- Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Know your destination and route.
- Plan ahead so that when you walk you are very visible to other people.
- This means that IF you must walk alone; choose open, well-lit, and well-traveled areas.
- Avoid taking shortcuts through deserted areas such as parks, playgrounds and vacant lots.
- Avoid dark corners, alleys and entrances to buildings. Crooks don’t like to strike where eyewitnesses can provide the police with a detailed account.
- The buddy system works best. Less likely to be targeted. If something does happen you have a better chance of getting help.
- Leave your purse at home if possible. If you must carry one, carry the smallest one you have, hold it firmly, close to your body. Purse-snatchers prefer to grab from behind. Or get a ‘fanny pack.
- If you walk or jog at night, consider getting a dog that can accompany you. Criminal offenders relate that a dog is one of the most effective crime deterrents.
- If you work late hours, arrange to leave at the same time as a co-worker. Try to avoid parking far away from your work site. Be aware of your surroundings at all times by making eye contact with passers-by and glancing occasionally behind you. This type of “body language” will make you less attractive to a prospective mugger.
- If you sense that you are being followed, change directions or cross the street. If the person persists, run to the nearest place where you’ll find people.
- If someone asks directions, maintain a safe distance.
- DO NOT allow a stranger to follow you to your doorstep. Go to a public place where you can call the police whenever you feel threatened.
- When fleeing from danger, alert others as well as the person posing a threat. Yell “Fire…Fire…Fire!” or activate a personal alarm device.