Protecting yourself against muggers may sound like something you have to do only if you live in a large city where you’re out and about late at night. While it’s true that large cities have muggers who go after victims night and day, a mugging can occur virtually anywhere. And one place we don’t always think about is outside our own home.
At one time or another, we’ve all arrived at our homes when it’s dark after going to a party, going to an evening movie, or perhaps working late. We’ve also gone through the mistake of sometimes forgetting to turn our porch or driveway lights on before we leave. When this happens, it can be pitch black around your home, hence enabling a mugger or other crook to hide.
This isn’t to say a mugging couldn’t occur with a light on. What can you do to protect yourself in this situation outside your home, or even while walking in a big city?
Don’t Go Out After Dark Alone
While this may not sound appealing if you’re overly independent, going out and about after dark by yourself can increase the chances of you being mugged. If you go out with someone else or even with a group of people, the chances are less likely a mugging is going to occur. When a mugger is outnumbered, the less chances of that mugging occurring.
Don’t Make Valuables Conspicuous
While you may want to flaunt that new piece of jewelry or your new handbag, you’re basically waving money in the air to attract a mugger. Most muggers are desperate for money, so showing off any valuable items you have while walking in unfamiliar areas doesn’t help. It’s best to hide anything you might have of value while walking in these places.
Should You Fight Back?
It’s said that if you stay passive during a mugging, the less chances are you’ll be hurt. You should just give them what they want if they demand it. Trying to fight back could lead to you getting seriously hurt.
Your best course of action is to look the mugger in the eyes and get a good description. When you go to police later, this can help them draw a sketch of the suspect so he can possibly be caught later. Regardless, some muggers disguise their faces, so be sure to look for other identifiable features, or even a license plate number if they escape in a car.
With muggings thought to occur outside, they could even potentially happen inside your home. Home invasions are becoming a serious problem in America, and having decent security systems can alert you if someone breaks in while you’re inside.
You can contact us here at All Island Security to learn about our outstanding deals, including the option of using your existing security system with our monitoring center.
