Situational Awareness Tips
The world can be a dangerous place. You never know who may be watching you, or why they are watching you. Following a few simple rules can help reduce the chances you will become a victim. You should always remember that someone who is prone to violent or criminal behavior does not operate on the same moral pattern as most people. They will act without hesitation and without compassion to fulfill their needs. If we look at predators in the wild and how they select their targets, it is easy to see similarities on how individuals become targets.
How they pick you:
Keep these in mind:
Remember that as you go about your daily routine, you may not have complete control over whether a criminal will target you, but you do have a say in whether you will be their first choice.
How they pick you:
- You appear to be an easy target. The criminal perceives you are submissive, weak or unlikely to defend yourself. In this case, any show of strength or defiance may cause the criminal to think twice and move on to easier prey.
- When you do not appear to have a sense of purpose, shuffling your feet, slouched appearance, walking slower than those around you, and looking at the ground, all imply you are an easy target.
Keep these in mind:
- Walk with purpose, hold your head up, glance side to side, and hold your shoulders high and square when walking anywhere.
- Take a course on confidence building.
- Avoid isolated areas, and poorly lit places.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times by looking for things or people that are out of place.
- Mobile devices distract you from paying attention and create quick and easy targets. Try not to use any mobile device when going to and from an outside location.
- Beware of people distracting you. This tactic can be used in an effort to take your belongings. Examples include asking you what time it is, asking you if you have a match, or asking for directions.
- Keep your vehicle doors secured until you are ready to exit the vehicle. It is also a wise practice to look around your vehicle for suspicious characters prior to exiting.
- Always secure your vehicle. Do not leave valuables in plain sight. If possible, lock all valuables in the trunk prior to parking your vehicle or take them with you when you leave your car.
- Keep your keys available when you approach your car, for a quick entry.
- Look outside before exiting a building for anything or anyone that seems out of place.
- Work with your neighbors to keep each other safe. For example, a neighborhood watch group is a great way to indicate that your neighborhood will not be an easy target for crime.
- Put up signs that alert criminals that you have people watching for suspicious behavior and who are willing to report it to the authorities.
Remember that as you go about your daily routine, you may not have complete control over whether a criminal will target you, but you do have a say in whether you will be their first choice.