Robbery is a crime of opportunity, and criminals often target individuals who appear distracted, unaware, or vulnerable. By practicing situational awareness and making yourself a harder target, you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Here are practical steps to enhance your safety and deter would-be criminals.

Understanding Situational Awareness

Situational awareness involves being fully present in your environment, recognizing potential threats, and understanding what actions to take. It’s not about living in fear but about staying alert and prepared.

The Criminal’s Perspective

Most criminals look for easy targets. They often evaluate:

Distraction: People engrossed in their phones or other activities.

Isolation: Individuals walking alone in poorly lit or secluded areas.

Accessibility: Bags, wallets, or valuables that are easy to grab.

By being alert and projecting confidence, you can discourage a criminal from choosing you as a target.

Steps to Reduce Your Risk

1. Stay Alert and Aware

Put your phone away: Avoid texting, scrolling, or wearing noise-canceling headphones in public spaces.

Scan your surroundings: Regularly look around to assess the environment and people nearby.

Trust your instincts: If something feels off, take action, whether it’s crossing the street or entering a crowded area.

2. Project Confidence & Practice Observational Skills

Walk with a purpose: Keep your head up, shoulders back, and maintain a brisk, steady pace.

Make eye contact: Criminals are less likely to target individuals who seem aware of their presence.

Avoid appearing lost: If you need directions, step into a safe area to consult a map or phone.

Scan your environment: Regularly check your surroundings for unusual or suspicious behavior.

Identify exits and obstacles: Always know where the nearest exits are and what could impede your movement in an emergency.

Notice details: Pay attention to individuals’ body language, tone of voice, and movements.

3. Minimize Valuables

Keep items secure: Use crossbody bags, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and store valuables in zipped compartments.

Don’t flash wealth: Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, electronics, or other high-value items in public.

Secure your vehicle: Never leave items visible in your car, and always lock your doors.

4. Choose Safer Routes and Times

Stick to well-lit, populated areas: Avoid shortcuts through alleys or dark, isolated streets.

Plan ahead: Know your route before heading out, and share your location with someone you trust if walking alone.

Travel in groups: There’s safety in numbers; walk with friends whenever possible.

5. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Carry self-defense tools. Ensure you know how to use them.

Have an escape plan: Know where you can run for help, such as a nearby business, crowded area, or police station.

Memorize key phone numbers: In case your phone is taken, having emergency numbers memorized can be invaluable.

Enhancing Situational Awareness in Specific Environments

Public Transportation

Stay near the driver or well-lit areas.Keep your belongings close to your body.Be cautious when entering or exiting at unfamiliar stops.

Shopping Centers

Avoid secluded parking lots, especially at night.

Lock your car immediately after entering or exiting.

Keep your purse or bag close to your body and avoid leaving it unattended in shopping carts.

ATMs and Banks

Use ATMs located inside secure buildings whenever possible.

Avoid withdrawing large sums of cash in public.

Be aware of individuals lingering nearby.

Make Yourself a Harder Target

1. Develop a Routine of Awareness

Make situational awareness a habit. Situational awareness isn’t just for emergencies. It’s a habit that concealed carry holders should develop in daily routines. Here are some tips:

While walking: Avoid isolated areas, stay in well-lit spaces, and monitor the people around you.

In your vehicle: Lock your doors, be cautious at stoplights, and park in safe, visible areas.

At home: Ensure your property is secure, and be aware of anyone loitering near your residence.

In public spaces: Avoid sitting with your back to the door, and take note of exits and potential cover points.

2. Learn Basic Self-Defense

Taking a self-defense class can boost your confidence and prepare you to react effectively in emergencies.

Practice drawing your weapon under stress.

3. Strengthen Your Body Language

Confident body language can deter potential threats. Practice standing tall, walking briskly, and maintaining a calm demeanor.

The Power of Prevention

Reducing your chances of being robbed doesn’t require paranoia—just preparation. By staying aware of your surroundings and taking proactive steps to make yourself a harder target, you can enjoy greater peace of mind and increased personal safety. Remember, a prepared and alert individual is far less likely to become a victim.