Crimes of Opportunity Targeting Women: 10 Tips to Proactively Prevent Crime

If you’re like most women, the topics of “crime” and “public safety” are of great importance but not something you think about on a daily basis. We inherently feel safe as we go about our day-to-day lives until that moment when crime strikes. Additionally, if that terrible moment should ever come (and God forbid it does), we instantly want law enforcement to allocate any and all resources to solving our case instantly.  

I see the frustration when women find themselves in this situation and it is my hope that more people would start to proactively try to prevent these incidents from happening.  

“Proactively try to prevent?” You may be thinking this is an odd statement to make. But the reality is, it isn’t. Prevention, in certain situations, is possible. In fact, there are many crimes that are 100 percent preventable if we arm ourselves with a little bit of knowledge and make sure we do not give criminals the opportunities they are seeking when their paths cross with ours.  

As a reminder, here are some important crime prevention tips and tactics that we hope you’ll make a staple in your lives today: 

1. When you get into your car, lock the door, put your seatbelt on and drive away. Try not to linger in the parking lot. 
2. Don’t go to your car alone at night. No matter what store you’re in, they have someone who can walk you to your car. Don’t be embarrassed. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 
3. When out and about, empty your purse of all the important items that are not needed. Hold onto your purse tightly when running errands. Realize that a distracted woman with a lot in her hands is an instant opportunity for a criminal. 
4. Take notice of anyone and everyone around you when going to the bank. 
5. We know not to judge books by their cover but we still find ourselves doing so and savvy criminals know it. Be wary of all strangers, even those who are polished, honest-looking and clean cut. We are wary of any stranger who is seeking your help whether that be a ride, directions, assistance or a number of other things. 
6. When having your car serviced or when leaving your car with the valet, leave only your car key; take your house key with you. If possible, remove your insurance card from the glove box, as it has all of your personal information. Make sure to return it to the glove box as soon as you get back in your car. 
7. Use a separate card for all online purchases; try to ship items to a PO Box and never answer random calls or emails that seem to be from vendors wanting to confirm information or which seek additional personal information. Be smart, really smart, when dealing with strangers and your personal credit information. 
8. Answering the door for strangers – don’t do it. Let them know you’re home but that you will not open the door. Always go to the door with a phone in your hand in case you end up needing immediate help. Keep your home alarm on at all times.  
9. Be socially smart: don’t leave drinks unattended in crowded spaces; post smartly and sparingly on social media and never meet a stranger you met online, off-line. 
10. Walk or run with a friend, always have your cell phone and never go through dark or secluded places. 

Ultimately, my hope is that women specifically would shift from shunning the topic of crime to embracing the topic of crime prevention. You’ll never regret using knowledge to keep yourself safe!