Your personal safety does not have to be left up to chance.  Though you can not eliminate all possibility of becoming a victim, there are steps you can take to reduce the odds.   An attacker looks for essentially three things when picking a victim: 

• Vulnerability
• Accessibility
• Availability 

Practicing the following personal safety tips as you go about your daily activities may make you less attractive to a would be criminal. 

• BE ALERT!!  Know who is near you and what activities going on around you.
• Walk with authority, look ahead and scan your surroundings
• Do not walk in poorly lit areas.
• Avoid standing at a bus stop alone, especially at night.
• If approached by someone in a car, change your direction and enter a crowded store or business.
• Carry a cell phone and some type of safety device (i.e.: flashlight, whistle, pepper spray and etc) when walking at night.
• Be alert to someone who asks for directions and/or continues to engage you in conversation.
• Obey all of the robber's orders.  Keep all communication with the robber short and simple.  Don't argue!
• Be identification conscious.  Observe your attacker's personal appearance, type of weapon used, and type of vehicle so you can accurately describe them to police.
• Immediately report the incident to the police and do not hang up until the police arrive.

For additional information please review the following personal safety tips:

• ATM Safety
• Parking Lots and Garages
• When Walking or Jogging
• When Traveling and Using Hotels
• Date Rape Drugs