Reduce the Chances of You or Your Family Being the Victim of Personal Crimes
A crime against a person is much more concerning than a property crime, and taking steps to reduce your chances of being a victim could save you from experiencing a very traumatic event, or even save you from injury or worse. Property can be replaced, you and your loved ones can't. This is why it so important to talk about how you can reduce the chances you will be a victim of a violent crime. There are several crimes that law enforcement refer to as crimes against persons. These include assault and battery, robbery, sexual assault, and homicide.
Tips for Reducing Your Chances of being a Victim
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
We live in a society full of distractions and people in general have a tendency to become absorbed in what they are doing to the point of becoming unaware of what is going on around them. The first rule of keeping yourself safe is to pay attention to your surroundings. If you are paying attention, you will likely notice that something is not right before finding yourself in a bad situation. Criminals are very aware of their surroundings when looking for a victim, and they prey on individuals who are not paying attention.
Listen to Your Instincts
If a situation feels off, or the hair on your neck starts standing up, pay attention! If you are following rule #1 and are paying attention to your surroundings, your instincts will kick in when a threatening situation is being perceived long before you logically process what is happening. When you get that "Bad" feeling, become even more aware and start looking for a way out.
Remember There is Safety in Numbers
When going out for a night on the town, attending some sort of event, or even going to the mall to get some holiday shopping done, there is safety in numbers. If you are part of a group, your chances of being targeted are greatly reduced. Even if you are alone, keep safety in numbers in mind. Park where there is a higher likelihood of other people being out and about. Avoid taking routes that place you in uninhabited locations, such as a closed business district at night, especially if you are on foot.
Carry a Noise Making Device and Have it Ready
A great item to have as your walking to your car is a loud whistle in hand (like on your key chain) so you can draw attention to yourself quickly. Remember, no criminal wants to draw attention to them self. Any small and easy to use noise making device will work.
A Word About Weapons
One of the most controversial conversations about protecting yourself from being a victim is the use of weapons for personal protection. Since this issue is much to great a debate to tackle right here, I want to just say one thing on the topic. If you are not sufficiently trained, extremely comfortable, and very confident in your ability to protect yourself with any weapon, things can go from bad to worse quickly. There is a saying among police officers - "There is a gun on every scene I'm at." Even highly trained police officers have perished after having their weapon taken from them. So, whatever your viewpoint or choice on this issue, just make sure if you do carry a weapon that you receive proper training and maintain a high level of proficiency.
We live in a society full of distractions and people in general have a tendency to become absorbed in what they are doing to the point of becoming unaware of what is going on around them. The first rule of keeping yourself safe is to pay attention to your surroundings. If you are paying attention, you will likely notice that something is not right before finding yourself in a bad situation. Criminals are very aware of their surroundings when looking for a victim, and they prey on individuals who are not paying attention.
Listen to Your Instincts
If a situation feels off, or the hair on your neck starts standing up, pay attention! If you are following rule #1 and are paying attention to your surroundings, your instincts will kick in when a threatening situation is being perceived long before you logically process what is happening. When you get that "Bad" feeling, become even more aware and start looking for a way out.
Remember There is Safety in Numbers
When going out for a night on the town, attending some sort of event, or even going to the mall to get some holiday shopping done, there is safety in numbers. If you are part of a group, your chances of being targeted are greatly reduced. Even if you are alone, keep safety in numbers in mind. Park where there is a higher likelihood of other people being out and about. Avoid taking routes that place you in uninhabited locations, such as a closed business district at night, especially if you are on foot.
Carry a Noise Making Device and Have it Ready
A great item to have as your walking to your car is a loud whistle in hand (like on your key chain) so you can draw attention to yourself quickly. Remember, no criminal wants to draw attention to them self. Any small and easy to use noise making device will work.
A Word About Weapons
One of the most controversial conversations about protecting yourself from being a victim is the use of weapons for personal protection. Since this issue is much to great a debate to tackle right here, I want to just say one thing on the topic. If you are not sufficiently trained, extremely comfortable, and very confident in your ability to protect yourself with any weapon, things can go from bad to worse quickly. There is a saying among police officers - "There is a gun on every scene I'm at." Even highly trained police officers have perished after having their weapon taken from them. So, whatever your viewpoint or choice on this issue, just make sure if you do carry a weapon that you receive proper training and maintain a high level of proficiency.