13 Times A Mugging Didn’t Go As Planned For The Robber

To learn more about how to be prepared in situations like these, we got in touch with self-defense expert Julie Waite, Co-Founder of Streetwise Defense. She was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and explain why it's important to know how to defend yourself.

"A basic understanding of self-defense isn’t about knowing how to fight — it’s about recognizing danger early, trusting your instincts, and taking action to protect yourself before a situation escalates," Julie shared. "Self-defense is as much about prevention and awareness as it is about physical skills."

"Feeling confident in your ability to act can reduce fear, build resilience, and even deter would-be attackers. It’s about giving people back a sense of control over their personal safety," the expert continued. "It’s also about understanding different types of violence and learning when to de-escalate and when you need to go physical."

So what is the best way to react when you're getting mugged? Julie says that every situation is different, and the safest choice is the one that prioritizes your life.

"In most cases, it’s safest to give the mugger what they want — valuables can be replaced, but your life cannot. You don’t know the mugger, you don’t know how desperate they are, what they are willing to do to get your stuff or whether they value your life, or even their own," she explained.

"Yes, some people have stood up to muggers and have kept their stuff but do you want to be the one to get stabbed over a phone that could easily be replaced?" Julie asks. "Is it really worth it?"

"Our advice is to give them what they want and get away to safety. However, there is a distinction here. If a mugging escalates, and you genuinely believe they are going to hurt you or your life is at risk (for example, if you're being forced into a car or dragged into an alley), then this is the moment to fight back with speed, aggression, and commitment," the expert added. "Remember: Trust your instincts. Your safety is the priority, not your possessions."

Finally, Julie shared some advice on how to improve your own self-defense skills. "Start by improving your situational awareness — knowing how to spot potential threats early and avoid them is one of the most powerful self-defense tools you have," she recommends.

"Put your phone away! So many people walk around oblivious to what is happening around them – this is dangerous. Not only are you making yourself an easy target for phone snatching but you can’t see whether someone is following you or something suspicious is happening," Julie continued.

Next, Julie suggests learning some basic, practical self-defense techniques, ideally through a course that teaches real-world scenarios rather than complicated moves and martial arts.

"We also strongly recommend working on your mindset: confidence, clear decision-making, and the ability to set boundaries quickly can be just as important as physical techniques," she shared. "You don’t have to be fit, strong, or experienced to learn self-defense. It's about small, achievable steps that build your safety and confidence over time."

"Self-defense is not about fighting," Julie added. "It’s about living with awareness, confidence, and the ability to protect yourself if you ever need to."

We were also lucky enough to get in touch with Phil Ventrello to hear his thoughts on this topic. Phil is a 6th Dan Senior Master Instructor and teaches the martial art Combat Hapkido. He is the founder of MUNIO Self Defense and inventor of the MUNIO Self Defense Keychain, which he designed to ensure people who don’t have self-defense training can disable attackers and escape to safety. 

"To prevent yourself from becoming a victim, you need to be prepared and capable of protecting yourself with some self-defense capability – such as martial arts or a self-defense tool of choice," Phil told Bored Panda. "Otherwise, you risk both immediate physical harm, as well as lasting psychological trauma. Your life and well-being are obviously important to you, but also to your loved ones (children, spouse) who depend on you coming home safely each day."

"While all muggings can be risky, it is always best to passively play along and give the mugger your money/purse/wallet etc.," the expert says. "If that is the limit of the mugger’s intention, and they leave you alone after that, then you have survived a potentially life-threatening situation with only the loss of your valuables... But not your life. Money can be replaced, but you cannot."

However, if a mugging escalates towards extreme violence or loss of life, Phil suggests aggressively fighting back to the best of your ability. "This is the exact opposite approach and will probably have to be an immediate 'flip-of-the-switch' reaction necessary for your survival."

Phil says that the best preparation is practical, realistic self-defense training that pressure-tests your abilities. "This will, over time, teach you to automatically react when it's critical, without fear and hesitation," he explained. "Research self-defense programs in your area. Look for a well-rounded curriculum that will, at a minimum, teach you standing and ground defensive concepts and skills, as well as basic modern day weapons disarming (gun, knife, stick/blunt object)."

"There are many options, so go and observe a couple of classes at the place you are interested in," the expert continued. "Talk with the primary instructor, as well as a couple of students. Ask questions that will help you determine how well their program and training fits your needs. See if they offer some trial classes you can physically participate in to help you get a better idea if it’s a good fit for you."