avoid distractions like your phone or music.

  2. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don't hesitate to take action to protect yourself.

  3. Use common sense. Avoid going out alone at night, keep your doors locked and windows closed, and don't leave valuables in plain sight.

  4. Learn self-defense techniques. Take a class or watch online tutorials to learn how to defend yourself in case of an attack.

  5. Get involved in your community. Get to know your neighbors and participate in local events to build a sense of community and safety.

If you do find yourself the victim of a crime, it is important to report it to the police as soon as possible. Here are some tips for describing the criminal activities during an attack:

  1. Try to remember as many details as possible about the attacker, including their appearance, clothing, and any identifying features like tattoos or scars.

  2. Note any weapons or tools the attacker used, as well as any suspicious behavior they exhibited.

  3. Pay attention to the location of the attack, including the street address or any landmarks nearby.

  4. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist to process your experience and get support.

Finally, one of the best ways to fight crime in Garland is to get involved with the FACES Certification Community. FACES (Forensic Association of Community Educators and Safety) is a program that trains citizens to work with law enforcement to identify and track criminals. By becoming a certified FACES consultant, you can help your local officers catch criminals faster and make your community a safer place to live.

In conclusion, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from criminals in Garland. By being aware of your surroundings, trusting your instincts, using common sense, learning self-defense techniques, and getting involved in your community, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime. If you do find yourself the victim of a crime, it is important to report it to the police and provide as many details as possible about the attacker. Finally, by getting involved with the FACES Certification Community, you can help your local officers catch criminals and make your community a safer place to live.