Written by Bernie Carr
Being a victim of a mugging is a terrifying experience. I know at least two people who were mugged in recent months. Thank goodness they were unhurt and safe after the ordeal. Because it has become more common, especially in large cities, it’s a good idea to consider the possibility in case it happens to you.
It’s crucial to stay calm and take appropriate steps to ensure your safety. This article will provide you with essential tips on preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of being targeted, as well as what to do if you find yourself in such a situation. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of becoming a victim of a mugging and potentially increase your personal safety.
How to Avoid Getting Mugged
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings:
- Be mindful of your surroundings at all times, especially in unfamiliar or high-crime areas. Avoid distractions like focusing on your smart phone or wearing headphones that impair your awareness.
- Night time is prime time for muggings: once it gets dark, muggers are out and about. They also target areas where people will be coming out such as venues and active nightlight.
- Avoid walking alone, especially if you are intoxicated: You are an easier target when you are alone, as you may attract the attention of a mugger.
- Travel in Well-Lit and Populated Areas:
- Stick to well-lit streets and areas with a higher volume of people; avoid dark and desolate locations. Criminals are less likely to target individuals in busy or well-monitored places.
- Plan Your Routes in Advance:
- When possible, plan your routes ahead of time to avoid unfamiliar or unsafe areas. Use well-known and well-traveled paths, and inform someone about your plans if you’re going alone.
- Walk with Confidence:
- Displaying confidence while walking can deter potential attackers. Stand tall, maintain a brisk pace, and make purposeful eye contact with people around you.
- Keep Valuables Out of Sight:
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, electronics, or large sums of cash in public. Keep your valuables concealed and out of sight to minimize the risk of attracting unwanted attention.
- Utilize Self-Defense Techniques:
- Consider enrolling in a self-defense class to learn basic techniques that can help you protect yourself in case of an emergency. Self-defense training can boost your confidence and improve your ability to react effectively. If you carry a weapon, make sure you know how to use it properly so that it is not turned against you.
- Trust Your Instincts:
- If a situation or a person feels suspicious, trust your instincts and remove yourself from that environment. Your intuition is a valuable tool in maintaining personal safety.
How to Handle a Mugging
- Stay Calm and Composed: Though you are in a scary situation, try to stay calm, don’t give in to panic so you can keep your wits about you.
- Should you Comply?
- If confronted by an assailant, it’s best to comply with their demands up to a certain extent. Your personal belongings can be replaced, but your well-being cannot. Cooperate fully to avoid escalating the situation and be able to get away as soon as possible. However, if the situation escalates and the criminal is trying to kidnap you by forcing you to get in a car, you will need to do everything you can including fight to avoid getting in that car.
- Avoid Eye Contact:
- Maintain a neutral gaze and avoid direct eye contact with the attacker. Eye contact may be perceived as a challenge, potentially leading to further aggression.
- Don’t Resist Unless Absolutely Necessary:
- While it’s natural to want to defend yourself, it’s generally safer to comply with the attacker’s demands. Evaluate the situation and consider whether resistance would increase the risk of harm.
- Memorize Details:
- Take mental notes of the attacker’s physical appearance, clothing, and any distinctive features. This information will be valuable for law enforcement later on.
- Raise Awareness:
- If possible, try to attract attention from people nearby by shouting or making noise. The presence of witnesses may deter the attacker or prompt them to flee.
- Report the Incident:
- As soon as you are safe, report the incident to the police. Provide them with all the relevant details and descriptions to assist in their investigation.
In Conclusion
While getting mugged can be a distressing experience, knowing how to handle the situation can make a significant difference. By staying calm, complying with the attacker’s demands, and being vigilant in your daily life, you can reduce the risk.
Have you experienced getting mugged? Please share your experience in the comments below.
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About the author
Bernie Carr is the founder of Apartment Prepper. She has written several books including the best-selling Prepper’s Pocket Guide, Jake and Miller’s Big Adventure, The Penny-Pinching Prepper and How to Prepare for Most Emergencies on a $50 a Month Budget. Bernie’s latest e-book, FRUGAL DIY has just been released on Amazon. Her work appears in sites such as the Allstate Blog and Clark.com, as well as print magazines such as Backwoods Survival Guide and Prepper Survival Guide. She has been featured in national publications such as Fox Business and Popular Mechanics. Learn more about Bernie here.
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