Ferndale Police Offer Tips for Staying Aware

. These crimes come on the heels of a and a robbery gone bad at on .

In light of these recent crimes, the Ferndale Police Department issued a few tips to residents to be cautious during the holiday season ("...or any time," Ferndale Police Lt. Detective William Wilson adds).

Residents should:

• Try to avoid being out during late night/early morning hours.
• Try to stay in well-lit areas.
• Travel in public areas in view of others.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to who is around you, and avoid suspicious people or circumstances. Phone the police if you see somebody or something even remotely suspicious. Call immediately upon having a hunch; do not wait until a crime actually occurs.
• Do not travel alone if you are out during dark, or have to go through remote areas (alleys, dark secluded side streets, wooded park areas, etc.)
• Be aware and keep watch over vulnerable people (children, elderly, lone women at night, etc.)

"It is especially important that if somebody sees something suspicious that they phone police immediately," Wilson said. "Many crimes can be avoided if police get the early call of suspicious behavior, or if the crime occurs, police will be more likely to catch the offenders."

The Ferndale Police Department non-emergency number is 248-541-3650.