How To Avoid Being A Crime Victim

Tips to help save your life

One night, years ago, when I was out at night to attend a social event, I arrived at my apartment late at night. It was closer to 2 am when I parked my car on the side street. I noticed a scruffy-looking man walk and slow down his pace when he saw me. I was all dressed up, looking fine, and I was not naive enough to know he could have bad intentions.

I stayed in my car, waiting for him to walk by. I am not sure if he did, but I stayed put anyways. Around this time, I don’t recall if there were any cell phones then and I thought about driving to the police station down the street. I hung tight until I noticed a truck pull up and a young man jumped out of the car, heading to the apartment door. I made my move and entered the door, too.

That was a close call, but it could have ended badly if I had not heeded my instinct and stayed in my car until there was an opportune moment to enter my apartment.

My advice to people is to be aware of their surroundings. If you have to go home late at night, take a cab or don’t go home alone late at night. In my case, I was completely sober and aware of my surroundings and noticed a strange-looking man, nearby. If it happened in 2022, I would have called 911 and waited for police to arrive before I entered my apartment. However, sometimes, police are far and few in numbers and you have to be street savvy at all times. If the police are unable to come to your rescue, drive off and park in an all-night drive-in until dawn arrives.

Crime Also Occurs During the Daytime

My sister says she was almost accosted or kidnapped one time not too long ago at the gas station. It was daytime and she pulled up to pump some gas when she noticed a woman and a man pull up behind her. The woman got out and went towards her, while the man waved at the woman to do something that appeared sinister. My sister noticed the alarming movements of the two strangers and rushed back in her car and drove away. What were those two people aiming to do? Robbery? Kidnapping? In this case, she used her gut instinct to run away. If you feel something is wrong, do the same — run.

I have never taken a safe defense course, but perhaps it is time to do so. In the meantime, if you are in danger, do your best to remove yourself from the situation. Go back to your car, yell, call 911 and take action.

There is a saying that you can do choose between flight or fight. Since I am not trained as a fighter, I took flight. If you are trained as a fighter, know your limitations. You cannot fight with a man or person that has a gun or knife.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe when out on the town with your friends, or just walking home alone.

1. Wear proper footwear. If you need to run, it’s hard to escape in a pair of stilettos. After clubbing, remove your heels and replace them with flats or running shoes.
2. Don’t hop in the car with a stranger you’ve just met. Or to put it plainly, don’t hop in his/her car. Don’t be a victim of stranger attacks.
3. Watch your drink at clubs since some women have had their drinks laced with date-rape drugs. Know your limit. Don’t leave the club drunk and unable to walk or you could somehow fall into the hands of a predator. Hang out with a responsible friend. I watched a Dateline TV episode, where the victim was drunk and ended up riding in a car with a predator, who ended up killing her.
4. Carry a security alarm or whistle.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Be wary of alleys, or parked cars that could hide a predator.
6. Never take shortcuts in the alleyways or other dangerous areas.
7. Ensure you have a weapon if necessary, such as a key or pepper spray.
8. Carry your cellphone with you, and ensure it is accessible and fully charged.
9. Don’t listen to headphones or music which can distract you from noticing suspicious people.
10. If you plan to jog at a local park, do it with a friend or take a big dog with you.

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