Professional criminals want an easy mark to easily carry out their plans and avoid being hurt, thwarted or caught. They hunt and size up their prey, choosing who looks weak and vulnerable. Would you be an easy target? Here are some tips to stay safe.
Be discreet about your daily habits in public. Do not share online that you go to the gym every day or name the gym, or that you drop kids off at school and name the school, or the time and place you go walking or biking, or that you leave home to go to work. It is an invitation for trouble.
If you are sharing a photo taken of your routine, or while you are on a trip, either have your phone’s location off (settings, privacy, camera), or before you post a photo, select options and toggle off location manually. Some people choose to share their vacation moments after they are home.
Close your curtains/blinds when the sun is setting, or before you leave the house if you are getting home after dark. Its so easy to see in, study habits, and take notice that no one is home. There is a film you can put on windows that makes it difficult to see in.
Lock your car and keep the windows rolled up when parking and choose a well-lit area. Lock your car and your garage door when you come home. You may want to keep your keys on your nightstand in case of emergency so you can activate the horn alarm.
Your windows should be locked while you are gone or secured while you are sleeping.
When shopping or running errands alone, wear good shoes, skip the expensive look including an expensive purse, jewelry, or carry lots of cash. Robbers can work in pairs and tip off a partner waiting outside for you to exit the building. Let someone know where you are going and when they can expect you will check in and report you are home again.
Walk with confidence, purpose with a strong stride and natural swing of arms. Your shoulders should be back, chin up, looking cool and collected. A criminal will size you up in 7 seconds by how you carry yourself and your nonverbal language to decide if you would be easy to take down, or if they should wait for another.
When you are walking to your parked car, no matter what time of day it is, be aware of your surroundings. Have your keys in hand and do not be distracted by the phone. If there are adults sitting in parked car nearby either wait to go to your car or ask for an escort from the business you are coming from. Trust your instincts. Do not avoid looking at a stranger, but do not stare or show fear. Rather act like you are not to be messed with and you have mentally recorded what they look like.
If you are being robbed, give them what they want. It is not worth your life. Throw what they want in the opposite direction that you want to run, and run!
If it is a sexual assault, scream, fight. Know that the basis of rape is anger, and fighting may intensify the attack. A last-ditch defense is announcing you are going to get sick, and discreetly stick your finger down your throat and throw up on them and yourself. They will not want anything to do with you, and not retaliate if it seemed not intentional.
Be wise, savvy, and be safe!
My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Proverbs 6: 20
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