Keeping Downtown safe is a top priority.

Fortunately, Downtown Indianapolis remains one of the safest areas of the city according to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department statistics. Here are some tips you can use:

• Secure your vehicle at all times—when you close a car door, lock it, whether you are inside the car or outside.  Even if it is in a loading zone and you are just running inside for a few seconds, raise the windows, shut off the engine, remove the key, and lock the vehicle.  There are few things as tempting to a potential car thief as an unattended vehicle with the engine running.
• Always remove items from plain sight when you park your car or a valet parks your car.  Anything of value (including check books, credit card receipts and garage door openers) should be removed from an unattended vehicle if at all possible.  It only takes a few seconds for a thief to spot something of value left in plain sight and then break a window to steal the item.  If items must be left in a vehicle, they should be placed in a locked compartment such as the trunk or glove box.  It doesn’t do much good to place items in the trunk if a thief watches you put them there.  If nothing is in sight it is unlikely that a thief will break into a vehicle just to search around and try and find something of value.
• Never hide a spare key in your car.  Thieves know all the hiding spots.
• Park in the safest space.  Park in a commercial parking facility or as close as possible to an open business or other location where people will notice suspicious activity near your car.  If you expect to return to your vehicle after dark, plan ahead and park near a light.  
• Be aware of your surroundings as you walk to your destination.  If you notice an individual or activity that appears suspicious, out of place, unsafe, or just makes you uncomfortable, notify the police or a building security guard immediately.  Recently a thief was apprehended because someone noticed some unusual activity in a parking lot and reported it their building security guard.
• Ask for assistance if you don’t feel safe walking to your destination.  There really is safety in numbers so having a co-worker accompany you can be very helpful.  You can also check with building security or a parking attendant for assistance.
• Report crimes to the police.  Even small crimes and minor thefts should be reported as they may be part of a developing trend.  The police can only discover trends and identify the individuals responsible for crimes if they are reported to the appropriate authorities.  
  

Additional Tips Can Be Found At http://www.ncpc.org/topics/violent-crime-and-personal-safety