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A
Show of Strength in crime prevention
It
is important to emphasize that nothing you do gives
an assailant the right to hurt you - it is not your fault if you are
attacked, Since many assailants choose victims who will be most
vulnerable to an attack, it is critical that you appear confident,
capable and in control.
Body
Language, your walk, the way you stand, the
manner in which you sit tell much about you. If you look tired, timid
or lost, you may be unwittingly setting yourself up as a target for
attack. Be conscious of your body language and work on a strong, self-
confident and outward appearance.
Eye
Contact:
Make
eye contact with people you meet. It is a powerful
way of saying "I am in control of myself and my environment, I belong
here." It can also say "I see you and I'm not afraid of you."
Personal
Space:
You
have the right to decide who will touch you and
when. If someone is too close to you and making you feel uncomfortable
or touching you in a way you don't like, you have the right to move
away and tell them to stop - no matter who they are.
Clothing:
We know about dressing for success but,, it is also
important to dress for personal safety, Clogs or extremely high-heeled
shoes as well as tight, restricting garments can impede an escape,
Select shoe, shirts and pants that allow you to run or strike back.
Immediate
Action:
If you feel threatened or scared, or if you think you
might be in danger, don't pretend that danger will go away if you
ignore it. Your chances of handling a threatening situation are much
better if you act immediately.
Environmental
Awareness:
Notice your environment, Where could you go for help?
Where are the exits located? Who is available to assist you? Be aware
of the people around you, Who is in front of you? In back?
Use peripheral vision to notice what is happening all around you.
Thief
Runs Patron Down
Dorthy frequently shops a local giant retailer.
There is something about the open atmosphere that she enjoys. She can
usually find everything she needs in one place, which keeps her from
driving all over town.
She likes to stroll through the parking lot with her cell phone to her
ear. It is a security measure to let others know she is safe, and she
also believes it looks cool. When she exits the store she usually
carries her packages in her hand.
Its awkward sometimes, but she usually does not have that much to
carry, so she manages. She is well aware of some of the vulnerabilities
shoppers face when exiting a store.
She is grateful that none of it ever happened to her. One night she
went shopping for jewelry. It was her birthday and she wanted to treat
herself to something nice.
She went to the jewelry counter and tried on different pieces, until
she finally made up her mind what to buy. It was a beautiful gold
necklace. She figured what the heck I deserve it and she purchased it.
Unknowing to her someone was watching her in the store. It was a thief
and he was planning to take what she purchased. His method of stealing
was unique.
He would wait until the victim was in the parking lot, run by, snatch
what they had purchased and disappear in the nearby neighborhoods. His
success depended on lots of factors but mostly on the victim.
The person chosen had to carry the package in the right way and be
seemingly distracted. Dorothy fit the criteria, so he followed her out
of the store into the parking lot. She did everything perfectly, she
would be a good victim. She even held her package the right way.
The criminal prepared to make his take. When the time was right he ran
full speed toward the victim, who was on the cell phone. When he got
close enough he tore the package from the victims hand and disappeared
into the nearby neighbohood.
Parking lot security eventually showed up and they reported
the incident to police. The thief and the jewelry were never found.
Luckily it was a credit card purchase and Dorothy was reimbursed.
When shopping, pay attention to your surroundings. What goes on in back
of you is just as important as what goes on in front. You must make it
hard for criminals to take from you. If your items are small place them
inside your purse or pocket. If they are large carry them in front of
you.
Look in all directions when walking through the parking lot.
Make eye contact with as many people as you can. Own a cell phone they
are great for emergencies, but do not count on it for defense. Keep it
in your pocket not up to your ear. Checking out your surroundings will
require your full attention.
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criminals choose victim
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