How to Avoid Being Mugged

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While the majority of towns and cities around the world are safe, you might sometimes visit an area with a high crime rate and an increased chance of being mugged. If this is the case, you need to be careful to safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and your property from theft. By depending on others, staying aware, and knowing a little about the area you’re traveling in, you’ll be better able to avoid being mugged.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Staying Aware

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  1. When walking in public, you should avoid listening to music on a cell phone or other personal listening device. The music could distract you from various dangers, and someone could take advantage of you if you’re distracted by listening to your music.
  2. While it may seem like a normal thing to do, playing with or checking texts on your smartphone could distract you. [1] A mugger may see this and identify you as a potential victim.
    • In addition to your phone being a distraction, it might also be something a mugger wants to steal.
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  3. As you walk, make sure to look around. Walk with your head up and look from side to side occasionally. Ultimately, the more you are aware of your surroundings, the easier it'll be to avoid being mugged. [2]
    • If you see someone suspicious or threatening, walk away from them.
    • Be careful turning corners. Try to make a long turn so you can see what’s around a corner before you turn it. After all, there could be a mugger waiting on the other side of the corner.
  4. [3] The better lit a street is, the less likely a person will try to mug you without fear. As a result, stick to streets that are well-lit. In addition, avoid dark streets and darker areas of town.
    • If you’re going into a dark area, bring a torch and wear something reflective such as a high-visibility vest.
    • Avoid shortcuts that are dark. Saving a couple of minutes isn’t worth jeopardizing your safety.
  5. If you’re unfamiliar with a certain area, you should ask locals about it before you walk about. This way, you’ll have an idea of whether an area is dangerous or not before you get there. [4]
  6. Before you set off on a walk around town, have a good idea of where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. You can do this by asking for directions or by consulting a map before you start on the walk. This way, you won’t have to stop and ask strangers for directions or look to Google Maps on your phone – things that make you look vulnerable. [5]
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Part 2
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Surrounding Yourself With Other People

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  1. If you think you’re in a high-risk location, you can lower your chances of being mugged by walking with a group. Muggers are much less likely to approach a group of people when they can simply target an individual.
    • If you’re leaving a bar at night, walk to your car or home with a group of people. In addition, consider having one person drive everyone else to their cars or homes – if their cars or homes require a long walk.
  2. If you’re in an area you’re not familiar with, you’ll be much safer if you walk with a local. Locals will not only know what areas of town are dangerous, but they’ll likely fit in more and may not be targeted by a mugger.
  3. Seek help if you are being followed. [6] If for any reason you suspect you are in danger or are actively being followed, you should seek help immediately. You can do this by approaching a nearby police officer or by walking into a bar, restaurant, or store.
    • If you walk into a public establishment, make sure to wait enough time until you are sure the person following you has left. If you’re not sure, contact the authorities.
    • If there aren't police or safe establishments around, continue to walk confidently and briskly to an area you know is safe.
  4. Muggers are much less likely to strike in places where there are a lot of people around. As a result, try to walk in areas where there are a lot of people.
    • If presented with two routes to your destination, pick the one with more people.
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Part 3
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Avoiding Drawing Attention to Yourself

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  1. If you’re visiting an area you’re not from, try not to dress like a tourist. This is because muggers and other criminals often target people who are tourists or visitors.
    • If you have any, wear domestically made clothes instead of designer imports.
    • Avoid wearing t-shirts that show you’re a tourist. For instance, if you bought a shirt at a local tourist attraction, wait until you are home to wear it.
    EXPERT TIP

    Tsahi Shemesh

    Self Defense Trainer
    Tsahi Shemesh is a self-defense expert, specializing in Krav Maga. He began learnring Krav Maga in 1988, and trained directly under Imi Lichtenfeld, the founder of the sport. Shemesh is the Founder and Program Director of Krav Maga Experts in New York City. He has certified hundreds of instructors, trained a wide variety of professionals (including EMTs and NYPD officers), and his curriculum is taught in over a dozen countries worldwide.
    Tsahi Shemesh
    Self Defense Trainer

    Once you're in the mugging situation, you need to weigh your options. Is giving the mugger your wallet the best option, or the worst? If someone wants your wallet and you don't know how to de-escalate the situation, the safest option is to give them the money. Possessions are replaceable, but your well-being is not.

  2. Don’t wear expensive watches, jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, or display electronic devices. In addition, keep as little money in your wallet as possible and don’t display a lot of money if/when you purchase something.
    • If you have to transport jewelry or expensive items, conceal them.
  3. Walk with purpose. Move along a street or sidewalk as if you know where you’re going and know what you’re doing. If you walk in a timid and unsure manner, a mugger could spot you as a vulnerable person.
    • Avoid looking around nervously as if you are unsure of where you are or what you’re doing.
    • Avoid taking pictures of every little thing on the street. While something might make a great photo op, your interest in photography may give off the impression that you’re a tourist.
    • Take self-defense classes so you can defend yourself. [7] While this won't prevent you from being mugged, it will bolster your confidence, and could deter a potential attacker.
  4. Since there are very few people walking at night, you'll draw attention to yourself by being on the street very late. Even if you're with a group, you'll increase your chances of getting mugged. Instead of walking:
    • Get a taxi.
    • Call a friend to give you a lift.
    • Return home earlier or spend the night at the person's house you're visiting.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Should I try to stop a mugger?
    Saul Jaeger, MS
    Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
    Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018.
    Saul Jaeger, MS
    Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
    Expert Answer
    You never know if someone has a weapon, so you should cooperate and give them anything they're trying to take. You can always replace the things that were stolen from you.
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  • Question
    How do you avoid getting robbed when traveling?
    Ross Cascio
    Self Defense Trainer
    Ross Cascio is a Krav Maga Worldwide self-defense, fitness, and fight instructor. He has been training and teaching Krav Maga self-defense, fitness, and fight classes at the Krav Maga Worldwide HQ Training Centers in Los Angeles, CA for over 15 years. He helps people become stronger, safer, and healthier through Krav Maga Worldwide training.
    Ross Cascio
    Self Defense Trainer
    Expert Answer
    If you're going someplace new, do a little research and planning before you go. It could be anything from jogging at night or going to a new restaurant to going on vacation in a foreign country, but it's best to be safe. Look at what's nearby, what you'll be doing while you're there, and how far it is from where you are or will be staying.
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  • Question
    How do I not get mugged in New York?
    Ross Cascio
    Self Defense Trainer
    Ross Cascio is a Krav Maga Worldwide self-defense, fitness, and fight instructor. He has been training and teaching Krav Maga self-defense, fitness, and fight classes at the Krav Maga Worldwide HQ Training Centers in Los Angeles, CA for over 15 years. He helps people become stronger, safer, and healthier through Krav Maga Worldwide training.
    Ross Cascio
    Self Defense Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Muggers are generally looking for the path of least resistance. If you're alert and you carry yourself like you're aware of your surroundings, it's less likely that you're going to be targeted. Don't get lost in your phone, keep your eyes active, and keep one ear free from your headphones or airpods. Also, pay attention to cars around you in parking garages and on the sides of streets. Little details like this make you difficult to ambush.
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      Tips

      • As a traveler, divide your money, passport, other identification and credit cards amongst a variety of compartments (e.g., a wallet, a money belt, and a suitcase). This way, if you lose one of these things, you will not be completely stuck without ID or money.
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      • If you are overpowered or cannot escape, handing over your money or wallet may save you from serious harm.
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      • If you frequent high risk areas, consider making a " mugger's wallet .” Muggers wallets are simply wallets with several fake credit cards and a few bills of real money. If you are attacked, handing this wallet over to the mugger may satisfy the mugger and give you time to escape.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you think someone is following you, pretend to call someone and say "Yeah, I'll be there in a minute. I'm on the other street." If a potential mugger thinks someone is looking for you, they may be less likely to attack.
      • Throw some money one way and run in the other direction. The mugger will likely go for the money, giving you time to escape.
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      References

      1. ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
      2. ↑ http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/tips-and-advice/travel-safety-tips/how-to-avoid-getting-mugged-while-traveling/
      3. ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
      4. ↑ http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/tips-and-advice/travel-safety-tips/how-to-avoid-getting-mugged-while-traveling/
      5. ↑ http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/tips-and-advice/travel-safety-tips/how-to-avoid-getting-mugged-while-traveling/
      6. ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
      7. ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.
      8. ↑ Saul Jaeger, MS. Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department. Expert Interview. 21 February 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you're afraid of getting mugged in a large city, try to only ever travel through well-lit streets and public areas where lots of people can see you, and never travel alone. It's also a good idea to avoid traveling at night altogether. If you're unsure about whether a certain area is safe, a local will usually be able to tell you. Before travelling through any potentially dangerous neighborhood, make sure you surround yourself with trusted people and go in a group. For more safety tips, like what to do if you think you're being followed, read on.

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