Criminals are opportunistic.  An easy target, a lack of witnesses, a dimly-lit location, a distracted victim all dramatically improve a criminal’s ability to easily commit a crime.

One’s best defense is to eliminate, or significantly reduce, one’s vulnerability!

Criminals scout locations and conditions where the likelihood of being detected is low.  Dark and desolate parking lots, people texting or using their smartphones, shoppers carrying an armful of items…all examples of creating an ideal opportunity for theft or assault.

Be alert and aware of your surroundings.  If you’re absorbed in a phone conversation, texting, surfing the internet on your smartphone, you significantly improve a criminal’s chances to victimize you.

Keep your hands free and your head up.  Look around.  Trust your instincts.  If someone or someplace makes you feel uneasy, there is likely a good reason for feeling that way.  Avoid those situations.

Closely monitor your personal effects!  Shopping bags, car keys/fobs, handbags and cellular devices are easily grabbed.

Ask for assistance!  If you are alone and uncomfortable, walk to an area that is more populated.  Never hesitate to ask security or law enforcement to escort you out of an uncomfortable situation.  Travelling with others increases the number of witnesses and decreases criminal opportunity.