This is all particularly discouraging to Chicagoans seeing that the month of March boasted a 69% decrease in homicides. It seems our city is working hard to beat out Detroit as The Most Dangerous City in America. What does this mean for you and me? It means we have to be smarter shoppers – and that goes beyond studying price tags. We must be aware of our surroundings and possess some level of street smarts. It’s good to be prepared and with that in mind I bring you 5 Ways to Avoid Being Mugged While Shopping in Chicago.
For some reason I’ve decided to let Olivia Pope play our imminent victim. Oh, the randomness of it all…
Watch Yo Back!
If you’re reading this blog chances are you’re pretty well acquainted with the City of Chicago and don’t have to ask for directions when in the loop or any other neighborhood. Over confidence, however, can be a huge trap. When someone asks you for directions, always have one hand on your valuables. This is a common trick used by muggers to distract you while pick-pocketing Be kind but be brief when speaking with someone you don’t know on the street. If you feel uncomfortable, don’t be shy about crossing the street. Your safety is more important than someone else’s feelings!
Leave the Birkin (or Mulberry or Coach or…) At Home!
I’m guilty of this one. I love large handbags because they hold everything and look amazing! But they’re easy to spot and grab. If you know you’ll be in the street for any distance covering more than half a block, consider caring a small satchel or wallet that wraps around your body. These can be fashionable too but are a lot less likely to draw attention. When on the train ALWAYS wrap your purse around you in a way that would make it hard to steal in a hurry. If, despite your precautions, someone has the audacity to ask for your bag, give it to them! Whatever’s inside is replaceable and replicable. You’re not.
How Important is That Text?
In this day and age it’s hard to believe anyone would want to steal your iPhone, right? Remember last year’s flash muggings? IPhones, iPads, and iPods were particularly targeted. Why? Their popularity is exactly what makes them easy to resale. Remember, thieves love Ebay too. Especially if you’re alone or walking in public, wait on sending that text message until you reach a nearby café or store. If you’re on the train, be discreet and tuck your phone into your pocket as soon as you’re done with it.
Say What?!
“Ma’am, can I ask you a question?” “You look nice today. Are you seeing anyone?” “Where are you headed?” Women may be easily flattered but we’re not stupid. Don’t hold a conversation with someone you don’t know. Period. I always cringe when a naïve young woman is coerced into a discussion that leaves her vulnerable and embarrassed while on a train full of strangers. She blushes, buries her entire head into a Red Eye, and unconvincingly acts as if pop news gives her life. We don’t believe you, girl. In the future don’t be so polite. A simple, ‘No thank you, Sir’ or ‘I’m married’ usually will suffice. Know when to lend a deaf ear to someone not worthy of your time. Possibly a nuisance, seeing you’re not here for their games, will continue on their way until a more susceptible target is found. When on the train, I recommend wearing headphones with or without music playing to avoid being bothered by bugaboos.
Hunt In Packs
Grab your girls (and guys) and go shopping. How easy is that? It goes without saying that victims are usually alone and having friends around means you’ll have even more eyes to surveillance your surroundings and sound alarm when necessary.
Chicago provides one of the best shopping atmospheres in the world and is still a great place to live. Be smart, safe, and shop happy this season!
Featured Image (Gif): www.Scandalmoments.tumblr.com