Safety & Crime Prevention Tips from the West Palm Beach Police Department

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (May 12, 2026) – Desire, ability and opportunity are three key factors that influence crime. By minimizing the opportunity for crime, you can reduce crime by following simple prevention tactics. The West Palm Beach Police Department encourages you to be aware of your surroundings when out in public. 

Be prepared with these important safety tips:

• Be alert and aware of the people around you.
• Be aware of locations and situations which would make you vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots.
• Whenever possible, travel with a friend.
• Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible.
• Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
• Walk confidently at a steady pace.
• Make eye contact with people when walking.
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street - continue walking.
• If you carry a purse, carry it securely between your arm and your body. Although a purse-snatcher’s intent is to steal the purse, your personal safety may depend on not clinging to it.
• Do not wear anything that will impede your vision or hearing (i.e. headphones).
• CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY if something happens to you or someone else - dial 911.
• For police-related matters that are non-emergencies, call the non-emergency number at (561) 822-1900.

For information about the West Palm Beach Police Department, please visit:

https://www.wpb.org/government/police-department/department-overview. To call the West Palm Beach Police Department’s non-emergency number, dial (561) 822-1900 (TTY: 800-955-8771). In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

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