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Some of the worst things that can happen to us in our daily lives include getting attacked, mugged, or harassed simply while on your way to work, school, or walking back home. And, unfortunately, far too many of us Pandas have horrible experiences of this that we would love to never happen again. Me included.

Some street smart redditors have been sharing their tips about safety, what to be aware of, and how criminals think in a viral thread on r/AskReddit, started up by user u/Jamestusk007. Scroll down to read their advice, upvote the tips that you found the most useful, and if you’re feeling brave, share your own insights about being savvy outside. Meanwhile, be sure to read Bored Panda’s interview with a New York police officer about what it’s like to be on patrol, why it’s vital to stay grounded, and how it’s important to develop genuine trust and respect in the local community, not just catch 'the bad guys.'

#1

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Trust your gut. You see people acting normally your whole life. You know what it looks like. If you see something that makes you uncomfortable, there’s a reason, even if you don’t know what it is yet.

Grindler9 , Engin Akyurt Report

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Dasha Slepenkina
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so important, especially for women - we've grown up conditioned to be "nice" and sometimes this goes against our safety. If something makes me uncomfortable, I nope out of that situation immediately. My partner and I were stargazing once in a completely empty parking lot in a remote national park once, when a car entered the parking lot and chose to park immediately next to us. I told my partner we're leaving and before the other people were even out of their car, we jumped into ours and left. Could that have been a completely innocent situation? Absolutely. Was it weird that they chose the spot right next to ours despite the parking lot being completely empty? Also absolutely. I don't regret leaving at all.

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#2

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Look both ways crossing a one way street.... there may always be one idiot

Sanooksboss , Tim Douglas Report

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DUN DUN
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So many examples of this happening around the world right at this moment

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#3

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Teach your kids how to effectively draw attention to themselves if they are in danger. A screaming child gets nobody's attention.

I was taught, if a stranger ever grabbed me, to scream at the top of my lungs, "LET GO OF ME! I DO NOT KNOW YOU!"

Bread_Criticism , Keira Burton Report

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Marianne
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also true for adults. People don't want to get involved in what might be a fight between a couple. If you scream that, people will know that you are in real danger.

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Above everything else, maintaining constant vigilance seems to lie at the core of surviving any dangerous encounters. Preempt any risks by not getting into those situations at all or knowing how to defuse them. And, like one redditor wrote, “Don’t worry about your pride, run.” Though that’s easier said than done when you’re panicking and fearing for your life.

New York police officer Sadaka Kitonyi told Bored Panda what it’s like to work as a patrolman. He explained to me that the foundation of being a quality officer begins with taking care of one’s health, both physical and mental.

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“A good cop must have a healthy lifestyle—and physical health creates mental stability,” he said that leading a healthy lifestyle is about more than just health. A police officer who is sharp, always in control of their emotions, can defuse tense situations and solve things diplomatically before things get out of hand.

#4

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Don't post location photos until you return home. People shouldn't know when your house is empty.

Ari Jai , Lisa Report

#5

Girls, don't be afraid to fight as dirty as you need to. nut shots, scratching eyes, whatever you have to do, all bets are off. There is absolutely no honour if a guy is trying to grab or detain you or pull you somewhere, so he deserves none.

if you are pinned down, smash his head with a headbutt. The part of your skull that's right near your hairline is what you want to impact his face with. other than that, use your elbow, which will strike harder than your fist might if you are a small person.

No-Bewt Report

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Marianne
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it comes to the worst and someone tries to rape you, make yourself disgusting to them. Pee and s**t yourself, vomit if you can. The predator might be too disgusted to continue.

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#6

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know My dad preached "Focus sound more than any other sense. Your eyes can only see a 180°, your ears can see 360°." Saved my life more than once!!

Tiberius Starcher , Dylann Hendricks | 딜란 Report

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Dominik
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Saved my life more than once!!" where do you life and what do you do? 🤔

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“As a patrolman, our main responsibility is to answer and respond to 911 and radio calls—very reactive, yes, but the unique thing is we can all choose how we do our job in between answering calls,” the officer said.

“Some guys look for guns and drugs or guys with warrants. This is a proactive approach and that’s great—it’s needed—but I choose to take that time to develop relationships,” he said.

“I check in on businesses and residents and get out of the car for a few minutes. It may not be proactive in preventing crime, but it is proactive in developing trust and respect with the community because that’s an important part of policing too,” Sadaka told Bored Panda.

#7

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Galloping_Scallop , Rūdolfs Klintsons Report

#8

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know You don't owe anybody anything, including conversation. People who want to take advantage of you will usually start by initiating unsolicited conversation.

apatheticnihilist , Christina Morillo Report

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J
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a good tip for life in general. Every minute you listen to some idiot is a precious minute of your limited life you are giving to them.

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#9

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Women. Don't be afraid of being impolite if you feel threatened.

Don't think "oh no I might hurt his feelings" or "well that one time I was told I over react so maybe this is another one of those times".

No. If someone isnt a pos they will realize that the situation was misinterpreted. If they're a rapist murderer, they will most likely make a big deal about how they're not going to hurt you. Don't be afraid to make a scene if you're afraid.

ToastedMaple , Bucography Report

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Women are taught to be nice, soft, kind. NO. If you feel the situation is off, yell Fu*k Off and be as rude as possible. Act aggressive, I mean "foam at the mouth" style. Use body language, when cussing and swearing push your chin forward and take a step towards the person. They will step back...

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“I don’t sit or live in an ivory tower, I'm on the ground level with everyone else out here. I'm not an administrator calling shots from the top or some outsider looking in just to make comments and posts on social media for attention,” he said that he’s in the trenches, day in, day out.

“I’m out here—walking up and down these streets with the residents and business owners day in and out. I look at it like this, I have the ability to ruin someone’s day or make it. I don’t know about you but I like to see people smile.”

#10

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Never talk money on public transportation, and never count money in a parking lot.

Sn0wpooka , Dennis Siqueira Report

#11

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Look like you know where you are going even when you don't. If you have any misgivings about a particular street or area, go with it. If you do have to walk through an area where you are being scoped acting like you are insane and barely keeping it in makes you not worth the trouble. Don't worry about being polite if approached but don't be an a-hole. If an area smells like piss no one gives a f**k what happens there. Never fall for the I need 20 bucks for sick kid/locksmith/medicine/tow truck scam. Never pull out your money or wallet to check it. Even if you put it back they will know where it is. If you get bumped and feel for your wallet its also a cue for a pickpocket.

Use reflections in windows to see behind you and possibly around a corner.

I'm glad I grew up in a big city. Travelling around the world was much easier than for others I've seen.

Malignantrumor99 , Yogendra Singh Report

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GoddessOdd
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you have to walk thru a dangerous area, walk very quickly, as if you're late for something important. People are much more likely to approach someone strolling along than someone who maybe meeting someone on the corner.

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#12

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Never underestimate anybody, and i mean both ways, good and bad.

[deleted] , Charles Deluvio Report

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El muerto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

never overestimate yourself...you are not as smart as you think you are. you are not as fast as you believe and you can't count on help from strangers all the time.

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#13

Give people a nod. Like giving a friendly “what’s up” and keep minding your own business. I usually just say “what’s up” if I’m in a sketchy area (I grew up in one). The nod and tone of voice being friendly usually lets people know you aren’t a concern.

I also worked in the hood, filled with Mexican gangs. I was stocking shelves, and said what’s up to this giant ass dude, with face tats, and a big 13 tattooed on his head.

I said “what’s up, bro” and just kept minding my own business, we ending up talking for a good few minutes about what chips were best.

But it’s the nod and tone, IMO that goes along way. Especially if you’re in someone’s “territory”, it’s a way of showing respect and recognizing those around you.

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Davja
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is absolutely true. I was a visiting white dude in what was clearly a gang territory in downtown Oakland. They asked if I wanted drugs (to test me, I believe) and I just said I was good, shrugged slightly, and kept walking like I already was. Later, when I walked to my car to grab something, they were sitting on a car in front of mine. They apologized and started to get off before I just said it wasn't me. If you are chill, polite, and don't react, they'll know you're not a threat. My car never even received a scratch, even when a literal gang fight broke out that afternoon. TL;DR: I've seen the truth of this many times. Be friendly while appearing slightly bored and you'll likely be alright.

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#14

If you feel like you're being followed, take a selfie. pickpockets disappear REAL fast when you do that

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good one. Hopefully people you don’t know gets that close to you. You can also say out loud I see you in the white shirt, blue jeans with black Converse shoes.

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#15

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know If you need to scream for help, don’t yell HELP! Yell FIRE! Instead. Not all people who hear a yell for help will think it’s genuine, or they don’t want to get involved. When you yell fire, everyone wants to get out of the building in case theirs is the one on fire.

Vanessa Richardson , Liza Summer Report

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The chances of people coming to take videos of your situation is more likely to happen these days than not. I went to assist an elderly woman whose shopping cart stopped on those yellow bump plates, she went down hard, I knew her hip was broken, I asked if anyone in the growing crowd would call 911, nobody did. I had my friend stay with the woman while I called, then took her groceries back to the store, asked them to hold them (gave them the woman’s name), then contacted the shopping center security to let them know her car might be here for awhile,. I was disappointed but not surprised that nobody in the crowd would do anything but watch. We are such morbid creatures

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#16

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know I dunno if this is street smarts but so many people lack situational awareness.

By that I mean they are not being fully aware of their surroundings. Which has been made even worse with phones and headphones.

If you sense anything dodgy trust that instinct and do something about it. I’d rather cross the street and look paranoid that get mugged. Or even just run. This group of guys were following close behind me when I was walking home from the pub alone. They could have just been walking the same way but as soon as I hit a corner I sprinted a hundred metres or so and didn’t see them again.

I don’t care how strong you are you are losing 99% of the time versus 3 people.

qt-uwu , Brooke Cagle Report

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

100% spot on. Plus if you feel uneasy, do something about it. My friend was in an elevator, got a bad feeling about the guy already there, she got in anyways. I said Don’t die because you are worried you might hurt someone’s feelings, talk out loud to yourself, turn around to head back to your place chastising yourself about forgetting the dog, make up any excuse, it does not matter. Practice this, especially timid women. And for GAWDS SAKE STOP APOLOGIZING ALL THE TIME!! It makes you look weak and becomes meaningless

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#17

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Don’t use the top blanket in a hotel bed. We don’t wash them very often

Mitzydaddy , Markus Spiske Report

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DUN DUN
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom stocks a thin bed sheet everytime we go somewhere for this reason

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#18

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Act like you're in a hurry and less people will want to bother you.

Itsnotaboutthefiat , JÉSHOOTS Report

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J
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another good tip for life in general. Clipboard, high viz jacket, steely eyed determination and a fast pace - no one will come near you!

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#19

If you're homeless, don't let anyone know where you sleep or where you stash your stuff. It's okay to meet up with a buddy and spend the day with them, and it's okay to trust the staff at the shelter, but from the first day to the last day you're homeless, don't let anyone find your stash of stuff.

Once your stash is found, other homeless folks will usually clean it out or homed people will usually throw your stuff away.

Similarly, don't let anyone know where you sleep and try not to bother anybody. If you bother people, or you consistently sleep in your car somewhere, eventually someone will notice and that's always a recipe for trouble.

Keep safe, keep secret, and keep out of sight.

CedarWolf Report

#20

Match their crazy. Dude pulled a knife on me on the train in Chicago 9mos pregnant & !stood up & said double homicide?

Mynameiskay Report

#21

If someone is posing as a cop and you get a funny feeling, always look at their shoes! That's often the forgotten part of replicating a uniform.

becccaaaa Report

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ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here we have fake cops that chase you in a car with uniforms and blue lights. You won't be able to tell they're real or fake. The advice is: ask them to follow you to a police station. Ask Waze where is the nearest police station. If they follow you and go inside with you, all is fine. If they pull away... no, they were fake. Take a photo with your cell and go to the police and report it.

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#22

Memorize phone numbers !!!! So underrated nowadays, you never know when you will need it

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you have trouble remembering numbers, make a scenario out of the numbers. Say the number is 415 435-4914. I would say on April 15th it costs 4 dollars and 35 cents to see the 49ers score 14. Be creative.

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#23

Walk with purpose and stare past/through people, everyone will move out of your way.

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Uri
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In general, people look at what they want, by looking past someone, you signal what direction you are going in, so if you look right and go left, you'll bump with the other person

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#24

When visiting a new city, pick a landmark that you can see from anywhere. Maybe it's a big tower in the downtown core. Maybe it's a mountain in the distance, or the city is on the shore of a lake, or there's a river or highway that cuts through in a clear and logical way. Great. That's your orientation now. Wherever you go, you're not lost. You have that landmark. Maybe it's further away, maybe it's closer, but if you know what direction the landmark is, you can't really get turned around. Now take it a step further. As you walk around, pick a landmark in the neighborhood you are moving through. Maybe it's a corner store, or a park, or a prominent intersection, or a house with a funny roof. It doesn't matter. Between the big city landmark and the smaller neighborhood landmark, you're basically triangulated to a pretty narrowly defined area. You can explore with a lot of confidence just by keeping you bearings on which direction your two landmarks are, and if you're moving closer or further away from them.

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Kona Pake
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Hawaii, you always know where the mountains are and where the ocean is.

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#25

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know People make pickpockets' livelihood so easy. Just check out how many phones are in people's back pockets, how many handbags dangle by the side, easily accessible.

Always put valuables in an inside, preferably zipped pocket. If you in a notorious pickpocket area like Paris or Naples, you can even carry a fake wallet with monopoly money in an outside pocket.

Cause_Such , Emil Kalibradov Report

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Beth S
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to put valuables in a side pocket but I am a woman and they do not makes our clothes with proper pockets.

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#26

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Pretend to be crazy, talk to yourself and swear loudly, no one knows how to handle crazy.

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sofacushionfort
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a good strategy unless you’re already massive since statically the mentality ill are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.

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#27

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Look both ways before coming out of a doorway if you think you're in a bad neighborhood. Think you're being followed? Go down the block, make a left. Make a left. Make a left. You eventually come full circle. If the same person is behind you, you're definitely being followed. Be confident and walk tall. Bad guys typically try to pick on the weak. Typically if you're not scared, they think there's a good reason for that, ie. packing heat.

TheRoadsHereSuck , Kei Scampa Report

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Carmen Sandiego
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keys! Wrap your keys around your knuckles like claws so if it comes to it, you'll have at least a little protection. Don't go to your house, go somewhere else (if you live in an apartment complex, you can get home using the basement). Try to get someone's attention. Have a trusted person on speed dial. Someone fact check me on this. Edit: thank you for the replies! Steer clear from the key punches.

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#28

Don't always take the same route home

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DUN DUN
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Long story time: Guy notices I take the same route to my class from home. Follows on bike, parks behind me and asks, "Is this XYZ area?" Me, having no clue and confused looks back, guy has his pants down and is masturbating. Me, shocked, tries to scream, no sound comes out, sees a family a bit ahead, runs to them. Guy initially not seeing the family vrooms his bike to follow, sees the family and flees. So yeah, don't always take the same route home.[ Edit: To the ppl thinking it's a made-up story, trust me it's not. I had nightmares and sleeping problems for 2 months straight.]

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#29

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know If you think that someone is looking at you, look at another direction and if they look in the same direction, they were looking at you.

cuckoos , Norma Mortenson Report

#30

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Pay attention to the ppl at parties who are not drinking.

labradoodle1992 , picjumbo.com Report

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why? I don't drink because I don't like the taste. Is that a red flag? And for what?

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#31

The answer is NO. You got the time? NO. Got a light, NO. Got some change? NO. Keep you distance. Watch your back

user8691840061464 Report

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will buy a panhandler food or drink but we wont give them money. Nine times out of ten they want money to feed their habit, not their bodies. I will offer food or drink and if they turn me down. I just keep walking. As far as the time goes, most everyone has a watch or phone which gives the time. Remember, con artists are often aggressive, you can spot them trying to work people from half a block away. I suggest one if two options, keeping them six feet from you at all times, carry that pepper spray. Just be aware of your surroundings at all times. Get ugly if you need to get someone away from you - embrace your inner Karen.

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#32

Applies to everyone. Keep your mouth shut and listen.

Too many people think too much of themselves. Being straightforward cause that's me or believing it's your right to speak. The more you speak, the more you expose yourself. Don't put yourself out there and be s target. Smart mofos can use your words against you.

Sit back and listen. Pay attention to how everyone act and respond. Give out as little info as you can. Protect yourself

Xc0liber Report

#33

When you're getting into your car, check the back seat carefully. Whoever you are, wherever you are.

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ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this assumes you didnt lock your car. If you do that here, you won't come back to a car.

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#34

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know If you're in an argument with somebody and they get in your face and then look away, there's a good chance they're about to try and knock your head off

personpickerupper , Liza Summer Report

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nobody has the right to touch you..ever. Learn to walk away before things get to this point. Let the angry person know you need space to clear your head, make it about you, not about attacking them (dong say I need to get away from you). Don’t hesitate to call 911 BEFORE someone puts there hands on you.

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#35

90% of the time, if you don't start trouble, you don't get trouble.

That said, the 10% is what you need to focus on. Don't flash money or valuables around in public. Stay alert. If someone tries to start s**t, walk away fast if you can. If forced to fight, fight dirty and then get away as soon as you can. Try not to walk around in deserted areas alone, especially at night.
Don't hail taxis in the street, watch your drinks at the bar and keep your wits about you.

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Davja
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And, if you need to strike someone, curl your fingers up tightly and strike them with the exposed palm. The nose, cheeks, and eye brows are all good choices if open. Hitting someone in the nose or above, especially with something hard and/or sharp, will probably reduce their ability to see (faces bleed heavily and a broken nose will likely cause tears).

#36

If you’re meeting someone on one of those exchange apps like OfferUp, Close5, or even Craigslist, ALWAYS meet in a PUBLIC and WELL LIT area, preferably one with cameras. McDonalds and Starbucks are safe bets for me. Never bring strangers to your house. Even if nothing goes wrong, they might remember where you live and something bad could happen in a few years from the meet up.

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a friend who did one of two things. She would say she would wear a flower in her hair, she would arrive s bit early, sit in a discrete place and watch for the person she was meant to meet. Knowing what he was wearing, if she wasn’t comfortable with his vibes, she would leave, make up some excuse about car trouble snd that was it, if she liked what she saw, she would go put the flower in her hair. Don’t forget, you can invite a friend, they don’t have to sit with you, but can be there for you if needed. Don’t be shy about self preservation

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#37

Make it a habit to lock your car as soon as you get in. It only takes a second for someone to yank open the door and grab a bag you might have sitting on the seat while you’re fiddling with the radio.

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ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You never put your bag visibly in the car here, always in the boot ("Trunk"), or cubbyhole ("glove compartment"). Cellphone you can put on the GPS holder if you like, but when you're out the city and onto the motorway. HOWEVER when you are at a movie or restaurant, the bag goes on your lap AND preferably tied around a chair so even if it's snatched it drags the chair with it.

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#38

If someone's trying to hassle you, give quick, short answers as you're walking. Don't pull your phone out. Don't let them see your wallet. Don't turn your body. Ignoring them has risk if they're a crazy person who will give chase until you acknowledge them. Stopping is always a mistake. Short answers as you're walking.

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#39

Don't normalize unacceptable behaviors to avoid confrontation. If something makes you uncomfortable, acknowledge the problem, preferably loudly, and disengage as soon as possible. Ignoring something and hoping it goes away will only make the aggressor more confident.

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El muerto
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it actually depends in the situation...sometimes you have to prioritize safety, that means letting people get away with a little bullshit to avoid a loosing fight...sometimes the best way is to get away...doesn't mean that you have take s**t from everybody, just in those cases you are an disadvantage.

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#40

If u think someone is about to rob u, pretend u are waving at someone so u make the robber think that u know someone really close

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#41

Walk in the middle of the sidewalk so you have more room to react if someone jumps out of an alley or comes from the street, never hug a wall

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AJ the 🦔
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But what if you're good friends with the wall or it's feeling down and needs a hug?

#42

If you're walking around a big city and someone walks up to you and asks you your name or is anyway friendly, they're about to try to con you.

I was just I'm NYC where the CD scam is prevalent (con artist asks you your name, they your name on their hip hop CD and when you accept the CD they intimidate you to pay for the CD). Just keep walking. Don't even smile at them.

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Mazer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most con artists initiate the conversation, most legit artist wait for you to make contact first

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#43

30 People Are Sharing "Street Smarts" Everybody Should Know Aimless people are generally up to no good. If you see a person walking around like they don't have a destination or they are looking around like they don't know what to do with themselves it means they are planning on jumping someone. They are trying to seem non threatening while at the same time scouting for victims. They are hoping some poor oblivious person lets them get too close. The best case is they are planning to pick pocket someone. The worst case is a violent mugging. If you see someone like this don't get near them and definitely don't take your eyes off them. Often just staring at them is enough to discourage them because they are cowards looking for easy prey and they don't want to be identified later.

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#44

Always consider the other guy's angle. What's in it for him? How does he benefit?

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De Gueb
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To the stranger in the street, your the stranger in the street!

#45

If you're in an unfamiliar area, take a look around. If you see lots of trash, s**tty cars, houses in disrepair, bars over the windows, and no ground level window A/C units if it's hot, that's probably not a place you want to be. If you've moved to a new place, scout it out during the daytime, and keep your night tavern to familiar places.

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Mazer
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good advise!! Also, tour your potential new apartment in the day to make certain the building isn’t a slum, walk the perimeter. Make not if where trash is etc. Then return after people get home and settle in, that’s when the noise starts. I have gone to a potential new place even on the weekends to get a sense of the place. You can even contact the local police department, ask to see the daily incident log, look for reports in the area you intend to move into. Most police departments have these log books, they are available to the public free of charge. The press uses them all the time

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#46

When travelling, always try to act like you're a local. Learn prices, learn routes, learn behaviors and when possible try to copy their accent. I do this all the time and it's easier to haggle. You also have less chances of being targeted by local thieves.

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Uri
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Copying the accent might be much, i see more potential of being called a racist, than stopping a mugger

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#47

Look back once in a while. if your shadow is in front of u, make sure it’s only your shadow. If there’s a car parked on the side of the road and your street doesn’t have sidewalks, walk a bit far from the car just in case someone opens the door and snatch u

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J
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looking back is great advice for everyday. Not just to check for danger, but for... other humans! There's loads of us around. See where we are and what we're doing. Maybe make some allowances for them. Peeps stopping at the top of escalators, in shop doorways or just zombying around town stuck in a phone - that's you. Look up, look around. Even try a smile.

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#48

Majority of people are right handed. dodge left first

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Marianne
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, but when they oppose you, remember that their right is your left and dodge right. 😉

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#49

Lots of different things can be used as pepper spray. I keep a can of wasp spray by my bed. Lots of different things can be weapons too

College students are lazy idiots. If you live near a university, check the dumpsters close to campus when the semester is over and the kids are moving. I've gotten laptops, furniture, high end barely worn sneakers and more this way.

Blatantly start filming someone with your phone if you think they're up to no good and you might become a victim. Make sure they see you do it. Send the video to a friend or f**k it make a public post like "if something happens to me, this the guy". Just the act of filming them alone will deter them from choosing you as their victim.

If you're in a fight, first move should be push them and make space between you, second should be kick their knees out.

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ZAPanda
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have my phone set to automatically upload photos etc to the cloud so even if my phone is taken I can see what else they take photos of.

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#50

If someone asks where you're from, you're from here

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Ozacoter
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats usually not a thing since if you are foreigner your acent will show

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#51

Nothing positive happens after 12am.

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Mazer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WHAT?!?! I beg your pardon! Arresting people after midnight is super rewarding

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#52

If a salesman is happy after a transaction, you got fleeced.

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ZAPanda
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look on this one, it depends. Most of our foot-bound small salesmen here are selling cheap products or handmade products. In either case, you are helping them survive and avoid a life of crime. If they smile afterwards it means you helped them. Let me give two examples. One, an old lady selling panama hats. She told me they were R50 each ($3). I gave her R100 and told her to keep the change, because for me, handmade panamas are worth at least R100. Another example. Guy selling boardgames. He asks for R 180. I know in the shop it's like R 300. So I promise to buy tomorrow, and the next day I give him 300 instead. Be ethical. You are the one with the money.

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