Don’t Become A Target
There are many reasons a predator may select a person as their next victim. We may not fully understand how the criminal mind works, but it has been proven that there are certain things predators look for. A law breaker is always watching for people that they can easily victimize. This could be someone who is alone and appears to be timid, or someone who obviously has something they want. Students should do everything they can to avoid being thought of as an easy target.
As you walk across the campus, hold your head up and look at the people around you. When you walk slowly, slump your shoulders and stare down at your own feet, you give the impression of being a meek person who could be easily intimidated. A criminal prefers people who will not give them any trouble, so if you seem to be the type that won’t defend yourself in any way you are more likely to be targeted.
Have you ever seen someone who was holding a large amount of cash, or making it obvious that they are carrying something of great value? People like that can be hard to miss, and a predator is sure to notice. When you are out in public areas of your campus, never make it obvious that you have money or expensive jewelry on your person. A thief will see that you have something they want, and you could be accosted. During a mugging, the best case scenario may be that you just have something taken from you, but you never know when an incident could turn violent. Would you be able to defend yourself?
