Some of the worst things that can happen to us in our daily lives include getting attacked, mugged, or harassed simply while on your way to work, school, or walking back home. And, unfortunately, far too many of us Pandas have horrible experiences of this that we would love to never happen again. Me included.

Some street smart redditors have been sharing their tips about safety, what to be aware of, and how criminals think in a viral thread on r/AskReddit, started up by user u/Jamestusk007. Scroll down to read their advice, upvote the tips that you found the most useful, and if you’re feeling brave, share your own insights about being savvy outside. Meanwhile, be sure to read Bored Panda’s interview with a New York police officer about what it’s like to be on patrol, why it’s vital to stay grounded, and how it’s important to develop genuine trust and respect in the local community, not just catch 'the bad guys.'

#1

Look both ways crossing a one way street.... there may always be one idiot

Image credits: Sanooksboss

#2

Trust your gut. You see people acting normally your whole life. You know what it looks like. If you see something that makes you uncomfortable, there’s a reason, even if you don’t know what it is yet.

Image credits: Grindler9

#3

Teach your kids how to effectively draw attention to themselves if they are in danger. A screaming child gets nobody's attention.

I was taught, if a stranger ever grabbed me, to scream at the top of my lungs, "LET GO OF ME! I DO NOT KNOW YOU!"

Image credits: Bread_Criticism

Above everything else, maintaining constant vigilance seems to lie at the core of surviving any dangerous encounters. Preempt any risks by not getting into those situations at all or knowing how to defuse them. And, like one redditor wrote, “Don’t worry about your pride, run.” Though that’s easier said than done when you’re panicking and fearing for your life.

New York police officer Sadaka Kitonyi told Bored Panda what it’s like to work as a patrolman. He explained to me that the foundation of being a quality officer begins with taking care of one’s health, both physical and mental.

“A good cop must have a healthy lifestyle—and physical health creates mental stability,” he said that leading a healthy lifestyle is about more than just health. A police officer who is sharp, always in control of their emotions, can defuse tense situations and solve things diplomatically before things get out of hand.

#4

My dad preached "Focus sound more than any other sense. Your eyes can only see a 180°, your ears can see 360°." Saved my life more than once!!

Image credits: Tiberius Starcher

#5

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Image credits: Galloping_Scallop

#6

Never talk money on public transportation, and never count money in a parking lot.

Image credits: Sn0wpooka

“As a patrolman, our main responsibility is to answer and respond to 911 and radio calls—very reactive, yes, but the unique thing is we can all choose how we do our job in between answering calls,” the officer said.

“Some guys look for guns and drugs or guys with warrants. This is a proactive approach and that’s great—it’s needed—but I choose to take that time to develop relationships,” he said.

“I check in on businesses and residents and get out of the car for a few minutes. It may not be proactive in preventing crime, but it is proactive in developing trust and respect with the community because that’s an important part of policing too,” Sadaka told Bored Panda.

#7

You don't owe anybody anything, including conversation. People who want to take advantage of you will usually start by initiating unsolicited conversation.

Image credits: apatheticnihilist

#8

Don't post location photos until you return home. People shouldn't know when your house is empty.

Image credits: Ari Jai

#9

Look like you know where you are going even when you don't. If you have any misgivings about a particular street or area, go with it. If you do have to walk through an area where you are being scoped acting like you are insane and barely keeping it in makes you not worth the trouble. Don't worry about being polite if approached but don't be an a-hole. If an area smells like piss no one gives a f**k what happens there. Never fall for the I need 20 bucks for sick kid/locksmith/medicine/tow truck scam. Never pull out your money or wallet to check it. Even if you put it back they will know where it is. If you get bumped and feel for your wallet its also a cue for a pickpocket.

Use reflections in windows to see behind you and possibly around a corner.

I'm glad I grew up in a big city. Travelling around the world was much easier than for others I've seen.

Image credits: Malignantrumor99

“I don’t sit or live in an ivory tower, I'm on the ground level with everyone else out here. I'm not an administrator calling shots from the top or some outsider looking in just to make comments and posts on social media for attention,” he said that he’s in the trenches, day in, day out.

“I’m out here—walking up and down these streets with the residents and business owners day in and out. I look at it like this, I have the ability to ruin someone’s day or make it. I don’t know about you but I like to see people smile.”

#10

Girls, don't be afraid to fight as dirty as you need to. nut shots, scratching eyes, whatever you have to do, all bets are off. There is absolutely no honour if a guy is trying to grab or detain you or pull you somewhere, so he deserves none.

if you are pinned down, smash his head with a headbutt. The part of your skull that's right near your hairline is what you want to impact his face with. other than that, use your elbow, which will strike harder than your fist might if you are a small person.

#11

Never underestimate anybody, and i mean both ways, good and bad.

Image credits: [deleted]

#12

Don’t use the top blanket in a hotel bed. We don’t wash them very often

Image credits: Mitzydaddy

#13

Women. Don't be afraid of being impolite if you feel threatened.

Don't think "oh no I might hurt his feelings" or "well that one time I was told I over react so maybe this is another one of those times".

No. If someone isnt a pos they will realize that the situation was misinterpreted. If they're a rapist murderer, they will most likely make a big deal about how they're not going to hurt you. Don't be afraid to make a scene if you're afraid.

Image credits: ToastedMaple

#14

If you need to scream for help, don’t yell HELP! Yell FIRE! Instead. Not all people who hear a yell for help will think it’s genuine, or they don’t want to get involved. When you yell fire, everyone wants to get out of the building in case theirs is the one on fire.

Image credits: Vanessa Richardson

#15

Pay attention to the ppl at parties who are not drinking.

Image credits: labradoodle1992

#16

Pretend to be crazy, talk to yourself and swear loudly, no one knows how to handle crazy.

Image credits: Amanda Brown

#17

People make pickpockets' livelihood so easy. Just check out how many phones are in people's back pockets, how many handbags dangle by the side, easily accessible.

Always put valuables in an inside, preferably zipped pocket. If you in a notorious pickpocket area like Paris or Naples, you can even carry a fake wallet with monopoly money in an outside pocket.

Image credits: Cause_Such

#18

Walk with purpose and stare past/through people, everyone will move out of your way.

#19

If you think that someone is looking at you, look at another direction and if they look in the same direction, they were looking at you.

Image credits: cuckoos

#20

Act like you're in a hurry and less people will want to bother you.

Image credits: Itsnotaboutthefiat

#21

Memorize phone numbers !!!! So underrated nowadays, you never know when you will need it

#22

Look both ways before coming out of a doorway if you think you're in a bad neighborhood. Think you're being followed? Go down the block, make a left. Make a left. Make a left. You eventually come full circle. If the same person is behind you, you're definitely being followed. Be confident and walk tall. Bad guys typically try to pick on the weak. Typically if you're not scared, they think there's a good reason for that, ie. packing heat.

Image credits: TheRoadsHereSuck

#23

When visiting a new city, pick a landmark that you can see from anywhere. Maybe it's a big tower in the downtown core. Maybe it's a mountain in the distance, or the city is on the shore of a lake, or there's a river or highway that cuts through in a clear and logical way. Great. That's your orientation now. Wherever you go, you're not lost. You have that landmark. Maybe it's further away, maybe it's closer, but if you know what direction the landmark is, you can't really get turned around. Now take it a step further. As you walk around, pick a landmark in the neighborhood you are moving through. Maybe it's a corner store, or a park, or a prominent intersection, or a house with a funny roof. It doesn't matter. Between the big city landmark and the smaller neighborhood landmark, you're basically triangulated to a pretty narrowly defined area. You can explore with a lot of confidence just by keeping you bearings on which direction your two landmarks are, and if you're moving closer or further away from them.

#24

I dunno if this is street smarts but so many people lack situational awareness.

By that I mean they are not being fully aware of their surroundings. Which has been made even worse with phones and headphones.

If you sense anything dodgy trust that instinct and do something about it. I’d rather cross the street and look paranoid that get mugged. Or even just run. This group of guys were following close behind me when I was walking home from the pub alone. They could have just been walking the same way but as soon as I hit a corner I sprinted a hundred metres or so and didn’t see them again.

I don’t care how strong you are you are losing 99% of the time versus 3 people.

Image credits: qt-uwu

#25

Don't always take the same route home

#26

Give people a nod. Like giving a friendly “what’s up” and keep minding your own business. I usually just say “what’s up” if I’m in a sketchy area (I grew up in one). The nod and tone of voice being friendly usually lets people know you aren’t a concern.

I also worked in the hood, filled with Mexican gangs. I was stocking shelves, and said what’s up to this giant ass dude, with face tats, and a big 13 tattooed on his head.

I said “what’s up, bro” and just kept minding my own business, we ending up talking for a good few minutes about what chips were best.

But it’s the nod and tone, IMO that goes along way. Especially if you’re in someone’s “territory”, it’s a way of showing respect and recognizing those around you.

#27

If you feel like you're being followed, take a selfie. pickpockets disappear REAL fast when you do that

#28

If you're homeless, don't let anyone know where you sleep or where you stash your stuff. It's okay to meet up with a buddy and spend the day with them, and it's okay to trust the staff at the shelter, but from the first day to the last day you're homeless, don't let anyone find your stash of stuff.

Once your stash is found, other homeless folks will usually clean it out or homed people will usually throw your stuff away.

Similarly, don't let anyone know where you sleep and try not to bother anybody. If you bother people, or you consistently sleep in your car somewhere, eventually someone will notice and that's always a recipe for trouble.

Keep safe, keep secret, and keep out of sight.

#29

If someone is posing as a cop and you get a funny feeling, always look at their shoes! That's often the forgotten part of replicating a uniform.

#30

Nothing positive happens after 12am.

#31

Match their crazy. Dude pulled a knife on me on the train in Chicago 9mos pregnant & !stood up & said double homicide?

#32

The answer is NO. You got the time? NO. Got a light, NO. Got some change? NO. Keep you distance. Watch your back

#33

Applies to everyone. Keep your mouth shut and listen.

Too many people think too much of themselves. Being straightforward cause that's me or believing it's your right to speak. The more you speak, the more you expose yourself. Don't put yourself out there and be s target. Smart mofos can use your words against you.

Sit back and listen. Pay attention to how everyone act and respond. Give out as little info as you can. Protect yourself

#34

When you're getting into your car, check the back seat carefully. Whoever you are, wherever you are.

#35

Make it a habit to lock your car as soon as you get in. It only takes a second for someone to yank open the door and grab a bag you might have sitting on the seat while you’re fiddling with the radio.

#36

If you're in an argument with somebody and they get in your face and then look away, there's a good chance they're about to try and knock your head off

Image credits: personpickerupper

#37

90% of the time, if you don't start trouble, you don't get trouble.

That said, the 10% is what you need to focus on. Don't flash money or valuables around in public. Stay alert. If someone tries to start s**t, walk away fast if you can. If forced to fight, fight dirty and then get away as soon as you can. Try not to walk around in deserted areas alone, especially at night.
Don't hail taxis in the street, watch your drinks at the bar and keep your wits about you.

#38

If you’re meeting someone on one of those exchange apps like OfferUp, Close5, or even Craigslist, ALWAYS meet in a PUBLIC and WELL LIT area, preferably one with cameras. McDonalds and Starbucks are safe bets for me. Never bring strangers to your house. Even if nothing goes wrong, they might remember where you live and something bad could happen in a few years from the meet up.

#39

Majority of people are right handed. dodge left first

#40

Aimless people are generally up to no good. If you see a person walking around like they don't have a destination or they are looking around like they don't know what to do with themselves it means they are planning on jumping someone. They are trying to seem non threatening while at the same time scouting for victims. They are hoping some poor oblivious person lets them get too close. The best case is they are planning to pick pocket someone. The worst case is a violent mugging. If you see someone like this don't get near them and definitely don't take your eyes off them. Often just staring at them is enough to discourage them because they are cowards looking for easy prey and they don't want to be identified later.

Image credits: VitaminKnee

#41

Don't normalize unacceptable behaviors to avoid confrontation. If something makes you uncomfortable, acknowledge the problem, preferably loudly, and disengage as soon as possible. Ignoring something and hoping it goes away will only make the aggressor more confident.

#42

When travelling, always try to act like you're a local. Learn prices, learn routes, learn behaviors and when possible try to copy their accent. I do this all the time and it's easier to haggle. You also have less chances of being targeted by local thieves.

#43

If someone asks where you're from, you're from here

#44

If you're walking around a big city and someone walks up to you and asks you your name or is anyway friendly, they're about to try to con you.

I was just I'm NYC where the CD scam is prevalent (con artist asks you your name, they your name on their hip hop CD and when you accept the CD they intimidate you to pay for the CD). Just keep walking. Don't even smile at them.

#45

If u think someone is about to rob u, pretend u are waving at someone so u make the robber think that u know someone really close

#46

Lots of different things can be used as pepper spray. I keep a can of wasp spray by my bed. Lots of different things can be weapons too

College students are lazy idiots. If you live near a university, check the dumpsters close to campus when the semester is over and the kids are moving. I've gotten laptops, furniture, high end barely worn sneakers and more this way.

Blatantly start filming someone with your phone if you think they're up to no good and you might become a victim. Make sure they see you do it. Send the video to a friend or f**k it make a public post like "if something happens to me, this the guy". Just the act of filming them alone will deter them from choosing you as their victim.

If you're in a fight, first move should be push them and make space between you, second should be kick their knees out.

#47

Look back once in a while. if your shadow is in front of u, make sure it’s only your shadow. If there’s a car parked on the side of the road and your street doesn’t have sidewalks, walk a bit far from the car just in case someone opens the door and snatch u

#48

If you're in an unfamiliar area, take a look around. If you see lots of trash, s**tty cars, houses in disrepair, bars over the windows, and no ground level window A/C units if it's hot, that's probably not a place you want to be. If you've moved to a new place, scout it out during the daytime, and keep your night tavern to familiar places.

#49

If someone's trying to hassle you, give quick, short answers as you're walking. Don't pull your phone out. Don't let them see your wallet. Don't turn your body. Ignoring them has risk if they're a crazy person who will give chase until you acknowledge them. Stopping is always a mistake. Short answers as you're walking.

#50

Walk in the middle of the sidewalk so you have more room to react if someone jumps out of an alley or comes from the street, never hug a wall

#51

Always consider the other guy's angle. What's in it for him? How does he benefit?

#52

If a salesman is happy after a transaction, you got fleeced.