Always have a mentally rehearsed plan of action, such as what you would do, or where you would go in the event you were attacked in some way.  Be alert and aware of your surroundings.  Walk with your head up while displaying a sense of confidence and purpose.  When a lion chases its prey, it never goes after the fastest and strongest.  Instead, it picks the slowest and weakest animal for its meal.  The same can be said about human predators.  If two people are walking down the street, the less confident of the two will have a greater risk of being attacked.

 

Always trust your instincts, if you feel something is wrong, act on your feelings.  Studies have shown that most people that have been victimized had a feeling something wasn't right just before they were attacked.  If you feel that you're in danger, never feel awkward or embarrassed about enlisting the help of others.

 

If someone attempts to rob you with a weapon, try to keep very calm and don't make any quick movements.   Cooperate with the mugger by giving them any valuables they may be demanding from you.  Carry a second diversionary money fold that consists of several singles covered by one larger bill, such as a twenty.  Your money clip is ideal for this.   Should someone attempt to rob you of your money and/or valuables throw your diversionary money fold one way, and run the other way.  Should they ignore this diversion and proceed to come after you, it wasn't the money they were after, so be prepared to use other countermeasures to defend yourself.  If they have a firearm and you run away, ensure you do not run away in a straight line.  Run at an angle because this is a harder target to hit should they fire.  

 

Only use ATM machines in well-lighted, open, high-traffic area, such as inside malls or busy markets.  Avoid bank ATM machines that are near obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown trees.  ATM robbers like to have the element of surprise and no witnesses.  If lights around the ATM are not working, don't use that machine.  Make the process as quick as possible by having your card ready, not counting your cash in public, and putting away your cash and card immediately.  If you are using a drive up ATM machine, keep your doors locked and the car in gear, with your foot firmly on the brake.  Watch all around you by using side and rear view mirrors during the transaction.  Robbers nearly always attack from the rear on the drivers' side.  If you see anyone approaching, drive off immediately, regardless if your ATM card is still in the machine or not.

 

When possible, always back your car into parking spaces because it's quicker if you have to get away.

 

Have your car keys ready when going to your vehicle and once you are inside, lock the doors before you start the engine.  As you approach your car, look around it, under it, and in it to make sure no one is hiding or waiting for you.  Also, look at the cars next to yours.  If someone is sitting in the car next to yours, or near enough to quickly jump out and grab you, or if a van or truck is parked on the driver's side of your car, don't go to the vehicle.  If you have to, look in the back seat of your car to make sure no one is hiding in it and then get into the car from the passenger's side and lock the car right away.   

 

One of the best defenses against a carjacking is to keep your windows up and doors locked.  After getting into your car, lock the doors immediately.  Should someone attempt to order you out of your vehicle, put it in gear and drive away as fast as possible.  Of course, if you pulled right up to the bumper of the car in front of you at a traffic light, you cannot do that.  Always leave enough room between you and the car in front of you to drive out and escape from a carjacker, robber, etc.

 

Keep an emergency kit in your car and make sure it at least includes an emergency flashlight, a reflector, jumper cables, tie down cords, a poncho, first aid kit, multi-purpose tool, emergency blanket, compass, and water.  Also, make sure you have an emergency escape hammer in your car that it is within reach of the driver's seat.  Thousands of people are trapped in their vehicle every year from collisions or from being submerged in water.  A seat belt can easily become jammed during an accident and you will be unable to release it in the normal way or your door may be jammed shut with your air bag pressed so tightly up against you that you're momentarily unable to move.

 

When walking, avoid taking sharp corners.  Use angles to your advantage.  Imagine a mugger with a bat raised over his head waiting for you around every corner.  You should take the corner wide enough so that the bat will not hit you if he swings and you have time to react (should someone be hiding around the corner).

 

Use common sense in all situations and trust your gut.

 

 

Personal Security