Principles of Crime Prevention | Refuse To Be A Victim®

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Basic Principles of Crime Prevention

We never think a crime will happen to us, until it actually does. While sometimes unfortunate things do happen unexpectedly, it is important to be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for personal safety and crime prevention. Having a personal safety strategy in place and knowing the techniques and tactics you can use to avoid becoming a potential victim can help you live smarter and be safer. 

“Crimes of Opportunity” are crimes committed without planning or forethought. When criminals realize they have a chance to commit a crime, they seize the opportunity. Don’t be an easy target. We can all pinpoint times where we’ve made ourselves an easy target – whether it was keeping our heads buried in our phones, parking in a dimly lit area at night, or leaving our houses or cars unlocked. But there are many more, less obvious situations that make us vulnerable as well.

Shadows of People on a Busy Sidewalk

Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Look around, be alert, and avoid getting distracted by your phone or other electronics. Awareness of what's going on around you is a key to safety.

Woman Looking through a Partially Open Door with a Chain Lock

Trust Your Instincts

Too often, we ignore our instincts or gut feelings. If you believe you are in danger, act on it.

Woman Holding Up Her Hand To Block Her Face

Always Have a Personal Safety Strategy in Place

What would you do if you were attacked? Those split seconds could mean the difference in your survival, so be prepared and have a plan.

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Take a Refuse To Be A Victim Seminar

Many criminal confrontations can be prevented entirely … but that only happens when you make the decision to Refuse To Be A Victim.

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Refuse To Be A Victim®

NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim® program teaches the personal safety tips and techniques you need to be alerted to dangerous situations and to avoid becoming a victim.