Thinking about it usefully.
WHAT PERSONAL SECURITY IS
Reducing the likelihood of becoming a victim, and limiting the harm if you do.
WHAT IT IS NOT
Fear Avoiding normal life Relying on chance
WHY THAT FRAMING MATTERS
Most useful measures are ordinary habits rather than dramatic precautions.
WHAT DETERMINES RISK
Where you are When you are there What you are visibly carrying Whether your movements are predictable Whether you are alone Whether you are paying attention
WHY PREDICTABILITY MATTERS
Planned crime depends on knowing routines.
WHY ATTENTION MATTERS MOST
People who appear aware are selected less often.
WHAT OFFENDERS SELECT FOR
Someone distracted Someone isolated Someone visibly carrying something worth taking A predictable opportunity
WHAT THAT MEANS
Small changes in behaviour change the probability substantially.
WHAT TO ACCEPT
That you cannot eliminate risk.
WHAT TO AIM FOR
Reducing exposure, and having decided in advance what you would do.
WHY IN ADVANCE
Decisions made during an incident are poor.
WHAT MATTERS MORE THAN ANY PROPERTY
Your life, and the lives of those with you.
WHAT TO TREAT THIS CATEGORY AS
Practical guidance, not a substitute for local knowledge of your own area.
