On The Prowl

By Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Since the recent hurricane, Sandy, I've read several articles of looters on the prowl, especially in NYC. The NY metro was down for some time which meant many people were left to go home from work (or vice versa) via shuttle buses or walking miles to their destination. A lot of people nowadays tend to carry laptops, tablets, smartphones or other covetable items with them, which makes thieves glow with hunger for the strike to attack. People have become walking dollar signs to many. It's unfortunate, the desperate things people try to do to make some quick cash. This can happen to anyone, but the most at risk are young, adult women.

It's something that as women, we must be aware of. As a blogger and freelancer, I'm constantly on the move from place to place which means I have to keep myself protected from potential, scary situations.

1) Keep your wallet fairly empty, this means keep your cards that you don't need, at home. That way, if your bag does get stolen with your wallet, you won't need to worry about calling your credit card company or bank to deactivate your card. A plus side to this is that it prevents you from making impulse purchases while you're on the go!

2) Stay low key! Don't be too obnoxious with your outfit, crooks tend to go for the well dressed people. There was an episode of Sex and The City, where Carrie gets mugged in broad daylight for her purse and her beloved Manolos. Ah yes, so terrible, but honestly with the way she and her friends carried themselves around, i'm surprised it didn't happen so often. Usually when I go to events, or anywhere, I carry my shoes and sometimes, change of top/dress/skirt/etc in my bag.

3) Travel with friends, single people are the most opportune to get mugged. If you can keep a buddy close by, don't hesitate!

4) Keep luxury items hidden, that means don't check your smart phone until you are in a reasonably safe area. This is something I constantly have to keep reminding myself. So make sure you read and see everything you need, on that glorious 4 inch screen before making your way in the public. It only takes a second for someone in the crowd to snatch up phone or tablet right out of your hands.

5) Be alert of your surroundings! Probably the most important tip, if you know that you're in an area where things just always seem to go awry, then keep a clear head and focus on getting where you need to get to!

6) Put the headphones down! This one always bothers me, the easiest way for a pilfering to happen is when one of our top senses, hearing, is desensitized. If you can't hear the footsteps running up, behind you then watch out! Being able to hear keeps you alert.

I hope that my tips may have helped some of you, I know from experience that muggings are tremendously, scary situations and I would hate for it to happen to any of you. Safety is something that I truly support because what fun is being outgoing if you always have to look behind your back?

                                                                                                                       Xoxo,
                                                                                                                           Jacqui