Top 5 Tips to Avoid Being a Victim of Crime

At Byrna, safety is about stacking the odds in your favor. In this video we share five practical tips: situational awareness, securing your belongings, keeping a free hand, planning ahead, and carrying a reliable less-lethal option—like a Byrna CL or SD—to help you stay prepared and confident when you're out in public.

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Maintain situational awareness
Try to avoid being buried in your phone and completely disconnected while out in public. If you’re inside, stay aware of the nearest exit in case of an emergency, and pay attention to the people around you. A commonly used tactic is to watch faces—they’re a great early indicator if someone is about to become violent.

Secure your personal belongings
Densely packed areas are favored by thieves and pickpockets. Keep items such as wallets and phones in inner jacket pockets or front pockets. If you’re wearing a sling bag or purse, move it to the front of your body and keep it in view—this makes it much harder for someone to access without your knowledge.

Keep a free hand
When leaving a store, make sure your keys are in an easy-to-reach place so you don’t have to dig for them. Try to consolidate shopping bags into one hand and leave your other hand free. That way, if you need to get to your keys quickly or access a self-defense tool like a Byrna launcher or Byrna Bad Guy Repellent, a free hand can save vital seconds. For example, as a right-handed shooter, I carry items in my left hand to keep my shooting hand free.

Plan your outings in advance
Whenever possible, plan shopping trips so you’re done before nightfall. If you’re out after dark, stick to well-lit, well-traveled routes, and consider going out in groups. If you’re heading out alone, share your location with a friend just in case.

Be prepared for a critical incident
You should be ready to act as your own first responder. Carry a self-defense tool like a Byrna CL or SD—or some Byrna Bad Guy Repellent—and make sure your cellphone is charged in case you need to call for help. If I’m going to be out at night, I always carry a flashlight. It’s incredibly useful and can also be a great deterrent.