Public Defense Strategy
Page 10 of 11
Avoiding Purse Snatchers, Pickpockets, and Muggers
- Carry your valuables such as license, keys, and credit cards separate from your wallet or purse, especially when traveling. Purchase a money belt or pouch that can be easily concealed. If a purse-snatcher grabs your bag, do not fight him or her. Many have been injured or killed because they valued their possessions more than their personal safety.
- Most street robberies are perpetrated by one or more criminals who use a diversion. It could be as simple as asking the time or some other question.
- Do not stop on the street. Keep walking and politely decline requests for information, directions, the time, or money. Say you are in a hurry or you have no money, whatever. If the person physically attempts to stop you, be ready to escape. If you cannot escape, be ready to fight.
- Keep in mind that you do not know if the person accosting you is working with an accomplice and setting you up for rape, robbery, assault, or murder. In the case of panhandlers in public places, you could have some loose change to drop, but do not ever go into your purse or wallet to get change.
- If you are walking and somehow become cornered by one or more people and your inner alarm goes off, then you should attack immediately and ruthlessly. As soon as you can, escape. Hit hard and fast, disable the one closest to you, push him or her aside, and run through the gap.