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Being street smart means knowing how to keep yourself safe from strangers. Whether you're just riding your bike in the neighborhood or coming home from a friend's at night, there are things you can do to protect your valuables and even your life.

To learn more about them, a now-deleted Reddit user posted a question on r/AskReddit, saying "What are the best 'street smart' tips you can give?" Within just 3 days, people have submitted hundreds of answers, providing valuable insights to those who might be exposed to dangerous environments.

#1

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' If you feel things are about to take a turn for the worse, leave.

boyfromcountyhell , Les Anderson Report

#2

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' If you get arrested, shut the f**k up. Ask for a lawyer, and then shut the f**k up. And when a lawyer shows up, shut the f**k up

inkseep1 , Office of Public Affairs Report

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YouDontLikeMe?
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good advice. Initially frustrated with this post, but it isn't wrong. Maybe try not to get arrested to begin with.... but I can't argue with it, it is sound advice. Don't talk yourself into something.

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Bumble
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people are wrongly arrested and some are arrested for a good cause. It isn't always criminals and it isn't always as easy as 'don't get arrested.'

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Jacob Allen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

AND!! Cops will do whatever they can to "misinterpret" you so you need to exactly say "I am invoking my right to a lawyer" and then "I am invoking my right to remain silent". The next words you say should be to your lawyer.

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Elizabeth Downing
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NO. At least not in the UK! YES, initially stay silent, then ask for a lawyer... but listen to their advice! If you disagree with the advice- it's not compulsory, but at least consider it. Experienced UK Criminal lawyer here, who's seen too many silent interviews muck you up later, as the Court are allowed to interpret silence as lies or hiding something. Having watched many USA crime documentaries too, I can completely confirm that here in the UK, is a very different kettle of fish.

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Kirsten Kerkhof
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because it is extremely difficult to stay silent. Silence is deafening, and if you're in an upsetting situation most people will find it very hard to not speak. Even if it is nonsense. Just break that awkward silence.

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JessG
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

True. Watching The show "Cops" I was always wondering why some of those people didn't just shut up. I've never been arrested, but I'd still know to shut up

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Vicky Zar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless you are a villain. Then you simply must do a monolog about your evil plan and everything you did so far.

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Petra Christovová
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so true! The less you talk the lesser the chance you will say something that will be used against you later. There was a great YT video made by lawyer where he explains why talking to policemen can only hurt you in many examples. In general you never know what could be harmful to you at first, especially if you don´t know what is giong on.

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Colin Matthews
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never ever talk to police. Ever. If police ask to speak with you, respond with, i do not waive my 4th amendment rights. Please explain what you want. And then shut up

andreavilarmelego avatar
Ozacoter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is sad how obvious is that the police isnt there to protect the citizens.

kevin-braid avatar
ADHD
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

there is a good 2 part viedo of some Ivy Leaguer saying this, even if you are 1000 % not guilty, STFU, even if its nothing to do with you, STFU, get a lawyer etc. googling about a little with these sort of key words and you will find it, was a Harvard/Princeton or Yale etc

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Laura Pantazis
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The person needs to do more than be quiet. The person needs to actually invoke his right to remain silent. Otherwise, the questioning can continue. Edit: Also, anything you say can be used against you, but anything you say cannot be used to help you in trial.

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Matheus Oliveira
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry if I didn’t get it right, but is it possible for someone to get arrested at random?

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Ozacoter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If happened to my father twice because he looks arabian and our police is racist af.

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

You need to express your right to remain silent. Not saying anything and silence to questions can be used against you. Remember evoke your right and shutup.

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

If you get pulled over, don't harass the police. Just be respectful. They have enough to deal with without you calling them racist murderers and filming them. Or just try not to break the law in the first place. Even if you're in the right, be respectful.

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

A lot of people get investigated not doing anything at all just because they feel like it. I've seen it multiple times. Be respectful, never let them trample over your rights. They aren't gods they don't deserve adoration.

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backatya
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cooperate with police because arguing in the street isn't going to cut it. It's just going to get you shot

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A. Hope
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My boss, who hold a high position in the company, share the same name of one of the most wanted criminals. The man travels with a laminated 8.5x11 document stapled to his passport explaining, still every time he returns to USA - first class or private jet - he is put in a room and questioned by cops. It’s common for him visiting 4 continents when traveling. Does he make a big deal out it, or insult the cops and give them a nasty attitude? No, he doesn't. Once I asked him if he didn’t get upset, his answer: Why should I? They’re doing their job and doing mine.

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okpkpkp
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't talk with anyone but a lawyer. Speaking as one who was arrested 50 years ago this year in 1971 for possession of marijuana.

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F. H.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It really depends on what your lawyer is saying. There are some duty solicitors where you better say something before they ruin everything.

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judy baker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1st rule: Resist the urge to spill your guts. 2nd rule: Don't break the law and get arrested to begin with.

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Adrienne Doyle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The first rule is good, especially if police are looking for someone who looks just like you and arrest you by mistake.

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Mer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Innocent people always feel like "if I just tell the truth, everything will be fine because Ive done nothing wrong". It would be awesome if that were true and sometimes it IS possible but police deal with lying, low-life people saying that they "arent guilty" every day so as uncomfortable as it may feel, "SHUT UP" is the best advice, especially for someone unfortunate enough to be arrested or interrogated for something they didnt do!

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Petra Christovová
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Bama Belle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you're innocent, it might pay to talk. I once heard a homicide investigator say that the best way to make yourself suspect No. 1 is to not cooperate.

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Xylle Flora
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Plead the fifth, you could just end up incriminating yourself otherwise

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Becky Samuel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'Pleading the fifth' is something that only applies once you get to trial. What you need to use at arrest is the 'right to remain silent'. Also, when they say 'ask for a lawyer' you need to be explicit. Saying "I think I need a lawyer" isn't direct enough and can (and will be) be ignored

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#3

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Always walk on the side of the road that opposes traffic. This puts distance between you and a car that might be trying to follow you

kannakantplay , Nathan Rogers Report

#4

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Trust your gut. Your subconscious can notice details your conscious mind doesn’t. Don’t be afraid of making a scene to keep yourself safe

usually_just_lurking , Mark Pan4ratte Report

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JLH
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember driving at night and getting a weird vibe. I pulled into the middle lane to stop. Everyone in the car was confused, and honestly so was I. Seconds later a car flies by with it's lights off, going the wrong direction in the lane I just came from. Almost caused a wreck behind us (fortunately it didn't), but it was so weird. I only remember thinking the lights ahead of us were off a little and that triggered a big warning. Crazy.

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#5

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' I am female, these are tips to make you appear stronger as a female on the street (walking home, nighttime subway, etc):

If you think you are being followed or if you hear somebody behind you - feel free to turn around and look directly at them because it shows you are not afraid to be aware of your surroundings.

By the same measure, don't be afraid (generally) to meet people's eyes. Not in a confrontational "yeah? WHAT!?" sort of way, but in a "I am seeing the people in my world" sort of engaged and aware way.

This shows you do not fear engaging your surroundings.

Again - this is to show you are capable, this is not to provoke or antagonize - that's a different, defensive posture.

UnicornPanties , diaper Report

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Dark_flame
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This will also make sure you get a good look at the person and might be able to describe them later if need be

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#6

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Do not engage with crazy.

If they address you directly, still don’t engage

NicNac_PattyMac , Victor Rodvang Report

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Jovita A
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's why I wear headphones.. I can't hear you... No, seriously headphones are a good way to stop people from engaging in conversations with you. Though as mentioned before, you shouldn't listen to music to loud so no one can sneak on you.

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#7

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Basically, just be aware of your surroundings. A lack of situational awareness can lead to some bad things.

tommytster , John Fornander Report

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Gandalf the Pink
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know if this counts as street smart or just generally a good rule. Don't be wandering deep forests without situational awareness, don't pilot an airplane without situational awareness.

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#8

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' If someone is attempting to take you to a secondary location by car or something, fight like your life depends on it, because it does. Poke their eyes out. Punch them in the testicles. Bite them, scratch them, anything you can think of, do it to get yourself free. There are no rules when it comes to this situation. Some specific things you can do are screaming 'Fire!' Or 'Help my child!' This will catch more attention than just plain 'Help.'

Spook_Fuzz , Alexandre Brondino Report

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Biljana Malesevic
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is true. Once they get you into car or van you are in much more difficult situation. Don't let them get you in, use whatever you got!

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#9

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Use windows as mirrors to see your blind spots or to check behind you. Literally every window you walk past, you should take a quick glance to know what’s going on in your blind spots. You can almost completely get rid of blind spots altogether because of windows.

jjb8712 , Tim Gouw Report

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#10

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Don't walk into the street texting, tweeting, meme-ing, etc. I've seen people walking straight into traffic because of this

rip_andtear , Brian Evans Report

#11

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Cops will take the side of anyone that speaks calmly every time no matter the circumstances

NicNac_PattyMac , Steve Baker Report

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SydneyP
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My goodness every single suggestion on here has a snarky comment underneath it. It leads me to one conclusion: there are A LOT of miserable, self conscious, know it alls around. Show some kindness, compassion, and love. It doesn’t hurt you at all. If one doesn’t like or approve of these stories/suggestions then don’t read it. These things could potentially save a life one day. Not everyone thinks the same way so this could help someone. Or you folks can go back to being miserable nitpicks. It’s your choice 🤷🏻‍♀️

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#12

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Seriously, you should swing wide around corners, it’s no joke. Five or six ago, I was walking home from the bar. I lived two blocks away. At the time, I was 6'1" and probably weighed 280 pounds. I came around the corner about halfway home and BOOM, I went down. Some kid that didn't even look 18 nailed me in the face with a skateboard. I went down so fast and didn't even know what hit me

rusty_L_shackleford , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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Lucy Skinner
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So true! This could have helped me avoid so many awkward situations!

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#13

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' If you are a woman in a public place a guy is giving you the creeps walk up to a big dude and just go “John! I can’t believe it’s you!” Then go into a hug and say “let me sit next to you, please.”

Most guys will get what’s going on and go with it and the chances that they themselves are creeps are slim.

NicNac_PattyMac , amir appel Report

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. Just go into a well lit crowded place, and alert an employee—-especially a female employee—-to the situation. Believe me, if you come up to me while I’m at work, and tell me someone’s following you, I will let you hide in the employee breakroom, have a trusted make employee walk you out, or let you slip out the back door to get away from them. If they follow you into the building, I will walk by them and make a scene like they touched my ass or something, because I love to embarrass creeps who are relying on their victims being embarrassed and quiet. I’m also 60 now, so it’ll make them look like pervs who grope old ladies (I will laugh my ass off about it afterward). I put up with this s**t for decades myself, and older women were usually my first defenders. Now that the harassment doesn’t happen to me anymore (what a relief), I want to pay that favor forward.

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#14

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Shadows can also be useful to pay attention to when you’re trying to peek behind you or see if there’s someone around a corner

jannabanandroid , Martino Pietropoli Report

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Matheus Oliveira
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is great! Too bad it doesn’t work on my place’s dead alleys, though.

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#15

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Walk confident on the street. Thieves often target people who lack confidence, appear nervous or walk irregularly.

AgnosticPrankster , Clem Onojeghuo Report

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Gandalf the Pink
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine going through this list in your head, trying to recall all the details, and simultaneously thinking "don't appear nervous, don't appear nervous, don't appear nervous"

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#16

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' DO NOT WEAR HEADPHONES!!!



You make yourself an easy target by making it so even the most clod footed mugger can sneak up on you.

LinuxPariah , Marco Lastella Report

#17

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Always get your keys out before you leave a building to go to your car, and have them in hand as you exit it before you go into your house. Not only are they a great weapon if needed, but you aren't distracted while searching for them.

notthesedays , Abbie Parks Report

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Raven Sheridan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Grip your keys in your fist, with keys sticking out between your fingers. Like a spiked knuckleduster. I've done this a few times. Never needed it thankfully!

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#18

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Be weary of women who approach you at a bar and immediately try and get you to go to another bar.

Those people are called “pullers” and they are paid to do it.

NicNac_PattyMac , Elevate Report

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Miguel justino C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pullers set up a situation where the man thinks he has a chance with a pretty woman. Then they get robbed by her cohorts.

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#19

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' If you drive an SUV and you're in a parking lot, beware if you get in and notice there's a flyer under the small wiper on your back window. Many people get in and look in the rear view mirror as they start to back out; that's when they see the flyer blocking their view. They pop out to grab it, leaving the engine on and the door open for the second it takes, and that's when someone jumps in and car jacks you.

BodySnag , William Krause Report

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Raven Sheridan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Be mindful of vans with sliding side doors parked next to your vehicle also. Someone could open the door, pull you in the vehicle, while their accomplice starts the van and drive away with you.

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#20

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' When you're at a bus or train stop at night, with nobody else around, and you hear young guys talking where you know they go in your direction, quickly disappear before you get in their sight.

They may be harmless, but as long as the probability they want to start [things] as soon as they notice you is there, don't take a risk. Learned that the hard way several times.

myhamsterisajerk , JimsFlicker Report

#21

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Avoid gawking around. It screams 'tourist,' which screams 'money on them' and 'no idea what to do in a situation

NicNac_PattyMac , Lala Azizli Report

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Gurnox
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

See also 'staring at Google/Apple maps', which also tells an assailant you have something worth stealing. Know your route.

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#22

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Walk like you know where you're going, make eye contact with strangers, and don't wear fancy clothes/purses/backpacks when walking around the neighborhood or using public transport

Lulu_42 , Alicia Steels Report

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Winston Smith
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And dont leave anything with your name in it sitting where people can see it. They call your name in a parking lot and you stop, thinking its someone you know. Then they spring

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#23

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Putting a chain on your wallet shows a thief exactly where your wallet is and a chain will not stop an experienced thief.

ILoveLampRon , Reuben Strayer Report

#24

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' In most cases, dressing and acting like you belong where you are goes a long way to blending in.

Whether it's breaking into an office building or walking by yourself at night, your appearance goes a long way towards making you just another blotch of white nois

The_Quicktrigger , Marc Kleen Report

#25

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Don’t fumble through your pockets.

If you think your being followed go into a store calmly and chat with the workers.

Carry a loose dollar bill or two if your someone that likes to give money to people. Less likely to target the dude that handed a single dollar than the guy who pulled a dollar out of a wallet full of 20’s

Spawn95 , Mike Schmid Report

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Wendillon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pffft, please! I'm a woman! You don't honestly think my clothes have pockets do you?

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#26

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Pay attention to your surroundings at all time but mind your own business. Depending on the neighborhood someone screaming for help from an alley isn't really the one in danger

Zkenny13 , Adam Birkett Report

#27

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Surround yourself with people who make you feel safe. There’s a difference between feeling comfortable and feeling safe. You could be comfortable with strangers— maybe you just met them and they’re nice. You might not be safe around those people, i.e. would those people help you if someone had a gun to your head, or run for their own safety? Find the people who you know would take a punch to keep you safe

badgerfishing , Oscar Chevillard Report

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Lea S.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is a little weird....I'm supposed to judge my friends and the people I surround myself with on whether or not they'd take a bullet for me? Excuse me, mother with two small children, if we are going to go this movie I need to know you'll throw yourself in front of a bullet for me first.

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#28

28 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are 'Street Smart' Realize the difference between someone trying to hurt you and trying rob you. Act accordingly.

NicNac_PattyMac , Cooper Report

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Grant Barke
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Learn a martial art like origami and turn your assailant into a harmless paper flower.

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