How to Avoid Looking Like a Victim: What Criminals Look for and How to Deter Them

Why Criminals Pick Certain Victims And How to Make Sure You’re Not One of Them

Have you ever wondered how criminals pick their targets? It turns out, they have a pattern. Certain behaviors and body language make someone stand out as an easy mark. Research shows that criminals consistently look for specific signs in a potential victim, often without them even realizing it. The good news? You can take control of how you’re perceived and reduce your chances of being targeted.

Criminals Have a “Victim Radar”

Studies suggest that criminals assess a person’s level of awareness and confidence before deciding to act. They tend to avoid individuals who look like they will fight back, cause a scene, or be difficult to control. Instead, they target people who seem distracted, unsure, or unaware of their surroundings.

Awareness is a Powerful Deterrent

One of the simplest ways to avoid looking like a victim is to pay attention. Criminals thrive on catching people off guard. If you’re glued to your phone, have your head down, or seem lost in thought, you may unknowingly make yourself a target. On the other hand, if you’re actively scanning your environment, making eye contact with people, and walking with purpose, you send a clear message: I see you. I am aware.

I’ll share a personal experience that reinforced this idea. I was sitting in my car in a store parking lot when I noticed a man paying attention to a woman. Something about the way he was watching her made my gut feel uneasy. He started following her toward the store, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. I made it a point to watch him and ensure he knew I was watching him. When he glanced my way, I held eye contact. Not long after, he went inside, then immediately came back out. He hadn’t been in long enough to do anything. It felt like he was trying to cover his tracks, to not look suspicious. I’ll never know for sure what his intentions were, but my instincts told me that my awareness might have disrupted whatever he had planned.

Body Language Matters

Confidence is key when it comes to personal safety. A strong posture, steady gait, and eye contact can make a big difference. Think about it from a predator’s perspective: Would you rather go after someone who looks timid and unaware or someone who looks like they’ll fight back?

Simple changes in body language can have a significant impact:

• Walk with purpose. Keep your head up and shoulders back.
• Make eye contact. Acknowledge people around you. It shows confidence and lets others know you’re aware.
• Be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid walking while distracted by your phone, especially in parking lots and unfamiliar areas.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t dismiss it. Act accordingly. Change your path, find a well-lit area, or seek assistance.

Looking Out for Others

Situational awareness isn’t just about keeping yourself safe, it can help others, too. If you ever notice someone acting suspiciously, don’t ignore that gut feeling. Your awareness could be what stops something bad from happening.

At the end of the day, criminals don’t want a challenge; instead, they seek easy targets. However, by staying aware, walking confidently, and trusting your instincts, you can take control of how you’re perceived, ultimately making yourself a far less appealing target.

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