Becoming a Streetwise Traveller

General Precautions

These precautions are not designed to limit your freedom. On the contrary, you can increase the control you have over your life and movements. The effectiveness of the following precautions relies on the consistency of maintaining a high level of awareness and thinking about self-protection.

• Plan your route in advance. Call your destination for detailed instructions.
• Avoid dark and isolated streets and shortcuts.
• Familiarize yourself with your route so you know, for example, where there are large bushes or concealed entrances, and where your nearest points of help are. (shops, phones)
• Always try to walk on the side of the road where you will be facing on-coming traffic if you suspect danger. This makes it more difficult for a car to follow you closely.
• Do not use an “iPod” or similar device with earphones while travelling. You need the use of your hearing at all times.
• Never accept a ride from a stranger, no matter how tempting it might seem.
• If people are expecting you at your destination, call them before you set off and let them know what time you expect to arrive. If you are going for a walk in your neighbourhood, tell someone at home where you are going and how long you will be. If you live alone could you tell a friend and ask that friend to call you in 1/2 or 1 hour to confirm you made it home safely?
• Walk assertively, and purposefully. Keep your head up, maintain a brisk and steady pace, and be aware of your surroundings. Try to look as if you know where you are going.
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit, isolated streets and high crime areas. Ask a friend to join you, if possible.
• Always carry emergency money for a phone call and, if possible, for a taxi. Never use these funds for anything else. Emergency numbers, such as the police, ambulance or fire departments can be called free from pay telephones.
• At night, always carry your keys in your hand, even if going for a casual stroll. The key you will need next should be between your thumb and index finger. This saves you from wasting time fumbling for it when you arrive at your door, and it can be used as a weapon in an emergency. It can be slashed across an attacker’s face.
• When meeting a group of people for a social gathering or meeting, try to arrange a car pool or take a taxi together.
• Keep a close watch on your purse and/or wallet and other personal possessions. Do not make things easy for a thief.
• Be on the alert at all times. Do not forget to take precautions, even in familiar areas.
• Avoid ‘digging’ for things in your purse out-of-doors.
• Try to keep shopping bags, etc. to a minimum so you have a hand free and more freedom of movement, in general. Consider using a backpack for carrying purchases.
• Try to avoid referring to your map or notes in deserted places. If you have to consult your instructions, try to do so in a public place, such as a store or subway station.

Protecting your Purse or Wallet

You can lessen the chances of having your purse or wallet snatched and the impact if either is stolen:

• Keep a hand on your purse at all times.
• Do not put your purse strap over your head as you could be hurt if someone grabbed it.
• Keep the flap of your purse against your body.
• Carry only the essentials, so the loss is minimal.
• Transfer cash and keys to a secure, inner pocket.
• Make a duplicate of diaries and address books in case one gets stolen.
• Avoid carrying a handbag for short trips to the store or Post Office. Keep some cash and your keys in a front pocket where you can place your hand or arm on it without looking suspicious.
• Avoid public displays of large sums of money. Many purse-snatchers wait outside banks, Post Offices, and busy stores at Christmas and when people have received government cheques.
• Keep your wallet in an inside jacket pocket or in a pocket that buttons closed.
• If you have a cell phone, always carry it with you. Be sure it is turned on and that you have the 911 emergency telephone number programmed so you can access it with the touch of one button.