You usually don’t associate Fountain Hills with assault and crime. It is viewed as a peaceful community that is outside the mainstream of crime. But the ordeal that Susan Dawson experienced on July 29 shows that these episodes can occur anywhere.

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Captain Joe Rodriquez said after the incident the most frequently asked question he had was, “Is it safe?”

He said it is safe but people can take steps to make sure they are safe. We recommend that everyone take some time to review how they do things and follow a few simple procedures that may prevent another ordeal like Susan Dawson went through.

Avoid a set routine. This will make you less of a target.

Make sure your home is secure. Lock your doors. When you leave, turn on a radio or the television to make it seem like someone is home.

When leaving the house, look around the street and be aware of anything unusual.

Install an alarm system.

We also urge anyone with any kind of information that could be used to find the individual responsible for this senseless act to call 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 1-800-343-TIPS (8477).