Given the general level of training, equipment, and expected ability to deal with dangerous situations, I think that "call police" might indeed be better than "help". I hate to be negative, and I doubt predators are likely to be deterred by any specific wording, but between helpful idiots and people who may seek to take advantage, I would be more confident with police arriving than a random bystander.
That's a good point. I would think a bad guy (or gal, to be PC

) would hesitate to do anything to a car with a "Call Police: sign due to the risk that the police may already be on their way.
-Blast