Your Mom Made You Soft

We must understand that when crime happens, it happens very quickly. If you are the target of a robber, rapist, mugger or murderer, you will have little or no warning. According to most Police reporting agencies, a purse snatcher takes about one to two seconds to complete the crime. A robbery can take as little as ten seconds and that includes the time that you are knocked to the ground and beaten. Criminals are not brain surgeons but they are usually much better prepared than their victims. The criminal already has a plan formulated in his mind. He knows who or what the target is. He knows what he wants to take or do. He usually already knows his escape route. On the other hand, the victim, who has no forewarning, is an easy target – just what the criminal is looking for.

It's true your mom made a mistake making you nice. It puts you at a disadvantage in life when confronted by difficult people. You see, there are bad people that want to do bad things to you. This article walks you through some important common sense steps to keep you safe. From workplace violence, being safe while shopping alone to protecting yourself from being the victim of a car-jacking.

There are 4 hard and fast rules to follow that will get you through almost any situation:

1.     Always be aware of your surroundings. Be Alert!

2.     Plan. Prepare. Prevail. Recover. Always know what to do ahead of time.

3.     Do not allow criminals access to you, your family, your car or your home.

4.     Believe in yourself and your instincts. Use Common Sense!!

BE AWARE NOT PARANOID

Encounters can be avoided by simply being aware of what is going on around you. This may take a little practice, but it can become second nature and it can keep you from becoming a victim.

• Look for avenues of escape
• Practice seeing people as criminals
• Be mindful of who might approach you on foot or who may drive slowly by you as you are walking
• Pay attention to pedestrian traffic behind you
• Use the reflection in glass windows as you walk past them
• Learn to walk with your head held high, shoulders back and with a steady purposeful stride
• Be determined and resolute. Criminals will shy away from you. They will go to the man or woman who appears weak or preoccupied
• When walking beside a roadway, walk against the traffic
• This makes it more difficult for the criminal to follow you by car

If you are carrying a purse or shoulder bag, place the strap across your body instead of over your shoulder. Not only does this keep your purse in front of you, making you less of a target, but, it makes it way more difficult for some to grab.

Plan ahead when at the grocery store or shopping. Lock your purse inside your car’s trunk and carry a smaller clutch or handbag with just the items you need for that specific store or event.

• Do not leave your purse unattended on a store counter or in a shopping cart.
• Use a zippered purse that is more difficult to open.
• If your purse has a flap for an opening, try to keep the flap side against your body.
• Keep your house keys in a coat or jacket pocket, separate from your purse.
• A thief will now have access to your house or your car seeing that he/she now has all of your identifying information.
• When using public transportation, leave your purse in your lap or between your feet rather than on the seat beside you.
• If someone steals your purse, yell, “He stole my purse!”       

Be A Good Witness

• Make a mental note of what the thief looked like, including height, weight, facial hair, race, clothing, tattoos or any other descriptor that stands out. Remember that the smallest clue or piece of information could break the case.
• If you see the thief get into a vehicle, note the vehicle’s license plate.
• If you can’t make out the entire plate, get what you can even if it is just the color of the plate.
• Law Enforcement, with other characteristics, can often identify a vehicle with only three letters or three numbers from the license plate.
• Note the make, model and color of the car.
•  Was it two or four doors?
•  Was there a getaway driver or was the thief the driver?
•  Was there a passenger?
• Did anything stand out from the vehicle?
• What was the direction of travel? Which way did the car turn?

Take The Time To Document Important Information

Maintain a list of all your credit card numbers, checking account numbers, driver’s license number and any other important information with the appropriate contact numbers in case they are stolen. Keep this list separate from your purse, clutch or handbag. Most times, thieves will rummage your purse, taking the credit cards and cash and discard the purse out the window. They will then go to the nearest store and purchase the most items possible before you have the opportunity to close the cards.

AT WORK

Recognize The Potential For Workplace Violence: Take these signs seriously and bring them to someone's attention even if initially it's in confidence

• Watch for constant angry outbursts
• Keep track of intimidating behavior toward others
• Listen to those that talk about weapons
• Or those that constantly blame others for their own problems
• People that hold grudges longer then you think is normal.

Some Topics That Can Trigger Fellow Employees:

• Negative performance reviews
• Unwelcome change in role due to performance or reorganization issue
• Criticism of performance
• Conflict with a coworker or supervisor
• Personal stress outside the workplace
• Increased workload or assignments

Avoid Confrontation Or Attempt To De-Escalate:

• Remain Calm
• Use Empathy - It Begins Your Control
• Actually Listen And Hear What Is Being Said
• Do Not Argue
• Avoid Anything That Would Increase The Persons Anger
• If The Situation Becomes Dangerous Lie To Get Out Of The Area And Get Safe

Paying Attention To Outside Threats Is Just As Important As Potential Co-Worker Violence. Here Are Some Important Steps You Can Take To Keep Yourself And Your Co-Workers Safe.

• Don’t let any unauthorized people into the facility.
• Alert security about strangers or anyone else, such as a former employee, who should not be in the workplace. Do not confront these people yourself!
• Tell your supervisor about any people you do not want to see at work.
• Tell your supervisor if you are dealing with domestic violence.
• Be familiar with all facility exits and note the one you would use if need be when you move around the facility.
• If you have any, know your security guards and how to contact them if the need arises.
• Let someone know if you are working overtime.
• Try not to work alone.
• Don’t leave your workplace alone, if at all possible.
• Scream Or Alert Others If The Need Arises
• Do Not Ever Allow Anyone To Touch You Or Force You With Them.
• Never Let Anyone Take You.

So let's pretend for a minute that work is not your life and you need to be safe on your own time. Here's some quick tips that will help.

WHEN SHOPPING

• Use a credit card to avoid having to carry large amounts of cash. 
• Your credit card liability will be limited in the event that you are robbed.
• Be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM, including potential hiding places like shrubbery.
• Preferably, use ATMs during the day - not at night.
• Put your cash away before leaving the immediate area of the ATM.
• Understand that most robberies take place at night. 
• Looking for parking in well-lit areas.
• Park in a location where there are vehicles and pedestrians moving about.
• Trust your instincts. If something seems wrong to you, move away from the situation.
• Notify Police if you believe the situation warrants it.

ON FOOT

• Walk on the street side of sidewalks nearest the curb.
• This avoids alleyways and building entrances.
• If you walk or jog at night, consider getting a dog that can accompany you.
• Police interviews with criminals show that a dog is one of the most effective crime deterrents.
• If you wear headphones, keep the volume low.
• Remember you need to pay attention to your surroundings.
• If you work late at night, try to leave at the same time as your co-workers.
• Recognize that you are a more attractive target to criminals if you have been drinking or appear to be intoxicated.
• If you feel that you are being followed, change direction or cross the street.
• If the person persists, run to the nearest place where you will find people.
• DO NOT allow a stranger to follow you to your doorstep.
• If you feel threatened, go to a public place where you can call Police.

IN THE CAR

• Plan your approach to your car. Know where your car is and try to determine if there are any other cars or people in the area. 
• If there are people that you find suspicious near your car, wait from a safe distance and watch what they do or when they leave.
• Have your keys in your hand as you approach your car, specifically the key to access your car.
• Walk directly to your car, get in and lock the doors.
• Start the car right away.
• Be mindful of someone possibly hiding behind or a under a car.
• Check the back seat before getting into your car.
• Get into the habit of keeping your car doors locked.
• Always pre-plan your travel route if you have to enter high crime areas.
• Stick to main roads as much as possible.
• If you become lost, find a public place (a service station, coffee shop) to read your gps/map or to ask for directions.
• If in doubt, do not stop to assist stranded motorists. Note the nearest landmark or, if on the highway, mile marker and utilize your cell phone to call Police to help.
• If you are being followed, dial 911 and drive directly to the nearest Police Department.
• If forced to stop at traffic lights or stop signs, make sure:
• That your car doors are locked
• Your windows are up
• That you have left enough space in front of you to be able to pull away in a hurry if you need to.

REDUCE THE RISK OF BECOMING A CARJACKING VICTIM

• Two-thirds of carjacking’s occur at night.
• Always know the area that you are traveling.
• In high crime areas, drive in the lane nearest to the center of the road to make it more difficult for potential attackers to reach your car from the sidewalk or roadside.
• If signaled by an unmarked car that you do not believe to be a police car, call 911 or 112 and let them know where you are and what is happening. They can tell you if you are actually being stopped by the Police.
• If you feel like you are being followed by another vehicle DO NOT drive home. Drive to the nearest Police Department or open business.  DO NOT get out of your vehicle. Honk your horn to get attention.
• If you are involved in a minor motor vehicle accident and suspect suspicious circumstances, do not check for damage in a remote area or on the freeway. Motion to the other driver to follow you to the nearest Police Station or open business to exchange information.
• Follow your instincts and if you believe you are in danger, react. Do anything you can to attract attention to yourself and attempt to flee the area.
• If you are attacked and the suspect has a weapon and demands your valuables or vehicle, comply. Your property can be replaced. Your life cannot be.

Always convey an attitude of confidence. By giving the appearance that you are totally aware of your surroundings, you can make yourself a less attractive target for criminal predators. 

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More To Come Soon. Thanks For Taking The Time.

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