“What now?” Crime Survival Guide: Face-to-face with a Mugger

After noting a drastic increase in the number of muggings occurring in the Greater Durban area, we compiled several useful tips to equip you and your family against muggings. Although following these preventative measures will greatly decrease your chances of becoming a victim, no safety tip is foolproof and we want to prepare you for the worst-case scenario. Every situation is unique and although there are no correct steps to follow when you find yourself in a mugging, understanding what actions you can take may just keep you out of harm’s way.

You’re Face-to-Face with a Criminal – what now?

Most people think your only options are ‘fight or flight’, but the best action is to freeze. When face-to-face with a criminal every action or move you make should be to diffuse the situation:
1. Act passive and do what they request. If they have not grabbed onto you, take advantage of this by creating as much distance between yourself and them as possible by taking VERY subtle, slow steps away from them.
2. Stand in a non-threatening, yet ready to defend pose. This may seem like two opposite stances but in fact, keeping your arms up on either side of your face with your palms open not only signals surrendering but also allows you to protect the sides of your neck and body. From this position you can also drop your elbows down to protect your torso, should you need to.
3. Talk in a controlled, calm voice and explain your movements to the mugger. For example, if you keep your wallet in your back pocket explain that to them before you reach for it.

The worst is over – what now?

This is where many pre-planned safety measures fall into play. You will most likely be in shock and your first step will be to get help – but chances are your phone was stolen during the mugging so what are your options?
1. Conceal your phone and carry a dummy wallet. If you conceal your phone well enough and carry a dummy wallet (Purchase a cheap wallet that you fill with a few notes, coins, and old or fake cards) then you may be able to get away with handing over just your ‘wallet’ to the mugger. In which case, your concealed phone should contain saved emergency numbers for you to contact. If you’re not sure who to contact, you can always press your Blue Security Mobile Panic button.
2. Consider carrying a cheap backup phone. Why would you carry both phones though? Well, carrying your day-to-day phone when you go jogging has other non-crime related benefits such as being able to quickly summon medical assistance through your Blue Mobile App. And, in some situations, handing it over to a criminal can also keep you out of harm’s way during a mugging. Thus, a small, cheap, well-concealed, backup phone with emergency contacts saved on it can come in handy should you be mugged. You can even purchase miniature phones designed specifically for runners, joggers, and cyclists, which are light and easy to conceal whilst exercising.
3. When planning the route you’re going to take, make sure that you are never too far from public areas such as a mall or a garage. Being near popular, public area decreases your chances of being attacked and also means that there will most likely be someone nearby that can assist you if needed.
4. Always have an ‘in-case’ contact number at hand. If your phone is stolen and you don’t have access to all your saved contact numbers, make sure you know the contact number of a family member or friend you can call, or have it written down on an item of clothing or even your arm (just make sure to cover it with clear Cutex so you don’t sweat it off!). If you find yourself in shock, unsure of who to call, you can always call Blue on 031 717 5000 and we will assist you.

You’ve found help – what now?

1. Once you have been seen to medically and are physically alright, then your first step should be to cancel or freeze any stolen bank cards in order to prevent the mugger from making any transactions on your account.
2. If you are on any sensitive or exclusive WhatsApp groups that contain information you wouldn’t want in the hands of a criminal, for example a work related group, make sure you contact the admin members to remove you promptly.

3. If your phone was stolen it can be tracked if set up correctly. However, you should NEVER try and play the hero by recovering a phone yourself. Doing so could put you into a seriously dangerous situation and no device is more valuable than your life. Rather contact the police or your security company to assist you in this regard.
4. Report the crime to the nearest South African Police station. The police official will take a statement from you and the reported crime will be registered in the case in the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS).  You will be given a CAS number which can be used for all enquiries regarding the reported crime.
5. Falling victim to crime can be a traumatising experience and counselling can help you come to terms with the feelings you experience during or after an event. If you are unsure of who to contact, Blue Security can assist by putting you in contact with a reputable trauma counselor.
 
With serious and violent crimes on the up, we urge you to ensure that both you and your family members are safely equipped with the necessary tips to avoid falling victim to crime. However, if you do come face-to-face with a criminal keep in mind that no valuable is worth more than your life and remember, if you’re ever in an emergency situation and don’t know what to do, call Blue.