Personal safety isn't something most people think about on a daily basis.
However, statistics show people who don't pay attention to their surroundings and don't give much thought to safety and security are far more likely to become the victim of a crime than people who do.
With that in mind here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe while you go about your daily routine.
Staying Safe While Shopping Whether you're in a supermarket, the mall, or any large retail store you will cross paths with large crowds of people.
This is heaven for purse snatchers, identity thieves, child predators and other societal miscreants.
Taking a few simple precautions, will make the bad guys think twice before targeting you.

• If possible, don't shop alone, shop with a friend or family member.
  First off, you are less likely to be the victim of an assault if you shop with a buddy.
  An attacker will usually pick a vulnerable target that he can overpower easily.
  It's rare for a lone attacker to target someone who isn't alone.
  Also, when shopping with a friend, it's good having that extra set of eyes to look out for suspicious people and situations.
  It's far too easy to get distracted while shopping and not notice someone approaching with bad intentions.
  
• Many people carry large amounts of cash and several credit cards while shopping.
  Plan out your trip and estimate how much you might spend and carry only enough cash or credit to cover those expenses.
  In the event your purse or wallet are stolen, your losses will be smaller and it's easier to cancel a few cards as opposed to several.
  
• Never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart.
  In fact, it's not wise to leave it in the cart even while you're paying attention.
  An experienced thief won't think twice about taking your purse right out of the cart while you watch.
  
• Keep small children close by at all times, and discuss with them a family plan in the event you get separated.
  
• Never sign your checks until you get to the checkout line.
  If you lose them or they're stolen, your account could get cleaned out in a hurry.
  
• Never flash the cash.
  For large purchases, always use credit or ATM.
  Don't carry large amounts of cash, ever.
  Even when you do make cash purchases, put your money away before leaving the checkout and avoid letting anyone see your cash if possible.
  
• Never carry a spare key in your wallet or purse.
  If someone steals that purse or wallet, they will likely have your ID and your address to go along with that key.
  

Parking Lot Safety For car thieves and crooks, a parking lot is a treasure trove of goodies.
They will think nothing of smashing your window to grab a cell phone, packages, stereo or a few bucks.
A good car thief can break in and hot wire a car in under a minute.
Sexual predators and muggers also do some of their best work in parking lots due to ease of escape, shortage of security, and lack of awareness on the part of victims.
However, there are some things you can do to discourage them or slow them down.

• Try to park as close to your destination as possible.
  Car thieves and smash and grabbers tend operate on the outskirts away from heavy foot traffic.
  Potential attackers also prefer to target victims farther away from potential witnesses.
  
• If you are unable to park close to your destination, make sure you park somewhere well-lit and away from potential hiding places like bushes, a trash dumpster, block wall or large vehicles.
  
• Lock packages and valuables in the trunk.
  If thieves can't see anything valuable on your car seat, they might not be tempted to break in.
  
• Limit the amount of time you spend in your car.
  After you park, exit right away and proceed to your destination.
  When returning to your vehicle, get in, start the engine and leave immediately.
  Carjackers and attackers often strike when people are distracted, usually as they exit or enter their vehicle.
  
• Make it a point to pay close attention to where you parked.
  In a large parking lot it is easy to forget where you parked.
  A woman, walking alone aimlessly through a parking lot makes a prime target.
  
• Be aware of your surrounding and keep an eye on potential dangers like hiding places where an attacker could surprise you.
  
• It's important to exude confidence as you walk, use body language that projects that confidence.
  Attackers will usually only target victims that appear weak and helpless.
  Avoiding appearing like an easy target.
  

ATM Safety An ATM cash machine is one of those modern conveniences that most people can't seem to live without.
However, they can be a magnet for criminals.
Many ATM machines are situated in areas that are visually obstructed and users are often preoccupied and not paying attention to their surroundings.
A few simple precautions can reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

• Most ATM robberies occur between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am.
  Avoiding using a cash machine between those hours.
  However if you must have access to some cash between those hours look for an ATM inside a supermarket or make a small purchase at the market and ask for cash back.
  
• Beware of people loitering near ATM machines, especially after dark.
  
• Avoid using any ATM machines that are located to the rear of a building and out of view of the main street.
  
• Avoid using an ATM while you are alone.
  
• Once the ATM dispenses the cash, put it away immediately and avoid letting anyone see how much you have.
  Remove your card quickly, walk away and avoid lingering around counting the money.
  Avoid "flashing the cash".
  
• Plan your transaction, and have your card ready before you reach the cash machine.
  
• Keep an eye on your surroundings during the transaction.
  
• If you are approached by an armed attacker, don't argue, fight or attempt to follow him.
  Try to remember as many details as possible, to aid police in identification.
  
• Never fight or engage an attacker except as a last resort and your life is in danger.
  

If You're Approached The easiest part of personal safety is awareness and avoidance.
Everyone can be a little extra careful to avoid dangerous situations.
Everyone can be a little more attentive to their surroundings.
Nevertheless, it is decidedly more difficult for most people to act, once an aggressor has targeted them.
However, a little pre-planning and practice can go a long way in preparing yourself for an attack.

• In a parking lot, a shopping cart can be used to shield yourself from an attacker to keep him from reaching you.
  
• If a stranger approaching makes you uncomfortable and you feel as if something bad is imminent, make eye contact.
  This lets the stranger know that you won't be taken by surprise and will buy you some time to think and plan your next move.
  This may also discourage an attack as many criminals will think twice about attacking someone who they can't sneak up on.
  
• If someone approaches your vehicle blow your horn to attract attention and scare him off.
  
• If you have pepper spray or a stun gun, have it in your hand and ready to go.
  
• If you must fight, remember, weak points of the human body are the groin, throat, knees, eyes and shins.
  
• Don't be afraid to verbally confront strangers following you.
  This sends a message that you aren't an easy target and may scare him off.
  

Most people don't give much thought to their personal safety when they go about their daily routines.
This is why thieves, and attackers often target people when they least expect it.
Following these basic tips and paying attention to your surrounding will help you to reduce the risk of becoming a victim for you and your loved ones.