Simple tips to be safe on the streets

Posted on September 05th, 2008 in Wellbeing

We only used to hear of horrible crimes like house break-ins and robberies happening in the nights along dark alleys and quiet streets. But in today’s society, we know that assumption doesn’t hold true anymore. Nowadays, in broad daylight, people are robbed, kidnapped, beaten up and worse yet, killed. Some of these crimes can even happen in crowded places.

The most common crimes affecting many women right now are snatch thefts and robberies on the roads. I’ve received countless emails bearing warnings of how these daring criminals are going about robbing and hurting people. I’m sure you’ve had your fair share of such emails too.

Insurance companies and banks selling insurance policies are now capitalizing on such crimes to push theft policies to customers. I’ve had at least three calls from three different banks offering assurance that in the case I get robbed (touch wood), my credit cards would be safe upon activating a report of the incident. There are also policies that protect against the losses you suffer in case of robberies. Such are the times we live in today.

Since women are the most targeted group, here are some simple tips to be safe on the streets. They are very simple but yet many people do not practice them. Don’t underestimate some of these little adjustments you can make in your life to avoid untoward incidents.

A profiling of some robbers were done in another study where they were asked what traits in a woman tend to attract their attention as targets. Not surprisingly, a woman having long hair was said to be one of the signs. This is because they find it easy to immobilize a woman by holding onto her hair. So long-haired women, bear in mind you are more likely targets compared to ladies with short hair! This is not to say you should cut away beautiful locks, this is only for you to take note.

When driving, don’t put your handbag (or any bags for that matter) on the front passenger seat. These days, robbers on bikes will break and shatter your glass window just to grab your bag and speed off. Try to place your bag in a place that is not visible to others, for example under the seat (if you bag is small enough to fit the space, that is). You may even place it on the flooring of the car if you do not mind risking a little dust at the base of the bag. Putting it on the back passenger seat is equally dangerous, so if you have to put it in the bag, try to make it inconspicuous. The key thing here is to not let your bag be in sight.

Whenever you step into your car, lock it immediately and let it remain locked at all times. If someone comes up to your car asking for something, do not wind down the window or unlock your car.

While walking on the street, try as much as possible to walk in the opposite direction of the oncoming cars. That way, you won’t be caught unaware of what’s coming towards you. It is unlikely that a robber on his bike will drive in the wrong direction to get to you. Having said that, you should still be alert as some bikers do drive up the curb and on the pedestrian walkway. Also, carry your bag on the side that is away from the roads. Always have your eyes wide opened and your ears sharp on what’s going on around you. Some robbers may also be on foot, so you need to be alert always.

Try not to chit chat on your mobile phone while you are walking on the streets. More often than not, when you are on the line, you become less alert to your surroundings and become easy targets. It was also revealed in some studies that women who carry themselves confidently also tend to deter robbery attempts. So whilst being alert and mindful, you also do not want to appear paranoid and in fear.

If you live in a landed property where you drive your car into your home compound, it will be worthwhile to invest in automated gates. When you have driven into your own compound, do not unlock your car door or get down before your gate is completely closed. As you wait for your gate to close, take a quick glance at your rear or side mirrors to check that the path is clear behind you. If you do not have an automated gate installed, then make it quick when you get down to unlock your gate. Before you get down from the car, take a quick scan to make sure nothing is amiss.

Always ensure that your handbag is properly closed. These days, more and more women favour bags that have a end-to-end zipper to avoid having things fished out. If you commute by train which is normally packed, you need to take extra precaution on this.

If you are unlucky enough to come face to face with someone who is armed, do not struggle with your belongings. Just give them up and hope that they leave you alone. As much as possible in a state of fear and panic, try to remain calm. Only when you have a clear mind you can think on your feet and not act impulsively. Sudden acts of aggression may cause the robbers to harm you instead.

Don’t assume you’re safe and that no such things will happen to you. With so many horror stories going around, there really isn’t any place safe unless you take conscious efforts to stay out of such attempts. Victims are usually randomly picked although some are watched and targeted. So whatever you and wherever you are ladies, be safe!

Share and Enjoy: