| Muggings and assaults are up about 33% nationally | | | | to deter most would-be attackers. |
| this year. Unlike celebrities, most of us cannot afford | | | | - Put valuables down and move away. If you are |
| to hire a bodyguard. When you are out and about in | | | | ordered to give up your purse or wallet, put it down |
| an unstable neighborhood or in a city that you are | | | | on the ground and move away. This increases the |
| not familiar with, here are a few pointers to make | | | | distance between you and the would-be attacker. |
| sure you stay safe. | | | | - Yell if you feel threatened. If the person tries to |
| - Always lock your car. This sounds like a no-brainer, | | | | attack you or orders you to come with him, yell clear |
| but you'd be surprised how many people do not | | | | messages such as "Stop!" or "Call 911". This will |
| follow this simple rule. Even if you're just sitting in | | | | attract attention to you and your situation and will |
| your car waiting on somebody, you need to make | | | | hopefully alert somebody to call the police. |
| sure you keep it locked at all times. | | | | - Know simply defensive moves. If you are attacked |
| - Carry mugger's money. Keep a wallet with $20 to | | | | and forced to defend yourself, be sure and strike |
| $50 in small bills that's easily accessible, away from | | | | the most vulnerable and effective areas of the |
| your other valuables. If you are approached by a | | | | attacker--those being the eyes and the groin. Scratch |
| mugger, you can give them this wallet which will | | | | or poke his eyes and use your knee to attack his |
| hopefully satisfy them and cause them to retreat. | | | | groin. This probably won't completely disable the |
| - Press the panic button on your car remote. If you | | | | attacker, but it will give you a few precious seconds |
| feel threatened in any way, simply press the panic | | | | to break away from his grasp and yell for help. |
| button on your car remote. It will make enough noise | | | | |