Crime has been falling in
New York City for five years in a row and
the city's streets are safer than ever
(see the related
article for more
information about NYC's declining crime
rate). The fact remains, however, that
there are still people who are robbed
every day in New York City.
How can you avoid becoming
one of these crime victims? The key is to
avoid looking like an easy target. A few
general tips:
Always look as
though you know where you are
going (even if you don't).
Walk quickly and
confidently (like most New
Yorkers do) -- petty criminals
prey on the unwary, the wide-eyed
and the slow-moving.
Don't feel compelled
to stop for someone who wants a
light or spare change -- it is
better to be brusque than to be
bruised.
Don't Let
Pickpockets Pick YOUR Pockets
Pickpockets always look for
the easiest mark. To make sure it isn't
you:
Be alert: don't wear
headphones and don't look lost in
thought.
Be discreet with
valuables such expensive cameras
and jewelry.
Gentlemen: keep your
wallet in your front pants pocket
rather than a jacket pocket or
back pocket.
Ladies: hold your
purse handle tightly and keep it
close to your body; if using a
bag with a shoulder strap, bring
the strap diagonally across the
front of your body.
If you are using a
backpack, make sure your
valuables are not in pockets
easily accessible to those behind
or beside you.
Don't place your
purse on back of your chair or on
the floor in restaurants; don't
put it on an empty seat in a
movie theater either.
Don't tempt anyone
by carrying lots of cash or using
large bills -- use travellers
checks, credit cards, or visit
the ATM more frequently.
Be especially wary
in crowds and on the subway.
Beware of Con
Artists and Scamsters
While new scams are being
created all the time, there are a few
classics you should look out for.
Remember:
No one ever wins at
Three-Card Monte (except the team
involved in the scam!).
Official taxi
dispatchers at the train station
or airport don't ask for tips or
commissions.
Someone who spills
mustard or ketchup (or anything
else) all over you and diligently
tries to clean up the mess is
probably trying to pick your
pocket -- just walk away fast and
deal with the stain later.
If someone
approaches you with lottery
winnings or any other prize that
they want to share with you for
any reason (usually some sort of
sob story) -- it is guaranteed to
cost you money.
Be careful with your
laptop at the airport security
gate: don't put it on the belt to
be scanned until the person in
front of you has gone through and
picked up their belongings.
Buying a long
distance phone card from a
non-official source is usually a
mistake.
Similarly, not
protecting your phone card or ATM
number in public places is always
a mistake.
The old cliche is
always right: if it sounds too
good to be true, it probably
isn't true.
Avoiding Muggers...
and Worse
Don't take risky
shortcuts; it is better to walk
the long way than to venture into
an area that may be unsafe.
Be careful at ATM
machines -- if you feel
uncomfortable, go somewhere else.
Follow the example
of New Yorkers who always carry
"mugging money" -- $20
or so that they surrender
immediately (don't annoy a
would-be-mugger by having no
money with you at all).
Don't hesitate to
scream for attention. Yell
"fire!" instead of
"help!"
Stay on the main
thoroughfares, especially on
streets with lots of doormen
(such as 5th Avenue, Park Avenue,
Central Park West, and Broadway).
If threatened with a
weapon, cooperate -- your life is
worth any amount of money.
Stand near the
subway token booth and ride in
the car with the conductor during
off- hours and at night.
If you are concerned
about a vehicle following you,
turn and walk the opposite way,
against traffic.
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