How to Protect Yourself While in Public

Whenever you go out into public, especially if you are in a busy city or in an area that has a higher crime rate, you need to take steps to protect yourself from criminals who may try to steal from you or hurt you. Whether you are a man or a woman, young or old, self-defense is key to protecting yourself from others in public.

Knowing how to protect yourself means more than just knowing how to fight off attackers. It also means knowing what to do if you are being followed or if someone tries to steal your wallet, cell phone, or purse. Continue reading to learn more about how you can properly protect yourself.

Know What to Carry in Your Wallet

Some people make it a point of carrying only certain items in their wallets so that, in the event the wallet is stolen, most of their important belongings will still be on them rather than with the thief.

Others make it a point to carry a fake wallet or cell phone with them so they can hand that over to the criminal in the event that they are robbed. Place a couple of single dollar bills and a fake credit card or two inside to make it look like a real wallet.

Women who carry a purse in public should keep only a small amount of cash in their purse, while their driver’s license, keys, credit cards, jewelry, etc. should be placed in a pocket or concealed somewhere on their body.

It is also a good idea to simply leave anything that is not really necessary at home. This includes extra credit cards that you know you will not need. In the event that your wallet is stolen, you can rest easy knowing that your credit cards are safe at home. This eliminates the need to call all of the credit card issuing banks to let them know that the cards have been stolen, and that can ease a lot of your stress right away.

Take a Self-Defense Class

There are a variety of different types of martial arts out there, and you can find the one that you like best or you can try a few options out and see which ones you prefer to stick with. These self-defense classes will not only teach you how you can defend yourself against criminals in public, they will also help you lose weight and get in shape. You will be able to derive plenty of benefits from a single Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class, as an example, and the cost will be more than worth it. Plus, these classes are a lot of fun and provide an opportunity for you to meet new people and make new friends.

Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Being aware of your surroundings is imperative while you are out in public, whether you are in a crowded area or you are walking alone, so avoid the temptation to keep your head down focused on your smartphone. Keep your head up, scan the area constantly, and be aware of strange noises and people walking by.
Whenever possible, do not walk alone. If you do walk alone, stick to well-traveled, well-lit areas, plan the route you will take ahead of time, and avoid any areas that provide attackers places to hide, as well as areas where you may be cornered easily.

If you realize that someone is following you, remain confident and do not walk into any areas where the person could easily attack you. Instead, try to stay in an open area where there are other people around. You can even glance at the person following you so that they know that you are aware that they are following you. This can deter them if they thought that they would be able to sneak up on you and surprise you with an attack. Finally, it is a good idea to locate the nearest building or occupied residence so you can ask for help. Or use your phone to call the police and ask them what to do and where to go so that they can perhaps come down and find you and arrest the person who was following you in an attempt to steal from you.

Knowing what to do to protect yourself while in public could mean the difference between life and death, so keep these tips in mind whenever you head out. Remember that attackers can come out of nowhere, so always be aware of your surroundings.