Because police protection in most parts of the United States is spread so thinly and because a great deal of misinformation is disseminated to the public about the police and crime, citizens need assistance in preventing crime. There are certain steps that citizens can take to prevent assault and murder, rape, child molestation, robbery, hostage situations, residential burglary, larceny and vehicle theft, and fraud and confidence games. Citizens also need to be aware of how to deal with substance abuse, children in trouble with the law, missing persons, motor vehicle violations, and the process of being arrested. Citizen involvement in crime prevention is a necessary adjunct to police crime prevention. Such involvement may encompass volunteer work in law enforcement or participation in Crime Watch, Crime Stoppers, and the Guardian Angels. The effect of location and weather on the incidence of crime is discussed, characteristics of specific offender types are described, and defenses against criminals are identified.