| Fortifying your home is one of the top priorities in life | | | | recommended, since you will be able to leave quickly |
| to keep yourself safe. But what happens when | | | | this way. |
| you're out and are nowhere near your house or your | | | | 3. Criminals know that you're carrying some cash, |
| neighborhood? | | | | credit cards, or anything valuable when they see you |
| Crimes are rampant in the streets, too. Someone can | | | | emerge from a store or shopping mall. So be on |
| just suddenly pounce on you while you're out | | | | constant alert. Take the quickest way to your car, |
| shopping or on your way to and from home. Criminals | | | | and make sure that your path is lighted and safe. |
| know that you carry cash and some valuables when | | | | 4. Regarding ATM's, be sure not to use the machines |
| you're out shopping or going to the bank, etcetera. | | | | at night and at dark unsafe places. Park your car |
| All they need is the right moment and the right spot | | | | close, and always remember to check the |
| to wait and attack. | | | | surroundings first before getting out of the car to |
| With these in mind, it's only necessarily that we learn | | | | the ATM. |
| how to avoid becoming victims of theft and crime | | | | 5. Always look around you and observe your |
| outside of our homes. Here are some basic tips on | | | | surroundings. Watch carefully for any suspicious |
| automobile and physical security: | | | | people. If you feel like someone's watching you, walk |
| 1. When leaving the house or any building, it's better | | | | past your car and pretend that you're not carrying |
| to have your keys out and ready. This is to avoid | | | | anything worth stealing. Leave the area and come |
| giving criminals the chance to sneak up on you when | | | | back only when you're sure it's safe. |
| you're fumbling for your keys. | | | | 6. Check the inside of your car to make sure no one |
| Keep one arm and one hand free as much as | | | | is hiding inside and waiting to assault you. And after |
| possible. This will enable you to move faster and | | | | getting into your car, immediately lock the door. This |
| more freely in case someone moves in to attack | | | | should be your first priority when getting in, even if |
| you. | | | | you haven't keyed in the ignition yet. |
| 2. When parking, park close to your destination. This | | | | If someone approaches your car and you sense |
| is especially important when you're in an unsafe and | | | | some danger, honk your horn or flash the lights to |
| dark area. Choose a parking space that has a lot of | | | | draw attention. This will most likely startle the criminal |
| light, too. | | | | and might give him/her second thoughts on attacking |
| Before leaving the car, make sure to hide or remove | | | | you. |
| your valuables. Leave your engine running until you've | | | | 7. Don't pick up hitchhikers or strangers. Know that |
| got everything hidden or arranged. Check to make | | | | looks can be deceiving and even the most pleasant |
| sure nothing is suspicious outside of your car before | | | | looking person can just act to be pleasant but is in |
| getting out. | | | | reality a criminal. |
| Backing into the parking spaces is also being | | | | |