NFAB is dedicated to educating and training citizens of the Bahamas on personal safety and protection. Here are some personal safety tips to keep you safe.
When put into practice, these tips can reduce the opportunity for you becoming a crime victim. Criminals are constantly surveying the environment for an opportunity to commit crimes. Thieves will look for vulnerable vehicles, or an individual who leaves their valuables in plain sight.
Criminal opportunity is accomplished by lack of witnesses, or the creation of an easy target. The probability of being detected influences a criminal's decision to commit a crime. Increasing witness potential is one way to reduce criminal opportunity, but being more observant and aware of surroundings is another proactive method of enhancing your security. Don't make it easy for the criminal to make you a victim!
Tips on reducing criminal opportunity:
Be alert and aware! While you are walking, keep your mind on what is going on around you. Knowing who is near is the first step to being secure. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, move in the direction of other people.
Display confidence. Walk with purpose, scan the area around you and make casual eye contact with others to display confidence. This reduces your chances of being targeted by criminals. Don't wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements.
Keep your hands free. Carrying items makes you a more vulnerable target for criminals. Backpacks should be worn on your back, keeping your arms and hands free. Avoid text messaging or lengthy cell phone use while walking alone. Be extra alert; know who and what are around you at all times.
Trust your instincts. If you have an intuitive feeling something is wrong, trust your instincts. React immediately and take action to reduce your risk. Many individuals suppress these feelings, because they fear their response will offend someone. React to your instincts and don't worry about someone else's feelings. If someone approaches you and you feel uncomfortable, move or ask for assistance.
Ask for help. If you feel vulnerable, ask Police or Security to escort you to your car. This is often another fear individuals have, that they may inconvenience someone for something that did not exist.
Closely Guard Your Personal Effects: Thefts of personal items such as purses can result in more criminal opportunities such as:
Car Theft: Remote entry key rings allow thieves easy means to identify your car and steal it.
Residential Burglary: Criminals may follow you, or know where you live and ones house keys are in your bag/purse they now have access to your home.
Understand that alcohol or drugs can cloud judgment. Certain substances can certainly dull your senses and slow down your reaction time to danger. They can also lower other people's inhibitions and make them more aggressive or belligerent. It is for this reason that places like bars and clubs may present more danger, particularly if they're crowded. Mutual drinking can increase chances of rape or sexual assault among people who know each other. So please be aware of who you trust in these situations.
For training and more important information on safety, visit our website and take a Refuse to Be a Victim Course. Click here https://www.nfa.org.bs/rtbav