I got so close to getting mugged tonight. I was sitting on a bench in a nearby mall while texting a reply to an important SMS. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a guy sit down on my right side at about a 45-degree angle towards me. This shouldn't be anything out of the ordinary, except that something about the slow, purposeful way he sat down while staring at the mobile phone in my hand triggered an alarm in my head. Maybe he thought I was too preoccupied with texting, but I could see that he was also checking out my wallet and another small gadget that I held tightly against my chest. Too bad for him, my wallet is attached to a strap that I wear like a bracelet around my wrist. I learned to trust my instincts long ago, so I immediately stood up and walked away quickly into the nearest store that I knew to have a security camera, hoping to discourage him from following me.
Tonight's close call reminded me of a short talk that was given by a security specialist a couple of days ago in my company. I wish I had recorded that, but here are some of the tips that I remember from that talk:
1. Stay alert
One thing that the security specialist said that really ingrained itself in my brain is: "There is no such thing as a random crime." He explained that, more often than not, criminals have been observing those they have perceived to be vulnerable. Take yourself out of their targeting range by staying alert and avoiding distractions, like listening to your portable MP3 player or texting while walking.
2. Avoid potentially dangerous places
There are places that are seedy for a reason and it's not just poverty. Suspicious people tend to lurk in certain places. If there is a better and safer alternate route, even if it's longer, take it. If you throw caution to the wind, it's almost like you're inviting criminals to target you.
3. Be assertive
Give off an "I'm having a bad day" impression. It will make you look less vulnerable. You can also show assertiveness by walking faster.
4. Travel light
This was more of a warning to the ladies, who tend to cram so many things -- if not everything valuable -- into their bags. I think the same applies to anyone who carries around laptops, iPads, DSLRs. Huwag kayong obvious! :-P
5. Trust your instincts
As the security specialist described it, "It's the hairs on the back of your neck standing up." Most of the time, your gut feel is right.
6. Stay calm
He said staying calm is important for a couple of reasons (I'm paraphrasing but these are what I got from the explanation): 1 - panic tends to make the criminal frantic & become more dangerous, 2 - you need to be calm to remember specific details about the criminal for when you file a police report.
Here's an interesting trivia that he shared: 7-11 stores have a "height gauge" on their doors (photo on the right). They help the staff identify the height of a robber.
7. Cooperate
"This is the hardest thing to do," he said -- and I agree. But having fallen victim to a petty thief many years ago, I know this to be right. Don't fight back; just hand it over, especially if there's a deadly weapon involved. Believe this to be true: as long as you're still alive & whole & well, you can get it all back. Money is replaceable, but you are not ;-)
Personal opinion: If you have self-defense skills, I say let them kick in. Check this article on 7 Self-Defense Techniques That Can Save Your Life
Got any personal safety / security tips to share?
Tonight's close call reminded me of a short talk that was given by a security specialist a couple of days ago in my company. I wish I had recorded that, but here are some of the tips that I remember from that talk:
1. Stay alert
One thing that the security specialist said that really ingrained itself in my brain is: "There is no such thing as a random crime." He explained that, more often than not, criminals have been observing those they have perceived to be vulnerable. Take yourself out of their targeting range by staying alert and avoiding distractions, like listening to your portable MP3 player or texting while walking.
2. Avoid potentially dangerous places
There are places that are seedy for a reason and it's not just poverty. Suspicious people tend to lurk in certain places. If there is a better and safer alternate route, even if it's longer, take it. If you throw caution to the wind, it's almost like you're inviting criminals to target you.
3. Be assertive
Give off an "I'm having a bad day" impression. It will make you look less vulnerable. You can also show assertiveness by walking faster.
4. Travel light
This was more of a warning to the ladies, who tend to cram so many things -- if not everything valuable -- into their bags. I think the same applies to anyone who carries around laptops, iPads, DSLRs. Huwag kayong obvious! :-P
5. Trust your instincts
As the security specialist described it, "It's the hairs on the back of your neck standing up." Most of the time, your gut feel is right.
 |
| image source |
He said staying calm is important for a couple of reasons (I'm paraphrasing but these are what I got from the explanation): 1 - panic tends to make the criminal frantic & become more dangerous, 2 - you need to be calm to remember specific details about the criminal for when you file a police report.
Here's an interesting trivia that he shared: 7-11 stores have a "height gauge" on their doors (photo on the right). They help the staff identify the height of a robber.
7. Cooperate
"This is the hardest thing to do," he said -- and I agree. But having fallen victim to a petty thief many years ago, I know this to be right. Don't fight back; just hand it over, especially if there's a deadly weapon involved. Believe this to be true: as long as you're still alive & whole & well, you can get it all back. Money is replaceable, but you are not ;-)
Personal opinion: If you have self-defense skills, I say let them kick in. Check this article on 7 Self-Defense Techniques That Can Save Your Life
Got any personal safety / security tips to share?
No comments:
Post a Comment