Don't Act Like A Victim

Street criminals look for an easy mark. Not the oldest or the weakest, but the easiest. People who look like they're in a fog are at greater risk of becoming the prey of a criminal.

No one consciously invites a robbery, but victims send signals that tell the assailant "I'm an easy target."

Walking with a fixed gaze - up or down - implies preoccupation. Acting distracted is a big reason why tourists often get mugged.

Stand tall and walk confidently with your shoulders back and chin up.

Show you're alert by moving your head from side to side and scanning the area around you.

Listen for footsteps approaching quickly from behind you. Turn around and look at the person approaching. This defensive behavior could stop a robbery before it happens.

Carry your purse close to the front of your body, not dangling by the straps.

Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not a back pocket.

Use alcohol sparingly. Intoxication is a key risk factor for street assault.

Remember...dark parking lots are not the only place robberies occur. Shopping malls, grocery stores, and even movie theaters are desirable places for criminals to find potential victims. Don't be fooled by a false sense of security because "it looks safe" or "it's a good neighborhood." Robberies occur everywhere.

Trust Your Instincts

If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave. Don't question your instinct to flee the situation, just do it. You could be saving yourself from more than just a robbery.

Do Not Fight or Argue

If someone threatens you with a weapon, give up your purse, wallet, or car immediately. Your life is far more important, and irreplaceable.

Do You. . .

• Jog or walk by yourself early in the morning or late at night when the streets are quiet and deserted?

• Stuff your purse with cash, keys, credit cards, and checkbook-then leave it wide open on a counter, desk, the floor, or in a shopping cart?

• Put your wallet in a jacket which you then hang up or throw over a chair?

• Hang your purse on the back of a chair-even though you're sitting in it?

• Flash large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewelry or clothing?

• Let your mind wander-thinking about your job, or all the things you have to do-when walking or driving?

• Think it's a waste of time to lock your car when you'll be back in a few minutes?

These are all bad habits that should be changed.

Safety On Foot

• Stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded or deserted areas.

• Walk against the flow of traffic.

• Don't wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements.

• If you think someone is following you, cross the street or switch direction. Walk toward an open business or lighted house. If you're scared, yell for help or scream "fire."

• Have your car or house key in hand before you reach the door.

• If someone asks directions, do not approach them or their car. Keep plenty of distance between you. It's okay to be impolite and overcautious.

Safety While Driving

• Check the front and rear seats and floor before getting in your car. Once inside, lock the doors, start the engine, then put on your seat belt.

• Keep all doors locked and windows rolled up far enough that an arm cannot reach through the opening.

• Never drive with your purse on the car seat.

• Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in parking lots and garages.

• If you think your being followed, don't head home. Go to a police station, fire station, or other open business to get help.

• If bumped from behind don't immediately exit your car. Assess the situation. If you feel uneasy, stay in your car. If the other vehicle leaves the scene, try to note the tag number and vehicle description but do not follow them.

• Don't stop to help a motorist with car trouble. It could be a set up. Instead, call the police.

Safety At The ATM

• Avoid using the ATM after dark or in isolated areas.

• Plan your transaction to minimize the time spent at the machine.

• When making withdrawals, quickly put the money away and leave as soon as possible.

• When using a drive-through ATM, keep the doors locked. Be prepared to drive away quickly. If anyone approaches on foot, leave immediately.

• If your transaction is not complete but you feel uneasy, press the CANCEL button, retrieve your card, and leave quickly.

• If someone offers to let you go ahead of them, politely decline, then leave.

• Be suspicious if two or more people from the same car approach you at the ATM.

• If people or cars are hidden in the shadows, go to a different ATM.

Safety At Home

• Keep all doors and windows locked. Even when you're home.

• Trim bushes and trees by doors and windows so no one can hide behind them.

• Make sure all entrance ways are well lit.

• Don't leave spare keys under doormats or in flower pots.

• Don't get out of your car if a stranger is in your driveway or at your door when you get home.

• Never enter your home if you find a door or window open, or signs of forced entry. Call the police from a nearby phone.

• Talk through the door but don't open, or ignore it. Some burglars ring the doorbell and if there's no answer, they break in.

Could You Describe An Assailant?

No one ever thinks they will be the victim of a crime, but supplying the police with an accurate description of an assailant could mean the return of your property and the arrest of the criminal.

It's not unusual for the victim to be so stunned or frightened that they don't notice what the attacker looks like.

The next time you're walking down the street or heading into the grocery store, glance at a person walking towards you, then look away.

Guess their height and weight. Now look at them again as they pass you. Compare their size to your own. How close was your guess?

Without looking at them again, can you describe their clothes? Now turn-around and see how accurate you were. What did you miss?

Practice describing the people you see every day, and as you get better, add more details. What shape are their face, nose, and eyes? What color is their hair? Do they have any tattoos?

Learning to notice and describe people will help you give a good description of an assailant if you're ever the victim, or witness of a crime.