I. LOOK AFTER YOURSELF To protect yourself from crime, locks, bars and burglar alarms are not enough. Above all, think about yourself. Where do you go? How do you travel? Who do you meet, and where?
A THIEF OR ATTACKER CAN STRIKE AT ANY TIME AND IN ANY PLACE, SO REMEMBER OUR ADVICE:
- observe your surroundings – stay alert!
- do not accept offers of lifts from strangers!
- appear self-confident, trust in your own strength, and take care of your physical fitness!
- get a personal alarm /e.g. a whistle/ and carry it with you!
- do not keep your hands in your pockets, so that you can defend yourself if necessary!
- avoid empty bus stops; ask your friends to walk you to the stop!
- never try to hitchhike!
- if it is not necessary, do not return home alone, especially late at night!
- walk on pavements in well-lit places, closer to the edge of the road.
Avoid passageways, side streets and bushes!
- resist the temptation to “take a shortcut”!
- when approaching your home or car, be cautious and have your keys ready so that, in the event of an attack, you can take shelter inside. Before opening the door, check that no stranger is nearby!
- avoid getting into a lift with strangers!
- when travelling by bus in the evening, sit near the driver!
- if you think that someone is following you /you are being followed/, remain calm and look for a crowded place!
- evidence and traces are crucial. If you have been attacked or injured, do not wash, do not change clothes, do not delay. Call the Police immediately!
- Try to remember what the perpetrators looked like /at least some detail/!
Woman! The perpetrator knows very well that he has a decisive physical advantage over you and tries to exploit it. Often, your unconscious behaviour encourages the commission of a crime. Therefore, do not create opportunities or situations that could provoke the perpetrator into an attack, rape, robbery with violence, etc. In most cases, these acts are committed by people unknown to the victims, but there are also situations in which the perpetrator is known and was prompted to act by the victim’s provocative appearance and behaviour, as well as other circumstances.
THEREFORE, ALWAYS BE PRUDENT AND FORESIGHTED! TRY TO FOLLOW THE ADVICE CONTAINED IN OUR SERIES.
to be continued.