This article addresses the common crimes that are occurring
to people when removed from their homes. This is to make you aware of them and
how to reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
Unattended Property
Many people in the city become a victim of this crime. This
mainly happens when someone is in a public place and puts down their wallet,
purses, etc., doesn't pay attention, and then someone picks it up hen no one is
watching. Popular places for this crime to occur are coffeehouses, bars,
supermarkets, gyms, churches, schools, your place of business, just about any
public place. To help avoid this happening to you follow these guidelines.
Never leave anything down by itself, even where you work! It's as simple as
that. If you do have to put something down make sure that you or someone that
you are with keeps a close eye on it. If a criminal is trying to take it odds are,
he won't if he/she sees someone paying attention. These criminals want to steal
your property and walk away when no one is watching, they don't want to be seen
or chased. Do not leave items of value in your car, especially your wallet when
playing sports or when you are at the beach.
Pickpocket
Otherwise known as a Grand Larceny in the Penal Law. This
usually occurs when someone removes something from someone else's pocket, bag
or purse. Famous places for this to occur are subways, buses, bus stops, bars,
stores, crowded sidewalks. It can happen in just about any busy, noisy, crowded
place. Follow these suggestions so they don't get you. For women always carry
your pocketbook towards the front. When carried on the back or side you cannot
see when someone is trying to reach in. For the men always carry your wallet in
your front pocket instead of your back pocket or in a jacket pocket. For those
of you who are tired or had too much to drink and are travelling on public
transportation, don't fall asleep! Falling asleep makes it much easier and the
criminals will even cut your pocket open to get out that wallet, it happens all
the time on the subway. In addition to the above just be aware of what is going
on around you, criminals will strike when someone is not paying attention.
Snatches
More famously known to the public as a purse or chain
snatch. There are many new snatches out there today. The criminal will take
just about anything from you. These include cell phones, money, iPads, metro
cards from the subway. Many times, these criminals are on bicycles for a fast
snatch and getaway. Right now, cell phones seem to be the most popular. The
best way to avoid this from happening to you is not to carry those cell phones,
iPads, money and cards in your hand. When not using these items put them away
in a safe place. When you have to keep them out, such as when talking on your cell
phone, be aware of your surroundings. Place yourself in a position where it
would be hard for someone to run or walk by you and hold onto them tightly when
someone is near. As with all the other crimes listed here, pay attention to
your surroundings.
Robberies
A Robbery is when someone takes the property of another by using
force. That force can be physical or just the threat of force. I save this for
last because all the crimes discussed above can easily become Robberies. If the
purse snatch is done with force, it's a Robbery. Many times, a criminal will
use force to steal that money, cell phone, iPad, etc., instead of just
snatching it. So, if you follow all the guidelines above for unattended
property, snatches, pickpockets you will automatically reduce your chances of
getting robbed. When driving in your car make sure you keep your doors locked
to prevent someone from entering. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in
front of you so you can move forward and around if necessary when approached by
someone. If you live in an apartment building never enter the building with
someone you've never seen before. If you see a stranger in the lobby or hallway
after entering turn around and leave. Use extreme caution and make sure no one
is following you when you have just come from the following places: cash
checking, banks or any place where you displayed some money.
Follow these safety guidelines and you will definitely
reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
Stay safe!
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