“Trust your gut.
Here are the eye-opening results:
1.
“Never talk money on public transportation, and never count money in a parking lot.”
u/Sn0wpooka
2.
“Pepper spray is cheap and effective.
Don’t leave home without it.
AND ensure you buy a practice bottle.
You don’t want your first time using pepper spray to be under duress.
It’s cheap enough to burn an entire bottle practicing.”
u/The_Patriot
3.
“When it comes to muggings, the ‘distraction throw’ is something I’ve seen.
They’re going to hurt you first and thentakeall your stuff.”
Don’t worry about your pride run.”
u/5Volt
4.
Don’t even smile at them."
u/TMdownton916
5.
“When visiting a new city, pick a landmark you’re free to see from anywhere.
Maybe it’s a big tower in the downtown core.
That’s your orientation now.
Wherever you go, you’re not lost.
You have that landmark.
“Now take it a step further.
As you walk around, pick a landmark in the neighborhood you are moving through.
u/faceintheblue
6.
“Trust your gut.
You see people acting ‘normally’ your whole life.
You know what it looks like.
u/Grindler9
7.
“People make pickpockets' livelihood so easy.
Always put valuables inside, preferably in a zipped pocket.
u/Cause_Such
“Keep important stuff in pockets that can be zipped up.
u/miemcc
8.
“Act like you’re in a hurry, and fewer people will want to bother you.”
u/tsnotaboutthefiat
“Similarly, don’t break your stride.
If someone comes up to you, don’t be rude or aggressive, but don’t stop walking.
u/mad_cheese_hattwe
9.
“Make it a habit to lock your car as soon as you get in.
u/Evaleenora
10.
“Don’t wear earbuds or headphones in public.
Keep your head on a swivel and be on your toes.”
u/darrellbear
11. u/FamImWoke
“Always be aware of your surroundings and what’s going on, especially in an unfamiliar area.
Every so often, do a scan of your environment.
I’m not sure what he was planning on doing, but it could’ve ended poorly.”
u/swoopydog
12.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
u/Galloping_Scallop
13. u/personpickerupper
“Keep an eye on their hands, too.
This might sound obvious.
“Similarly, don’t let anyone know where you sleep, and try not to bother anybody.
u/CedarWolf
15.
“When traveling, always give a shot to act like you’re a local.
Learn prices, learn routes, learn behaviors, etc.
I do this all the time, and it’s easier to haggle.
You also have less chance of being targeted by local thieves.”
u/qt-uwu
16.
“Don’t commit to fights; they should be the last resort.
Even if you win, the risks are great.
you’re free to de-escalate loads of situations.
The third layer is making up your exit plan.
The fourth layer is your last and is about self-preservation.”
“Don’t judge and confront; set up boundaries and back away.
Loads of people don’t want to hurt you if you set up a rapport with them.”
u/PresidentHurg
17.
“Women, don’t be afraid of being impolite if you feel threatened.
u/ToastedMaple
18.
“Look like you know where you are going even when you don’t.
If you have misgivings about a particular street or area, go with it.
Also, use reflections in windows to see behind you and possibly around a corner.”
“I’m glad I grew up in a big city.
Traveling around the world was much easier than for others I’ve seen.”
u/Malignantrumor99
19.
“Locals are always great sources of information.
If you might, befriend a person at a bar.
A gifted drink is an easy way to get good information and safety lessons for the neighborhood.”
“If someone asks you, ‘Can I ask you a question?’
reply with, ‘Sorry, I’m in a hurry,’ or bluntly, ‘No.’
or ‘Can you spare a dollar?').
Nothing good comes from a random conversation on the street.”
Anonymous
And finally…
21. u/Cheese_Gr8tr
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
