Pedestrian crime is still an issue! Here’s what you need to know!
My friend was walking along the pavement and mugged by men in a moving car yesterday so here are some things you should know about pedestrian crime!
Unfortunately living in South Africa means that there is always the potential risk for crimes like these. So how does one avoid being a victim?
The most important way in which you can avoid situations like this, is by simply being aware of your surroundings – no matter where you are. To do this you need to avoid distractions that prevent you from spotting a potential risk.
What are these distractions inhibiting situational awareness?
- Cell phone conversations
- Text messaging
- Listening to music
- Looking at something other than the direction of travel
- Conversations with friends
- Eating on the run
- Attempting to find something in a backpack or luggage
- Reading a book or newspaper
- Being lost in thought etc
We spoke to Johan Jonck from Arrive Alive asking what he would advise regarding this type of pedestrian crime. Here’s what he had to say:
“We need to remain vigilant and alert at all times – also as pedestrians -and if we can have less of a target easily on displayed it will make our pedestrians safer!
Apart from alertness to the surroundings and the attractions we might well have to look at – similar to not keeping valuables on the front passenger seat in a vehicle – to what we are carrying and what could most possibly make us a target…”
So essentially the most important two factors in order to minimize the risk of being targeted, would be:
- Always be alert and aware of your surroundings – by avoiding distractions whenever possible.
- Avoid carrying around expensive items in plain sight, or bags that could potentially be carrying these valuable items.
It’s not pleasant to think that we live in a situation where this kind of pedestrian crime occurs on a daily basis. Having to constantly be aware even in areas we always thought were safe, but unfortunately it is the reality.
For more info on pedestrian crime, check out Arrive Alive for useful safety advice!