Are You A Potential Crime Victim?
By Joseph Garrio
I've been in law enforcement for 17 years and have a great deal of
experience working in the street and dealing with the common problems
and crimes of the average person. This article addresses the common
crimes that are occuring to people when removed from their homes. This
is to make you aware of them and how to reduce your chances of becoming
a victim.
Unattended Property
Many people in the city become a victim to this crime. This mainly
happens when someone is in a public place and puts down their wallet,
purses, etc., doesn't pay attention, and then someone picks it up when
noone is watching. Popular places for this crime to occur are
coffeshops, bars, supermarkets, gyms, churches, schools, your place of
business, just about any public place.To help avoid this happening to
you follow these guidelines. Never leave anything down by itself, even
where you work! It's as simple as that. If you do have to put something
down make sure that you or someone that you are with keeps a close eye
on it. If a criminal is trying to take it odds are he won't if he/she
sees someone paying attention. These criminals want to steal your
property and walk away when noone is watching, they don't want to be
seen or chased. Do not leave items of value in your car, especially your
wallet when playing sports or when you are at the beach.
Pickpocket
Otherwise known as a Grand Larceny in the Penal Law. This usually occurs
when someone removes something from someone else's pocket, bag or purse.
Famous places for this to occur are subways, buses, bus stops, bars,
stores, crowded sidewalks. It can happen in just about any busy, noisy,
crowded place.Follow these suggestions so they don't get you. For women
always carry your pocketbook towards the front. When carried on the back
or side you cannot see when someone is trying to reach in. For the men
always carry your wallet in your front pocket instead of your back
pocket or in a jacket pocket. For those of you who are tired or had too
much to drink and are traveling on public transportation, don't fall
asleep! Falling asleep makes it much easier and the criminals will even
cut your pocket open to get out that wallet, it happens all the time on
the subway. In addition to the above just be aware of what is going on
around you, criminals will strike when someone is not paying attention.
Snatches
More famously known to the public as a purse or chain snatch. There are
many new snatches out there today. The criminal will take just about
anything from you. These include cell phones, money, ipods, metro cards
from the subway. Many times these criminals are on bicyles for a fast
snatch and getaway.Right now cell phones seem to be the most popular.
The best way to avoid this from happening to you is not to carry those
cellphones, ipods, money and cards in your hand. When not using these
items put them away in a safe place. When you have to keep them out,
such as when talking on your cellphone, be aware of your surroundings.
Place yourself in a position where it would be hard for someone to run
or walk by you and hold onto them tightly when someone is near. As with
all the other crimes listed here, pay attention to your surroundings.
Robberies
A Robbery is when someone takes property of another by using force. That
force can be physical or just the threat of force. I save this for last
because all the crimes discussed above can easily become Robberies. If
the purse snatch is done with force, it's a Robbery. Many times a
criminal will use force to steal that money, cell phone, ipod, etc.,
instead of just snatching it.
So if you follow all the guidelines above for unattended property,
snatches, pickpockets you will automatically reduce your chances of
getting robbed. When driving in your car make sure you keep your doors
locked to prevent someone entering. Leave plenty of space between you
and the car in front of you so you can move forward and around if
necessary when approached by someone. If you live in an apartment
building never enter the building with someone you've never seen before.
If you see a stranger in the lobby or hallway after entering turn around
and leave. Use extreme caution and make sure noone is following you when
you have just come from the following places: cash checking, banks or
any place where you displayed some money.
Follow these safety guidelines and you will definitely reduce your
chances of becoming a victim. If a criminal approaches you and tries to
commit any of these crimes, it is important to remember not to resist.
Your life is more important than your property. Property can always be
replaced but not you. Stay safe!
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