Awareness

by Jack Irving

The article Warrior Spirit talked about the colour code of awareness what this article does is take that to the next step and explains how you can become more aware of your surroundings therefor making you less of a target to would be attackers. Too many people walk around in the white zone unaware of anything happening around them these people are all potential victims. What you want to aim for is the yellow zone.

Points to be aware of when you are out walking.

Walk Confidently.
Keep your hands free, do not walk with your hands in your pockets.
Be aware of stationary cars with their engines running.
Try to avoid shortcuts if they are dark or quiet. A shortcut may save time but it is safer to walk the main way.
Do not listen to a personal stereo if walking at night or in a quiet area. This reduces awareness of your surroundings.
Try to walk in the center of the pavement, not close to the road or close to doorways of buildings.
If you know you will be walking at night try to wear shoes which are comfortable. If you go to a club take a bag with trainers or comfortable shoes with you if you have to walk home.
If you are meeting someone, arrange to meet in a place which is well lit with street lamps or there are people. For example if you are meeting someone in the evening, it would be sensible to meet somewhere like a petrol station or cinema where there are always people and it is well lit.
Be on your guard with strangers, do not engage in conversation or give away any personal information.
As you are walking take note of where telephone boxes are, you may need to use them later.
Trust your instincts. Avoid groups or crowds which feel threatening.
Walk facing traffic on the street side of the pavement.
Carry money and valuables safely. Keep chequebook and cheque cards separately.
Carry your bag with the buckle / opening towards your body.
When carrying your bag, carry it at the front of your body which will stop you from being dragged backwards, and you will see someone approaching you easier.
Do not carry a lot of cash.
Carry wallet or purse in your inside pockets.
Make sure fastenings on your bag and briefcase are secure.
Cover up expensive looking jewelry.
If someone grabs your wallet or bag, let it go. These things are replaceable but you are not.
Do not carry your keys in a place which has your address, e.g. purses which may have details of your address, change the locks on your house IMMEDIATELY. Do not be complacent, if you are in any doubt as to whether someone has access to your address, change the locks and have people with you in your home until a locksmith arrives.

The do's and don'ts if you think you are being followed

Do not panic. Try to breath slowly and calmly and think about what you are going to do. (Condition Orange on the awareness chart).
Cross the road. This will help put distance between you and the other person and also establish whether you are definitely being followed or not.
If the person crosses the road after you or still seems to be following you, keep to brightly lit areas where there is likely to be people.
Do not take shortcuts of different routes to try to lose the person, stick to the roads and routes you know.
Try to find a shop, restaurant, garage, chip shop etc. to go into. Tell them you think that someone is following you and ask if you can stay there until it is safe.
Ask to use their telephone and call someone for help. Stay there until someone comes to meet you.
Take hairspray or deodorant out with you in your bag, this can be used to spray in the attackers face but is legal so you can not be in any trouble for carrying it. Keys can also be used on an attacker. Do Not even consider carrying a knife or any similar weapon. This may in your eyes be for self defense only, but can get you into serious trouble in two main ways: You can be prosecuted by the police for carrying it and it can be used by your attacker to harm you.
If you think you are being followed during the day and you are on a busy street there is one sure way of finding out: Suddenly change direction and walk back the way you came look at the first four or five people behind you without being to obvious about it, walk for a while then do the same thing, turn check out the first four or five people if any are the same as before then you are being followed.
There are many ways to lose someone in a busy street the easiest and most effective is to go into shops that have more than one exit. Enter one way exit another. Stay in busy areas keep moving. Once you feel you have lost the person try the turning and walking back the way you came see if they are still there. If they are still there then contact someone to come and pick you up.
If you know you are definitely being followed and it has happened a few times or you are worried about it contact the police let them know you are being stalked.

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