14 Street Smart Crime Prevention Tips--Part 2

I am continuing the tips from Tim Dimoff that he gave in a seminar at my place of employment last Friday. Part 1 was yesterday.

Here are 14 Rules that Tim Dimoff gave to help prevent you from becoming a victim to crime:

Rule #1--Pretend to be a criminal. Think where would you hide if you were a criminal wanting to catch someone off guard? Who would be an easy target?

Rule #2--Pay Attention--Watch People. This takes away the element of surprise. By increasing your circle of awareness to 360 degrees around you, cuts your chances of being attacked by 90%!

Rule #3--Avoid groups of strangers. There is a "pack mentality" so it is wise to avoid walking close to groups of teens at the mall or a group of guys hanging around a store or ally.

Rule #4--It's okay to profile. Trust your inner alarms. If someone looks suspicious or you feel as though someone is following you, look directly at them and change your direction. If they continue following you, head for a crowd of people, light or a noisy place.

Rule #5--No stranger needs to be closer to you than 5 feet. If someone approaches you for directions and is getting closer than that, just tell them to "stop, close enough" and you could back up.

Rule #6--Know when to retreat. Do not show fear, change direction and get away. Do not be afraid of hurting their feelings if someone is making you uncomfortable or you think they are doing something suspicious.

Rule #7--Watch to see who is watching you. If someone is watching you and you look directly at them letting them know you know they are watching you, chances are they will look away and choose a different target, one less aware.

Rule #8--Watch for people getting out of cars at parking lots. Have your keys ready as you approach your car and lock the doors as soon as you get in.

Rule #9--Run in direction of your choosing--towards people, lights, activity and noise. Do Not go anywhere with any predator--upset their game plan--if they ask for something, give it to them and walk away or run away. Don't discuss it. Drop it on the ground, turn and leave. Property can be replaced, your life cannot.

Rule #10--Do not allow yourself to be surrounded. Change direction if you sense more than one person coming at you.

Rule #11--Designate a meeting place for your family if get split up when on an outing. Have a code phrase for your family to use to convey danger-listen up.

Rule #12--If someone does get the drop on you, don't argue, increase distance between you and them if possible, give them something and turn and go in different direction. Don't get into a conversation.

Rule #13--If someone attacks you rather than asking for something, that is the time to fight back. Do not go with them to another location.

Rule #14--Avoid high risk behavior. Do not provoke an attack and be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert.

Tim Dimoff said we should go home and tell our families and friends these tips. I hope you will do the same by sharing this on Facebook, tweeting it, Google + it and talking about it. If you didn't see Part 1, please take a look at it as well and stay safe!

(50 cents per legitimate comment during April goes to Paralyzed Veterans of America.)

Here's Part 1 of the Street Smart Crime Prevention Tips if you missed it. Share this: