The majority of students at Morton East feel safe in their community.

According to “8 Safety Tips for Successfully Moving to a Big City,” by Katherine Torres, in 2013 there were over 1.2 million violent crimes and 8.6 million property crimes reported. Beforehand, when moving or in your current city, you should take some time to get to know the city, look for any areas you shouldn’t visit at certain times. At first, plan your route, speed walk, and stay alert. Most predators do not want you to see them before approaching. You should avoid dark streets and lonely alleys and try to bring a friend or family member before exploring. If you cannot take someone with you, make sure someone knows your whereabouts. Another way to ensure your safety is to take a self-defense class. If you are in a dangerous situation or feel threatened, it might come in handy, and you will feel more confident. In a random survey of 50 Morton East students, 37 students reported feeling safe in their community.

“Here are a few key points to consider while remaining safe in virtually any city. Be street smart and stay alert. Stay alert when walking in the neighborhood, especially at night. When going for a walk, always go with a family member or trusted friend.  Stay up to date with news, especially in regards to areas that have higher crime rates. Know your neighbors. Getting to know the people who live nearby is another way to increase your security in a bad neighborhood. If you see any suspicious activity, report it to your local law enforcement,” dean Phillip Depa said.

In other words, staying up to date with the news helps you to stay safe in high crime areas.

“No matter how safe you think your neighborhood might be you should be aware of your surroundings. For example, you should never leave your front door open or show off all your expensive belongings,” Cicero resident Andrea Carlos said.

However, no matter how cautious you are there is still a chance something bad can happen to you.

“No salgas tarde ni camines por callejones, campos o estacionamientos oscuros y aislados. Escucha tus instintos y sé consciente de tu entorno. Puedes sentir las intenciones de las personas por la forma en que te miran,” Cicero resident Antonia Sarabia said.

Therefore taking all of these tips into consideration may save your life one day.

“If you see anything suspicious you should let the authorities know about it,” Cicero resident Aimee Carlos said.

As a result, letting the authorities know about suspicious activity can prevent future crimes in your community.