-
Step 1
Pay attention to clothing. While sinister outfits aren’t illegal, they are a good indication of criminal intent. Men in business suits rarely attack jogging women. However, baggy clothing helps to conceal weapons, and hats, hoods or other headgear that hides a person’s face are common warning signs. Watch out for gang members sporting bandannas, sagging jeans and hiked pant legs.
-
Step 2
Note your environment. Predators will usually stalk their prey, following them for some distance until the target reaches a secluded location with few exits. If you’ve noticed someone matching you turn for turn, head for a populated area and escape in the crowd.
-
Step 3
Be cautious of approaching strangers. Some predators dress respectably and confront their target with deception. These goons “test the waters” by pretending to need directions or asking for a handout. Ultimately, they will violate your boundaries and test your response. If you show weakness, they likely have already positioned themselves to attack.
-
Step 4
Recognize dangerous nonverbal cues. Predators will reveal themselves through body language. Prolonged staring indicates intense and unnatural interest. Rigid posture, rapid breathing and squinted eyes are a sign that the predator is considering executing the crime and is growing tense or excited at the thought. Before striking, people tend to hunch their shoulders, knit their eyebrows and clench their jaws.
-
Step 5
Be prepared. Oftentimes, if you can spot a criminal predator before he strikes, avoiding the confrontation is possible. Nevertheless, some situations are unavoidable. Should you notice a group surrounding you and blocking off your exits or even one person approaching with the body language noted in Step 4, take immediate action. Predators seek out easy prey and prefer to avoid targets that fight back. If you live in a high-crime area, carry a handgun, pepper spray or some other form of self-defense. If you’re lucky, the mere sight of it will convince the predators to back down. If not, you still stand a better chance of surviving than some unarmed victim.
