Don't be a VICTIM - Part 1

Most of us work hard for our money and enjoy being able to provide for ourselves, our families and having nice things. We spend, save, invest and over time gather tangible personal property. Well, most of us do it that way. Some would rather take what is yours and cause you harm in the process.

The harm can come as physical harm or financial harm. Either way, how dare someone take your personal belongings you worked so hard to obtain.

Laws very from state to state and country to country but in California the government has seriously watered down the punishment for someone who takes YOUR personal possessions. (not part of this discussion)

Part 1 of my discussion about being a victim is a building block to fighting without throwing down. Do this… start people watching. Watch the actions of others. In todays age, look at how many people are glued to a phone or other electronic device. How many people do you see walking or sitting around and have no clue what is going on around them?

Now ask yourself… Are you guilty too? Do you get distracted with your busy life? Do you fail to observe? Do you sit in public glued to your device and mesmerized by social media?

If you are, then I encourage you to stop! I am not saying don’t socialize via social media. Just pick the when and where.

Go back to when I had you look around. I see it every day. I walk into a coffee shop for example and 90% of the people are buried in a computer or on the phone. I could rob the place, walk out and I bet very few people would be able to describe me!

This all brings me to a point!

Criminals pray on the weak. It does not mean physical strength. It means social weakness. A criminal is looking for an opportunity. Someone who is distracted. Someone who is not aware of what is going on around him/her. Someone who appears as an easy mark.

Experts will tell you to look others in the eye as you walk past them. This is a sign of confidence! If a suspect approaching you is sizing you up as a potential victim, you just decreased your odds of being selected as their next target. You see, the majority of criminals are seeking out the weakest targets to prey upon. Your display of confidence will deter increase the odds of detering them from selecting you! The best part, I find it fun to greet people in passing. You would be surprised at the reactions. You will see who has confidence and responds and who shys away.

I challenge you to try it and watch the reactions. You will see a wide variety. Notice the people who shy away. They are potential victims. If that is you, responding to a greeting also decreases your odds as a victim!

I asked my adult daughter today at lunch what she does when walking toward another person. She told me she avoids eye contact. We had a good conversation about this very topic. I hope she as well as you get something out of this! At the very least, you might actually enjoy the sights. Its not always about that little device you are holding… there is a real world out there!

In conclusion…

It is not possible to prevent things from happening. Events (good & bad) are going to occur. Nobody can prevent someone who is hell bent on causing you harm from doing evil! However, taking a few simple steps can greatly reduce your overall chances of being targeted as a bad guys next prey!

Remember:

1. Stay alert to your surroundings. People watch and paying attention to your surrounding.
2. Take breaks from your phone and computer to look around and see what is going on.
3. Walk with confidence and greet others.
4. Chose where you sit to take advantage of natural barriers.

I hope these few simple tips are helpful!
Please feel free to follow me – more to come!

The images are from today. I walked into a coffee shop, looked around and snapped a few pictures. Not one of them bothered to even look up or pay attention to me! I did put a little blur on the faces to protect the innocent...lol

Disclosure
I wrote this article based on my own experience and training. It is my personal opinion and is not supported by any law enforcment ageny.