How to Protect Yourself in a Mugging

Street Proof Against Robberies and Attacks

If you live in a city then chances are you have been a victim of crime or know someone who has been or at the very least have read stories in the local media.

There are a number of things you can do to minimize the chances of being a victim of crime yourself.

10 Anti-Mugging Safety Tips

1. If you are traveling into a new area, use the Internet to familiarize yourself with local landmarks, main roads and police stations.
2. Appear confident when walking around in public; at night try to stay in well-lit densely populated areas. Travel in groups rather than by yourself.
3. If you are walking in quiet, dark streets, if possible stay in the middle of the road and watch for traffic. This gives you more reaction time to flee an attack or defend yourself if required. If someone is waiting to ambush you they have a greater distance to before an attack.
4. If you have to round a blind corner, cross to the other side of the road to give you more reaction time.
5. Be aware of your surroundings; don't get tunnel vision. If someone approaches you, look for others, as criminals normally work in teams.
6. Try to visualize an escape plan if you think you are in danger.
7. If you are intoxicated, call a cab. A drunken target is more appealing due to her/his lack of motor skills and inability to remember the event and describe attackers to police.
8. If you carry a wallet in your pocket, chain it to a belt loop. Don't flash your money around.
9. Carry a second wallet/purse with a small amount of cash($30) and fill with business cards to add weight or a cardboard cutout of a visa card in the wallet's plastic photo holder. Put a plastic card behind it so it feels like the real thing. Most criminals are just as afraid as their victims because they don't know how the robbery will unfold. If you throw the wallet to them, most of the time they will escape as quickly as possible. It is important for you to remain calm and think rationally throughout the ordeal.
10. If you are attacked or fear you may become the victim of rape, scream "Fire!" as more people will be inclined to respond tan if they knew you were being attacked.

Self-defense against Muggers

Evaluate the situation before you defend yourself rather than fleeing or handing over cash. Consider:

• the number of attackers,
• size of attackers,
• weapons involved (look for bulges under clothing)
• and your fighting ability.

If you are going to commit, attack different sections of their torso and face with your feet, fists, knees and elbows. If the attacker/s are throwing wild hooks, close the gap and attack in close. You are fighting for your life so aim to hurt. You should fight only until you have an opportunity to escape.