In the United States, murders occur every 41.4 minutes, rapes every 5.1 minutes, and robberies every 2 minutes. When it comes to personal safety, understanding how criminals think will give you a significant advantage.
Criminal activity usually follows a predictable pattern. That's why most victims can recall suspicious activity leading up to the crime. By understanding how criminals choose their targets and the steps they take, you can make yourself less vulnerable to violence, kidnapping, and theft.
Today, we'll discuss the psychology of criminals and practical advice on how to avoid becoming an easy target.
The Criminal Mindset
Criminals look for easy targets, preferring victims who are distracted, unaware, unprepared, or too vulnerable to defend themselves. Understanding this can help you develop strategies to protect yourself. Here are a few key aspects of how criminals think:
Opportunity
Most criminals are opportunistic. They look for situations where they can commit a crime quickly and with minimal risk of getting caught. They might watch for people who leave their belongings unattended or who seem preoccupied.
Accessibility
Criminals go for targets who are easily accessible. Dark, isolated, or poorly lit areas provide ideal conditions for them. They prefer locations where they can approach their target without being seen or interrupted.
Vulnerability
A person who is vulnerable, distracted, or preoccupied is more likely to be targeted. Criminals are more likely to avoid people who appear confident and aware.
Steps to Avoid Being an Easy Target
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Too many people are walking around completely oblivious to their environments. They have their noses in their phones, their AirPods blasting in their ears, and their hands filled with shopping bags. The first step to protecting yourself is to always be conscious of your environment. Maintaining situational awareness can significantly reduce your chances of being targeted.
Every criminal has a period where they surveil their intended target. They size you up, deciding how easy you will be to attack and if it's worth the risk. Simply being more attentive can help you notice if you're being watched or followed, giving you an opportunity to avoid an attack.
Avoid distractions, try to keep your hands free when possible, and make eye contact with people around you. This shows that you are aware of their presence, which can deter potential criminals.
Project Confidence
Walk with purpose and confidence. Most attackers aren't looking for an actual fight; they typically go for easy targets who don't appear confident or likely to put up a fight. Keep your head up, make eye contact, and maintain good posture. Appearing lost or confused can make you look like a sheep to a wolf. Maintain your frame in unfamiliar environments. If you need to check for directions, do so discreetly. Confidence can deter criminals from choosing you as a target.
Avoid Risky Situations
Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas, especially at night. Take note of people hanging around without a noticeable purpose. If you feel uneasy about a situation or location, trust your instincts and avoid it. Be vigilant in areas where people are close but out of range for immediate help, like ATMs, parking lots, gas stations, stairwells, elevators, public bathrooms, and rest stops.
Secure Your Belongings
Think about how you want to present yourself in your environment. Flashy items, expensive jewelry, and large amounts of cash will definitely bring more attention your way. Securing your personal belongings and keeping expensive items out of sight will make you less of a target.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation. Don't wait around for your suspicions to be confirmed. Your instincts are there for a reason, and it's just not worth the potential negative outcome. Always err on the side of caution and prioritize your safety. "It's better to be wrong and safe than right and dead."
Take Self-Defense Classes
Taking reputable self-defense classes will significantly increase your understanding of situational awareness and threat assessment. Gaining knowledge about self-defense will boost your confidence and make you less appealing to criminals. These classes can teach you valuable techniques to protect yourself and increase your overall understanding of personal safety.
Conclusion
By following these tips and staying aware of your surroundings, you can make yourself less likely to be targeted for crime or violence. To avoid crime, you have to understand how criminals think and stay one step ahead. Getting into the right mindset helps you avoid risky situations and stops you from looking vulnerable to those who seek to prey on you. Stay safe, stay alert, and remember, your personal safety is always worth the effort.
To learn more about situational awareness and threat assessment join our upcoming Understanding Imminent Threat class:
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