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Growing up downtown as opposed to a quiet suburb is a vastly different experience. We could spend hours debating the pros and cons of urban life but let's leave that discussion for another time and focus on something different instead. 'Street smarts.'

We at Bored Panda discovered a few posts on Reddit (one by u/breadedsnake and another by u/ForcupinePucker) with a very similar angle: both OPs asked users to share tips that can help people stay safe in the city. And since some of the entries are so useful, we thought why not combine them into a compilation? You never know when you might need them!

#1

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Street smarts to give your kids: if you get lost, find the closest adult with kids.

I saw this in action once at Disneyland when a 4 year old kid approached me and my kiddos while we were eating. She joined us very calmly, introduced herself, and said her parents gave her the above advice. I heard her parents shouting her name not long after, and the relief on their faces was a sight.

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

my brother gave his sons the same advice and he also wrote their names, his name and his phone number on a plastic card which the boys wore on a necklace when we visited an amusement park. if we lost them/they lost us, they should found another parent/other kids with parents and tell them to call us :) it wasn't necessary but we felt more safe that way

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#2

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) If I'm in an unfamiliar city, I'll explore freely every neighbourhood as long as there are women and kids around. Most mums don't hang outside with their kids if the street/area is unsafe.

This worked very well for most throughout Latin America, Europe and Asia.

=Xiaozhu Report

From the first day of his presidency to his campaign for reelection, Donald Trump has been shouting about crime in the United States. Trump vowed to end “American carnage” in his inaugural address in 2017 and in 2020, he ran for reelection on a platform of “law and order.”

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But according to the Pew Research Center, it's difficult to say for certain how much crime is there in the U.S. The two primary sources of government crime data – the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) – both paint an incomplete picture.

#3

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Adults DO NOT ask children for help.

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

This is important and needs to be made common knowledge in schools. However, this should not be a blanket "if an adult shouts for help, ignore them" rule. It is perfectly reasonable to ask kids to go get another adult for help in the case of a medical emergency. No adult should APPROACH a child in any case, but yelling "hey, kid, get your mum to call an ambulance for this guy!" is not an unreasonable or suspicious request.

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#4

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) If the situation doesn't feel right, it's not right. Trust your spidey sense.

E_911 , Gadjo_Niglo Report

u/breadedsnake, the author of one of the above-mentioned Reddit posts, told Bored Panda that, "Before I made the post, I was actually thinking about sneaking out at night to walk to one of my friend's house and then I realized that I would probably get kidnapped considering that I don't really know how to act."

"I guess you could say I made the post so I could get to know some stuff and also get some free Reddit karma." 

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The main thing that u/breadedsnake took away from all the answers is to stay alert whenever you're in a dangerous area. "[People stressed that it's important] to look around you and focus on more than what's in front of you; someone can run up from behind! And don't try to be a superhero—if you're seeing someone being attacked, just assume they started it and don't get involved with anything you don't have to."

#5

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Walk fast and look pissed off.

Heroshade , Brian Evans Report

#6

If you have a random cop come to your house on The night before you leave for Europe with your family, don’t tell him your going away until you call his superior to make sure he’s a cop.

Your welcome you filthy animals

Coughlan16 Report

In u/breadedsnake's opinion, everyone should have at least a little bit of street smarts.

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That's true. But luckily for our health, property crime in the U.S. is much more common than violent crime. In 2019, the FBI reported a total of 2,109.9 property crimes per 100,000 people, compared with 379.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people. 

The most common form of property crime in 2019 was larceny/theft, followed by burglary and motor vehicle theft. Among violent crimes, aggravated assault was the most common offense, followed by robbery, rape, and murder/non-negligent manslaughter.

#7

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) If a group of people suddenly get down, so do you.

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

That's how I wound up in a weird flash mob once lol. But seriously, don't literally stand out and make yourself a target.

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#8

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) You might be "correct" when you have the right of way, but you're still the one that's going to be dead when you get whacked by the car if you're walking or on your bike.

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#9

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) If you're walking and someone approaches, don't break stride. You can carry on a conversation while walking, but people who are looking to proselytize, sell you something, or mug you will want you to slow or stop to address them.

If they want to chat, make them keep up with you. You can even tell them that you're in a rush but would love to talk and walk.

They'll likely find someone more stationary, because if you can make a person slow, you can make them stop. If you can make them stop, you've already adjusted their priorities and placed yourself at the top.

It's a subtle power game. Keep going where you're going, and you retain your power. Stop and cat, and you've given it up and opened yourself to possible problems.

Diablo165 , Brian Evans Report

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

Lots of truth here! I'm going nuts to make a joke about stopping to cat, but I'd be kitten myself that it's funny. Anyway,a great entry!

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#10

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Having good manners, and speaking with respect, will keep you from getting in trouble you didn't know was there.

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#11

Just because someone is friendly with you, doesn't mean they have a good heart.

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#12

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Lock your doors as soon as you’re in your car

kothecat , Paul Kehrer Report

#13

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Always ask for only one scoop of ice cream first because they make single scoops bigger, then act like you changed your mind and ask for a second scoop. They will be pressured to match the size of the first scoop, providing you with a massive amount of ice cream.

gustavoramosart , Clive Varley Report

#14

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Never flash your whole wad of cash in a public place while paying for something. Keep a few bucks loose in one pocket for spending. Keep the majority of your cash in a separate pocket. Don’t open a wallet full of all your money where other people can see you.

MrsDoctorSea , Paul Sableman Report

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#15

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Wear shoes you can run the f**k away in.

Crocutaborealis , giasco Report

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

Choose your shoes VERY carefully for travel! One pair that looks good but which you can still walk a long way in, another that are good for being on your feet for about 16 hours.

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#16

Carry a fork with you. if someone approaches you, say “lord, thank you for this meal I’m about to have” and charge at them with the fork

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Kat
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to always carry a spoon with me, so in case someone would say "There is no spoon", I would be able to conjure it up ...

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#17

If you are walking alone at night and you feel like you’re being watched/followed. Start talking to yourself.. loudly about crazy shit. Make it a conversation even.

Omg did you SEE her dress?

That dress was so crazy long. Like how could she walk? Let alone walk in that grocery store!!

And those cheap plastic shoes!!

I own those cheap plastic shoes!! Are you saying I’m Cheap!!

If the cheap plastic shoe fits honey!

I’ll admit to doing this. I used to work graveyard shifts and you gotta be aware. Most people no matter how bad try to avoid crazy. Crazy will hurt you back.

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#18

If you are forced to walk through a bad/dangerous neighborhood, keep your chin up and maintain a confident and comfortable look on your face.

Nothing screams “abuse me!” more than an out-of-place person waking around with their chin down, looking at the sidewalk.

I learned this after visiting a new girlfriend many years ago in a bad section of Philly. I was walking down the street towards her house and a local female walking by my said, “keep that chin up around here, white boy.” The more I considered that advice, the more logical it sounded.

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#19

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Eye contact. A lone assailant will often use the element of surprise to their advantage. If you’re walking alone and someone is following you, make eye contact to let them know that you are aware of them. This will often dissuade them from attacking.

This tactic has worked for me in the past.

MildlyobsessedwithSB , zoetnet Report

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

And guy, if you're walking behind a woman on an otherwise empty street, please be so kind and cross the street to make her feel less stalked. I know you weren't, but she doesn't know that. Thank you.

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

Being a man I've done that several times on lonely dark streets or simply walk slower for her to have a chance to move away from you.

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

At an all girls' school (in south africa) they gave us an anti-rape and anti-hijack class. The one tip they gave was instead of 'screaming like a girl', roar like a lion, you still get to scream and it scares the sh*t out of the guy. Could save your life.

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

I had that class too! 15 years on and I'm still a little disappointed I never got to roar like a maniac in public.

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

Not necessarily a good advice if you're a man. People who are looking for a fight (or to impress their friend by humiliating a guy who doesn't want to fight) will use eye contact as a reason to pick a fight with you.

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

But how do you know it worked if they didn't attack? Maybe you were just intently staring at a random person who happened to be going in the same direction.

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

How could you possibly know this has worked? You might GUESS that it has worked but you cant KNOW someone was gonna attack and changed their mind.

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

Situational awareness is a start, if someone wants to attack you, staring them down is not always a reliable deterrent

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

So if they're behind you proceed to walk backwards just so you can maintain eye contact? Also assailants are likely never alone, they wait for you to focus on one of them and then other ambushes you. Better tactic act confident even if your not it will deter them!

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

"this tactic has worked for me in the past" is impossible to say unless the person "following" you helpfully told you their nefarious plans when you turned and looked at them...

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

turn and face them and ask if you can help them... never allow them to see where you live...You can also display your can of pepper spray...

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

I was once (as a teenager) at the Chicago Greyhound Station at night. I stepped outside and felt someone walk up FAST behind me. I whipped around, looked him right in the face, and said WHAT? Guy started stammering that he "just wanted a cigarette." My spidey sense said he planned on getting more than that.

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

Yes and in the case of the lady in the pic, letting the on her left know of the situation or even the approachers.

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

Does this person have eyes in the back of their head? Because if you're walking and someone is following you... wouldn't they be behind you? And if they ARE following you and you stop to turn and make eye contact that person may have lost the element of surprise, but by stopping, you've just given them a better opportunity to jump you.

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

not always, sometimes men think you're looking them in the eye for flirting

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

Where I come from, they aren’t trying to hide...unless your eye contact has some bullets in them, hard pass..

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

Or turn around and start yelling very loudly in the likes of "WHAT THE F DO YOU WANT!??!?"

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

I mean... how would one know if they were GOING to be attacked but weren't?

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

i do this too. also i have a slight smirk on my face... and i crack my knuckles. as if to say without using words: " okay... there is something you don't know about me: i know how to fight and how to HURT... and i am not afraid to do that." i dare to walk in the evening towards a group of skum young men... and none of them wants to be the first to get hurt by me. LOL !!!

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

Back when Gods dog was a puppy and I was young, strong and fearless, I was the target of an attempted mugging on the Paris Metro by two young Algerian guys - walking through an underpass with a kit bag at 10 at night on a Sunday wasn't ideal. They came from the opposite direction, made eye contact and sort of smirked as they passed me, which is where I knew something was slightly amiss, left it a couple of steps looked behind me to see one of them had a knife in his hand and the other was fumbling in his trousers, so assumed for another knife ; dropped the bag, ran at the one with the knife, punched him hard in the chest, then caught the other guy while he was still tangled up and slammed him, head first into the wall of the Metro underpass. I must point out at this point, that I had just demobbed from The Foreign Legion the day before and was on my way back to the UK ; the Gendarmes were very understanding ; the first mugger had a broken sternum, the other a fractured bonce.

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

"This tactic has worked for me in the past." 😂 How could you possibly know it worked? Did your lone assailant stop you and say "You know, I was going to attack you but that eye contact you made shook me up a little. Good job citizen!"

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

I always glare at people when I'm alone, even if my family is just a few rooms away in a public place

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

Add the motion where you point two of your fingers at your eyes, then point those fingers straight at them. Like in “Meet the Fockers.”

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#20

This reminds me of a comedian who was saying the best way to stay safe in a rough neighborhood is to fake a Russian accent cause Russians are terrifying.

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#21

Let's say a kidnapper throws you in the back of a trunk. Don't panic! Once you get your bearings, find the carpet that covers the taillight. Peel back the carpet, make a fist, punch the taillight out the back of the car, thus creating a hole in the back of the automobile, then stick your little hand out and wave to oncoming motorists to let them know that something hinky is goin' on.

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

If you can’t punch the light out, pull its wires out. There is a chance police will pull the car over for a failed signal.

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#22

Never post vacation information on social media until you’re back. You’ll most certainly get robbed at some point if you’re not smart about it.

Also, don’t put expensive product boxes (TV, computer, appliances) outside before trash day. People will see your new toys.

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

Don't post anything on social media that might be of use for criminals. People got robbed because they announced their wedding on social media. In the Netherlands a woman lost her rare vintage car because she posted a picture of that car on social media. Criminals used the EXIF data from that picture to pinpoint the car and they stole it.

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#23

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) If you're driving and hit black ice just take foot OFF GAS BUT DON'T BREAK until the slide stops.

AltheaInLove , komonews Report

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

* BRAKE - And when you're dealing with ice, do everything gently - don't just whip your foot off the accerator, remove it gently. Steer into the skid and try to keep the car pointing forwards so that when you can brake, you can do so in straight line.

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#24

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Don’t ever tell the cab driver you don’t know where you’re going.

H0T-S0UP , Andrew Smith Report

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

two different friends told me of their unpleasant stories. one in Moscow and one in Cuba. both got "kidnapped" by the taxi driver who picked up their friend, took them to a bad neighborhood ATM machine, where they had to get cash at gunpoint. Thankfully both were let go right after, unharmed.

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#25

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Before using any ATM, tug hard on the plastic card reader. Scammers often put a fake one on top that steals your info.

MrJuniperBreath , Nicolas Vigier Report

#26

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Carry an extra wallet with $50 in it and throw it if someone tries to rob you. STREET SMARTS!

spacemanspiff66 , Bhaskar Pyakurel Report

#27

Don't tell even close friends the amount of money you have on you. I was set up by an 18 year old female coworker this week. She seemed like a sweetheart and was giving me rides to work for a few days. I asked on the Monday if we could go to bank as I needed to cash a check for roughly $4500. Minutes after dropping me near house I was robbed at gunpoint of everything by 2 guys. They knew how much they were looking for. The robber said he watched me leave bank but the police saw on camera near home that they had been waiting for me for an hour. One of the robbers was her ex/current boyfriend it turns out.

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#28

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Do not trust taxi drivers if you are a tourist

silverguy23 , Michael Coghlan Report

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

In some countries maybe...there are plenty of countries that there is no reason for a cab driver to be anything but a driver doing their job .

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#29

Everyone respects true crazy. I once was approached in downtown by a man asking for all my money. I looked him square in the eyes and blurted out something like "blahblubvlahhhhhh". He walked away and I kept my monies.

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

Or do as the famous Charles Bronson did when someone try to rob him: He looked straight in the eyes of the robber and said: "No, YOU give me YOUR money." The robber ran away without any money.

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#30

This is a niche tip, but if you ever suspect something to have an electric current, do not touch it with the palm side of your hand. It can cause your muscles to contract and not let go. Always use the backside of your hand or even better, use a blade of grass or something not too conductive.

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

Or don't touch it at all. Who goes around touching live objects anyway?

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#31

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Look up and notice if street lights have been shot out or smashed.

If so, avoid those areas at night - there's a reason they've been disabled . . .

Back2Bach , Natalia Medd Report

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

This is not true, it has been proven that well lighted areas are more prone to robberies (as criminals can't see in the dark X3).

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#32

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) You won’t get mugged if you look like you’re going to mug someone.

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

Mental note: invest in a balaclava and a switchblade. Practise scowling in the mirror.

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#33

Buy a daily moisturizer with sunscreen in it.

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#34

Nobody approaches you on the street because they want to do something for you. It's always because they want something from you.

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

Not always true, I've been approached by very kind women who wanted to blow up my car tyres, although I didn't even notice that they were flat.

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#35

The only people who ever truly "win" fights are those who successfully avoid them.

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

The people that truly win a fight - if it's not avoidable - are those that can get the opponent in a state that makes it impossible to strike back. When being attacked make sure the first strike is enough to end said fight

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#36

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) When it comes to knife fights: The loser dies in the street; the winner dies in the hospital.

rd1970 , shay sowden Report

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

The best tactic in a knife fight is to run away. Your pride may get hurt, but that isn't as bad as bleeding out in the middle of the road.

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#37

Don't fuck with that dude with cauliflower ears. He can take more and harder hits than you think.

Get those stickers off your car identifying you as a female. ("Girls just wanna have FuNe!"). It makes you a target.

If you live in an urban area with high transient population, regularly check locked gates and rare use access points. Look for things like small pieces of tape on locks. You are being target and tested for for access to your home that you do not regularly use.

Carry two wallets. One is a honeypot, you hand over if getting robbed. The other is you real wallet. (Pro tip: put a little cash and expired credit cards in the honeypot. This will help it look more real.)

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

I drive a hot pink car, not sure if a bumper sticker makes much of a difference

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#38

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) If you’re going to be away on holiday or somewhere you’re unfamiliar with for any length of time, it’s a good idea to try to always make sure that someone knows roughly where you’re going to be and what you’re going to be doing on a given day. Even if you’re like me and you don’t like to plan out a full itinerary, a rough indication of what your plans might be can help work out your movements if ever there is an issue.

lukemantel , Orin Zebest Report

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

A friend of mine who used to work for the CIA told me that if I am traveling somewhere that might be dangerous, I should leave an itinerary with a friend and family member and when I get to the country, drop off an itinerary at the embassy.

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#39

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) You should always be afraid of secondary locations

ShinyNinja25 , Jaume Escofet Report

#40

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Always know where the exits are in any place that you enter so that you don’t get lost in an emergency.

Also, never place yourself in a “hole” in public where there is only one entrance and exit and no other people around. These are often crime hotspots

StefanFaniePetrus , Ricardo Bernardo Report

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

Yep. Also, if you notice something is wrong - i.e. beginning of a fire, smoke, unusual smell - don't wait to see what happened. It could be nothing, but it could also be an emergency. Just run out of there. It might seem obvious, but I know people who got severely injured this way.

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#41

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Here are a few of street smarts that makes it harder for pickpockets to steal your stuff:

Do not keep your wallet in the backpocket of your jeans. This is a super easy place for pickpocket to take it from.

When in crowed touristy areas it sometimes is better to wear your backpacks or purses to the front of your body. If you sit down in a restaurant, keep your backpack in front of your feet.

Be especially aware of your belongings when there is a bit of pushing, like when entering a subway or metro wagon.

Be alert in situations where a potential group of thieves try to distract you for example by asking you for directions on a map. While you are distracted by showing the person the directions another thief will open your bags and take your stuff without noticing.

Edit: Another thing to lookout are people in European cities asking for cash donations for the blind, deaf or handicapped. The huge majority of them are not for real charities but just to A) get some money from me and B) more importantly for an accomplice to see where you store your wallet.

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

F***y packs are safer than backpacks. Just don't call them f***y packs if you're in the U.K.

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#42

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) If somebody asks you your name, have a fake generic name and use it all the time. Mike, Dave, and John will do.

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#43

If you want to know if you can trust somebody you let in your home, leave a $5 bill in a place that looks like it was forgotten about and that they would see it. If they'll take you for $5 now, they'll take you for more later.

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#44

Do not unlock your car when halfway across the parking lot from it. Unlock it once you're close enough to see if anyone tries to get into it.

If you're having trouble finding your car, you can hit the "lock" button to get it to chirp w/o unlocking it.

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#45

If you are in an area where there are storefronts, use the reflection in their window glass to see behind you as you walk. There may be people on the street that you pass, but if they make a sudden move on you, you can react.

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

Also good to use windows when in a congested diagonal parking situation-where you can't see when backing out.

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#46

If you feel uncomfortable in a metro/underground car, slip out as the doors are closing. For bonus security travel back 1d3 (1 to 3) stops, then resume your journey.

Having been mugged once, I'm gonna make 'em work for it if there is a next time.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Stay safe.

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#47

If you are a woman and have a handbag with a zipper, make sure the opening end is towards the front (where you can keep an eye on it). This prevents someone walking behind you from opening your handbag and taking your wallet/anything valuable.

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

Done this for years and and use one with shorter straps so it's always under my upper arm. And I never place my handbag in a shopping cart.

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#48

never drink/ do drugs in situations you don’t know about. Could be someone spikes it, takes advantage by robbing, rape, kidnapping whatever it is. Always be paying attention

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

About drinks, if at a bar, never take your eyes off your drink, if you must then don’t go back to it.

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#49

When walking in an unfamiliar city...or trail, look back regularly. It will help you to remember landmarks that will guide you back home.

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#50

Security guards, doormen, food cart owners, and blue collars in general, know where the closest bathrooms are.

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#51

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) Be aware of surroundings, look like you belong either through body language, attire, or occupation (without being oblivious to things around you). The moment you look lost, out of place, or unsure is the moment you can look like a good target. If someone is looking at you with an expression questioning why you are there, be prepared to answer it with confidence and give an answer they would accept, or be prepared to leave before they can ask.

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

"Look like you belong " Say that again to a blond, blue eyed, 2.01 meter high Dutch man walking in Bangkok....

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#52

There are 146 street suffixes acknowledged by the U.S. Postal Service. Alphabetically, the first is "alley" and the last is "yard". These are also bad places to duck into if you're being followed, because there's only one exit.

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

Wait, so blvd is a type or road, and drive and road are different? Can someone identify the differences?

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#53

Always tell my kids to walk with a purpose.

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#54

If you're alone on the street and you think you're being followed, immediately call someone, forget about conversation starters, and give away your location. You should add " I think I'm being followed". Speak loudly enough so the person you think is following you hears you doing it. If you're right and they were following you, that will be a big turn off. If you're wrong you have nothing to lose.

It might sound harsh, but if anyone approaches you and asks to use your phone for anything ( especially emergency-related ), don't fall for it. They will usually tell you what the "emergency" is, so walk away, tell them you don't have a phone/whatever, and for your inner peace call the emergency and give away that person's location. Tell them exactly what the person told you. Either they really needed help and you're sending it their way, or they tried to trick you into something horrible and will most likely try it again with the next passerby.

Whenever you are, plan ahead and blend in with the crowd. I mean don't dress all-fancy in the hood-kinda thing.

Please, for the love of God, stop using your earphones while on the street. At least try to only have one earbud in if you can't help it. It' s not healthy ( ear fatigue, potential risks to your hearig,etc.) but at least it won't completely cover the background noises.

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

That second point - the flip side, if you are the one with the emergency, never ask to use someone else's phone, get them to use it! If it's a real emergency, you do not have time to faff about unlocking phones and finding where they've hidden the call icon, or whatever else if you're used to android and they've got an iPhone. If a call needs to be made in a real emergency, let the person who is most familiar with the handset make the call!

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#55

The most dangerous time to drive is right when it starts raining, cause any oil on the street has mixed with the water, making it slippery, but hasn't had enough time to wash away yet.

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#56

I grew up in a a pretty rough neighborhood in chicago and probably the best thing you should do when walking by yourself at night is pay attention to every car. Usually they’ll drive past you and scope you out, if you look like a target you’ll see that car again, or they’ll meet u farther down your path while you’re walking past an alley. Always be ready for something when walking past an alley and stay close to the houses, that way if anything’s suspicious, you can run into a backyard.

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

In the rough s**t-hole I grew up in, most back gardens were not places you wanted to be either, trust me.

#57

People With 'Street Smarts' Are Sharing Advice That Can Save People In Dangerous Situations (40 Tips) If you are in any sort of confrontation and someone balls their fist and looks away for a second, or even just looks away for a second, you should be prepared for the possibility of a sucker punch.

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

Use that second to kick them so hard in the family jewels that the bells are chiming.

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#58

Walk around your car before you get into it.

Keep your head up and be alert, or at least look alert.

FFS, turn off your car and take the keys with you when you stop at a store or gas station.

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#59

When in New York City, odd numbered streets go west and even numbered streets go east. Additionally, odd-numbered buildings are on the north side of the street and even-numbered addresses are on the south.

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

East or west relative to what exactly? In my experience streets are bidirectional.

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#60

Utilized a retail store's big reusable bag to hide an expensive purse when walking at a sketchy section in the city.

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

I do this all the time. I once placed my phone and wallet in a paper bag with vegetables

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#61

Every answer on the street in a not-so-nice area is No.

"hey can i have a cigarette?" no

"hey you got the time?" no

"hey can i borrow your phone to make a call?" no

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

I say no to everything and anyone, by reflex. With the exception of the cigarette. I always say yes, and it has done me a lot of good, especially when I give them to people I see more than once at places I walk past a few times a week

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#62

Don't talk if you don't need to.

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#63

Never turn your back to someone who you don't trust or is aggressive. YouTube is full of videos of people getting sucker punched from behind.

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

My cousin learned this the hard way around 1988. She was with some other people at a convenience store, and words were exchanged with strangers. She and her companions chose to leave, but as they did, one of the strangers ran up behind and punched her, once on each side of her head. Broke her jaw on both sides, and she never saw it coming. I don't remember hearing that the guy was ever caught.

#64

For girls, make up a fake boyfriend to get creeps away. If you’re being followed, don’t freeze up and just keep walking. Go into the nearest fast food place or store. Keep your eyes forward and don’t look at people. And please, for the love of god, don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk.

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

DO NOT "keep your eyes forward" always be aware of ALL of your surroundings, head up, yes, eyes constantly taking in everything.

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#65

If there is one house that looks occupied on a mostly empty street with burnt down houses......that's a trap house.

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

“And if you ain’t a hoe, get up at my trap house!!” -Bobby Schmurder I have one on the east end of the street, and another on the west end. All and all, my neighborhood is pretty safe and gentrification is well in its way. That’s the shitty part.

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#66

If a stranger talks to you in public, and it's not immediately clear why they're talking to you, ignore them. Just keep minding your own business, don't look at them, and don't say a word. Most hustles start as "just a friendly chat".

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

I'm quite a friendly dude and will engage in a harmless conversation with people, some people are just lonely I think and like a chat, I like talking to old people as well. This advice could be taken too far and just make a paranoid wreck who suspects everyone, it's a fine line.

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#67

If you are a tourist and want a local to take a pic of you with your phone either have it be an employee or someone you can outrun.

Wear one headphone so you can still hear whats around you

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#68

If you’re ever locked up and some of the guys are playing cards and you happen to see a card fell into one of their laps, don’t try and be helpful and point out that they dropped a card.

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#69

If someone asks your shoe size start walking lol

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