CriminaLess CriminaLess Magazine IRENA RASHEVA FINAL | Page 5

CriminaLess Magazine | May 2019
crime rates. Choose paths and streets
which are more likely to have CCTV opera-
tion.
Take off any expensive jewelry or valu-
ables you wear and hide them in your bag
or pocket. However, keep your phone as
close as possible to you but make sure it
is not visible to the others. If you are using
it, you are risking to lose your attention to
your surroundings. Walking alone late at
night with your headphones and favourite
music could be pleasant but also puts you
in great danger. Wearing a hood also is one
of the things which prevents you from be-
ing wary.
It is important to look confident while
walking as you are less likely to be tar-
geted.
However, if the worst happens and you
have been attacked by a knife holder you
need to know how to survive. If an attacker
approaches you, the worst thing to do is
to move suddenly. Most certainly you will
be very scared, but according to psycholo-
gists, chances are that the attacker will be
scared too. Any sudden actions may cause
him or her to hurt you. If you are being
mugged, the best thing to do is give every-
thing they want. You may even ask - if they
want your wallet, phone, or jewellery- give
it - this may save your life.
If this is not the case, then you need to
remain calm. Before considering fighting,
you should always try to run first. Run as
fast as you can and always towards some-
one or something and scream for help.
Some specialists suggest that you should
scream “Fire!” instead of “Help!”. The po-
lice officer Gabriel Blank confirms this by
explaining it with attracting the attention
of much more people. “ The word “fire” will
instantly catch the attention of the people
because they are paying most attention to
the things which affect them directly. This
is just how the human mind works. We
are programmed to take care of ourselves
at first instance. Unfortunately, not many
people are likely to respond to a call for
help in an emergency situation as they are
realising that there is a risk for them too.”,
explains Gabriel.
could try to fight them - kick them hard
in the groin or hit them in the throat and
run. Never forget that distance is your best
friend. Knives are called “contact weap-
ons” - this means they cannot hurt you
unless there is skin contact. By creating
distance you will have more time to react.
If you are away from the attacker, they will
not be able to grab you and stab you.
No matter how difficult it is, try not to
panic. This can make you remain station-
ary and if you do not move, you will be a
very easy target. Use your hands to defend
yourself. In case of an attack, keep them
in front of your chest in an X position. It is
crucial to keep your heart safe - the palms
will protect your heart and the elbows will
protect your rib cage and lungs.
HOME OFFICE STATISTICS:
KNIFE ATTACKS IN ENGLAND AND WALES
You need to delay the reactions of your
attacker. If they come towards you, you
Page no. 5