Robbery Prevention

Reducing Your Risk of Being a Robbery Victim

1. If possible, don’t walk alone.
   Walk in groups whenever you can — there is always safety in numbers.
2. Stay in well-lit areas.
   Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short-cuts or secluded areas.
3. Wear clothing and shoes that let you move easily.
   Don’t burden yourself with too many packages or items.
4. Always be aware of your surroundings.
   If you wear headphones/earbuds, play it at a volume that allows you to hear outside noises.
5. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by your cell phone.
   If you’re wearing headphones, keep the volume low enough that you can hear someone approaching you.
6. Try to travel with others and walk in populated and well-lit areas.
7. Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
8. Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival.
   Consider sharing your phone location with a trusted friend or family member.
9. Protect your electronics, jewelry, and cash.
   Don't display these high-value items, either on your person or in your parked vehicle. If you must leave them in your car, lock them in your trunk or glove compartment. In a pinch, hiding items under seats is better than leaving them in plain view.
10. Check on the availability of a tracking system for your electronic devices.
11. Use ATMs in daylight hours in well-populated areas.
    If you notice anyone or anything suspicious, cancel your transaction and go to another ATM.
12. Place your wallet in your front hip pocket or inside jacket pocket.
    Do not carry it in your back pants pocket. Some people even place a rubber band around their wallet, because the rubber band creates friction and rubs against the fabric of your pocket if someone attempts to remove it without your knowledge.
13. Use a purse that is difficult to open.
    A purse with a zipper or snap is best. If you are carrying a shoulder bag, place the strap diagonally across your body, as opposed to carrying it on one shoulder.
14. Never leave your purse unattended.
    This is true whether it's on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart.
15. Report any suspicious activity to police officers or security guards.
    Inside a store: Do you notice people who are paying more attention to the purchases being made, rather than checking out new products? Outside a store: Do you see people standing at or near the exit for no real purpose?
16. When walking in the street or on the sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
    You will be able to see all vehicles approaching you, reducing the chance of someone sneaking up on you and forcing you into a car.
17. Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace.
    Don't stop to talk to strangers.
18. Trust your instincts.
    If someone or something makes you uneasy, leave. If you feel like a crime is imminent, call 911, scream, or raise an alarm—remember, more people will respond to someone yelling “Fire!” than they will to “Help!”
19. Be cautious when meeting strangers.
    If you plan to meet up with someone you met online — for example, someone from a dating app, or someone you plan to buy something from or sell something to — screenshot their profile and send it to a trusted friend or family member before you go. If you are buying or selling something, arrange to do the trade at a police station. If they refuse to meet you at a police station, call 911 and request that officers accompany you to the address of the meet.