10 Ways to Avoid Being a Victim of Crime

No one wants to be the victim of a crime, but unfortunately, it happens every day. There are steps you can take, however, to minimize your chances of becoming a victim and needing a crime victim advocate.

Here are some crucial tips on how to avoid being a victim of crime.

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings 

If you're walking down the street, pay attention to who is around you and what they're doing. 

If you see someone who makes you feel uneasy, cross the street or go in another direction. Trust your instincts because if something feels off, it probably is.

2. Don't Go Anywhere Alone

It's always safer to travel in pairs or groups. There's strength in numbers, and criminals are less likely to target someone who isn't alone.

3. Keep Your Belongings Close to You

When you're out in public, don't put your purse or wallet in a back pocket where it can easily be stolen. Hold onto your bag or keep it close to you so that pickpockets can't get to it without you knowing.

4. Be Cautious When Using ATMs

ATM skimming is becoming more and more common, so be sure to cover your PIN when entering it into the machine. 

Also, only use ATMs that are located inside banks or other well-lit, public places. Avoid using machines that are out in the open or in secluded areas.

5. Don't Leave Valuables in Your Car

If you must leave something in your car, hide it out of sight before you reach your destination. 

An easy way for criminals to score some quick cash is by breaking into parked cars and stealing whatever they can find inside. So don't make it easy for them by leaving valuables where they can be seen.

6. Lock Up Your Home Before Leaving for the Day

Even if you're just running a quick errand, take the time to lock all the doors and windows before leaving your home unattended. 

A few extra seconds could deter a would-be burglar from breaking into your home while you're gone.

7. Make Sure All Entry Points Are Well-Lit at Night

Criminals like to operate under cover of darkness, so good lighting is a great way to deter them from targeting your home after nightfall. 

If possible, install motion-activated lights around all entrances to your home so that anyone approaching will be caught in the light and hopefully deterred from trying anything funny.

8. Keep an Eye on Social Media

Be careful about what you post on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. You never know who might be watching and looking for an opportunity to take advantage of you. 

Avoid posting any personal information like addresses, phone numbers, or dates when you'll be away from home. 

Also, avoid posting photos that show off valuable items in your home, like electronics or jewelry. You don’t want to give potential burglars any ideas! 

9. Get to Know Your Neighbors

Building a relationship with those who live near you can help deter crime in your neighborhood. 

If everyone looks out for one another, it'll be much harder for criminals to operate without being noticed. Plus, if something does happen, your neighbors will be more likely to come to your aid if they know and care about you.

10. Install a Security System

Nothing scares off a criminal quite like an alarm system! If someone does try to break into your home, an alarm will sound, alerting both you and your neighbors that something’s not right. 

Many security systems these days also allow you to monitor activity at your home even when you’re not there, giving you some peace of mind no matter where you are. 

Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you can help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime. 

Of course, no one is ever 100 % safe from becoming a victim at some point, but by taking some basic precautions, you can make it much harder for criminals to target you.

You can also click here if you need the help of a crime victim advocate.