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Step 1
Wear brightly colored outerwear or clothing to make you both more visible and easier to remember. (Bad guys don’t like to attract attention in any way.) Wear clothes that you can move freely in. Avoid such things as bulky coats and long tightly fitted skirts that impede your movements.
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Step 2
Keep in mind that most bad guys are looking primarily for money. Don’t dress like a walking bankroll when you go out. If you must dress for success, bring an overcoat or raincoat to put over your clothing if you’ll be walking around anywhere that is strange, somewhat isolated or otherwise uncomfortable to you.
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Step 3
Avoid gloves and mittens that render your hands clumsy. The true test of a safe pair of gloves is this—can you dial a cell phone with them on? If so, they’re fine. Wear footwear that you can walk briskly or even run in. Don’t wear high heels or sandals that flop around. Wear shoes or boots that fit and are comfortable. You can always bring other shoes to change into.
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Step 4
Keep your vision unobstructed. Don’t wear big hats or very dark sunglasses. You have to be aware of your environment—so make sure that you can see.
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Step 5
If you have to wear a scarf to keep out the cold, make sure it is worn inside your coat or sweater. Avoid long chains or beads or anything that could be wrapped around your neck. Very long hair should also be tucked inside for the same reasons. Wearing your hair in a ponytail or a bun provides a “handle” that someone can use to hold onto you so that you can’t get away. (Rapists are fond of such hairdos for just that reason.) If you must wear your hair up, wear it in a twist or at the very least cover it with a hat that fits but does not tie or block your vision (a beret or loose cap is a good choice).
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Step 6
If you must carry a purse, wear a small one that you can put inside your coat or clothing. If you need a big purse, carry it on your shoulder or in your hand so that it is easily taken—or given away—if someone tries to grab it. Nothing in it is worth a broken shoulder or wrist—and especially not your life.
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Step 7
If you want to protect what’s important in your purse (or wallet), get yourself a small zippered change purse or a tiny purse that fits inside your coat or clothes. Put in all of your credit cards, debit cards, ID, license, Social Security card, most of your money and your checkbook. Put everything there that would be devastating to lose. Anything that would give anyone the opportunity to rob you, find you or steal your identity should not be kept in your purse when you’re alone or in any strange or uncomfortable place.
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Step 8
As an extra bit of protection, keep a wallet in your purse in case the thief wants to take just that. Keep harmless things like coupon cards from grocery stores and a few bucks in it, in case they open it and rifle through it before they go. You don’t want a thief to think your money is hidden.
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Step 9
Carrying a walking stick or an umbrella with a metal tip on the end makes you look immediately like you’re armed. People looking to hurt or rob you are looking for easy targets that won’t be any trouble to deal with. They don’t want attention or complications!
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Step 10
Be sure that you don’t bog yourself down with bags or packages. Put everything you need to carry into a rolling suitcase or a bag that fits easily over your shoulder. You are defenseless with your arms and hands tangled up.
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Step 11
Don’t talk on your cell phone while you are walking as this makes you (or at least makes you appear) distracted and, thus, easily caught off guard. Keep you cell phone on your belt loop or anywhere you can quickly and easily reach. Keep it set to 911 on your speed dial.
Comments
susu7 said
on 11/16/2007 Thank you so much. I have a heart to help people lead safer, better and kinder lives. Your kind words are appreciated!
BarryWaite said
on 11/16/2007 I was intrigued by your article and found many well reasoned tips. Great job!!! I see you have many other articles so I will get busy reading a few more.