Over the years, the alarming rate of crime, most especially robbery, in Nigeria has affected the lives of the people as they go about their respective businesses and social engagements. Towards the end of every year, there has been a trend where there are increased cases of mugging and robberies which sometimes ends in fatalities. These attacks vary from car thefts, shoplifting, pickpocketing, bags and phone snatching, as well as kidnapping.
Being a victim of mugging or armed robbery is a very traumatic experience and some even end up being Post-traumatic Stress Disorder patients, PTSD. PTSD is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it.
This means, everyone needs to be at alert and street smart. Being street smart does not necessarily mean one needs to be on the street to be at alert. Wherever you are, you should stay tuned to your surroundings and most importantly, trust your instincts.
However, BRANDPOWER has confirmed that there are simple survival steps that can help you stay safe in whatever situation you inadvertently find yourself. Below are a few of the tips:
- Driving
- Be sure to wind up your car windows before leaving for your destination.
- If you cannot avoid lone roads, drive at a reasonable speed and dodge potholes. This means you should master the road you ply on daily so as to know where is bad and where it is good for you to speed.
- If it is way too late at night, do not stay too long obeying the traffic lights. Leave when you are sure no one is coming from other sides of the roads.
Taking preventive measures can reduce the risk of one’s car to be hijacked but if that happens, give up your car—especially if the attacker is armed. Get away from the crime scene as fast as you can and report the robbery at a nearby police station.
- Walking
- Walk in groups if you must walk during late night hours
- Avoid taking short cuts especially when it is secluded and make sure you stay in well-lit places.
- If you are walking on the road, walk facing and not against the traffic. This makes it difficult for attackers to follow you.
- Avoid hitchhiking and talking to strangers.
- If you are the type that closes from work late, you should dress down a bit so as to be able to move freely. Ladies should wear comfortable heels and hold their bags tight.
- Avoid carrying large sums of money around.
- Make sure a family member or friend is aware of your location or destination.
If you are walking at night and someone walks up to attack you, it is important you give up your properties rather than risk being killed or injured.
- Private space
- If you can afford it, install alarm systems at homes and offices
- As safe as trees can be to house owners, they also serve as effective hiding place for robbers. If you live in a rural settlement with trees grown around you, this should be a good excuse to get rid of it.
- Offices with no security officers should have their reception locked always.
Not forgetting that robberies can happen in both private and public places, it is vital to be at alert in our private spaces too. This means at home and or respective offices, safety measures should be adhered to so as to prevent being attacked.
Remember, if you find yourself in a robbery attack, give up whatever you have in your possession without struggling and thereafter report the crime to the police. The best thing to do in this case is to take note of the attacker’s clothing, physical characteristics, direction of travel and weapons used for the attack.
Avoiding being robbed is best but if you are in a place where you can raise an alarm, be sure to scream “Fire” than “Help” for people to really help you. Na naija we dey o.
Yetunde Adegoke
