Common Sense Safety Tips

Holidays are to urban predators what a pen of sheep are to a pack of wolves.

As my wife headed out--at 3:00 am!--for this madness known as black Friday, the usual concerns raced through my head as they always do, having intimate knowledge of the statistics of crime relating to the holiday season. Fortunately, she followed Safeguard Rule #1: Use the Buddy System (two are less vulnerable than one). Here are some other tips:

#2: Park in well-lighted areas only and be aware of your surroundings before you exit your vehicle.

#3: Conceal packages left in your vehicle. Crooks know you hop from one store or mall to another, leaving the collected loot piling up in your car. Use the trunk, or keep a blanket over the items left in the cargo area of your car or SUV. (Yes, they will guess there is loot there; but not knowing if your packages could be easily fenced, they will hopefully continue their shopping and not risk it with an unknown payoff.)

#4: Please DON'T walk and text! Let me repeat that: Please don't walk and text! Pay attention to your surroundings! Pay attention to anyone who does not appear to be busy; rather they are just looking around. Make eye contact with them. Remember their faces! They will look for an easier target. DON'T BE THE EASIER TARGET!

#5: When returning to your vehicle: Observe your surroundings and be alert (See #4); Have your keys ready as you approach your vehicle (you should actually have them out and ready before you exit the store); (Remember, keys make a decent defensive weapon; go for the eyes!); Look inside your vehicle (especially the back seat) before entering; After you have entered, immediately lock your vehicle.

#6: If you failed to be alert and are accosted, fight. Fight for your life, because it is likely the case that this is for your life. Don't give up. Make a scene: yell and scream and be violent beyond your capacity. Go for the eyes and the groin. If you and the attacker leave together, it will be your last ride (know this and don't forget it!)

#7: Do not wear your best jewelry, or better yet, limit your jewelry to a modest watch and a wedding band. Remember, the predator is sizing up his prey and looking for a good payday.

These are just some common sense tips. Being attentive is the best advise I can give you. If you use some of these tips and pay attention to your surroundings, you will be a lot less likely to become a victim.

Enjoy the holidays, safely.

Danny R. Smith
DRS Investigations, LLC