One of the largest segments of the criminal population is the urban street thugs; those who make their living by robbing people who are simply minding their own business.
Situational awareness is the first step to avoid becoming a victim, but street-smart attackers have devised various techniques that may catch even the most alert citizen off guard.
Author Ed Combs explains in his article “Bolo Punch: Caught You Looking” at USConcealedCarry.com:
“However, many attacks are first staged with an approach, verified through a test phase and then actuated after the predators decide you are an easy meal.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)
There are several different tests that muggers and other street hoodlums practice before identifying a target. One of the most common and most dangerous is the handshake. When you accept a handshake from a stranger, you are immediately disabling what is likely your dominant hand and literally giving the potential assailant the upper hand. If the attacker is working with a partner, it becomes even more dangerous.
Another ruse used by street punks is what is known as the present. They will approach and attempt to give you something, hoping your natural curiosity will drive you to accept it and even worse, look down to examine it. At this point, your guard is down and you are completely vulnerable. A heightened sense of situational awareness is the easiest way to avoid this scenario.
One of the most devious ploys used by criminals is the “faux panhandler” deception. Violent criminals know most people have a tendency to want to help out those less fortunate. Unfortunately, they use this to their advantage to stop you in your tracks and engage you in conversation.
At that point, they control the situation and can turn it into a violent robbery or back off in a moment’s notice. Much of their reaction will depend on the victim’s demeanor, but no matter what the outcome, it is a guarantee that the perpetrator will tell police they were only panhandling or bumming a cigarette.
The best response is to move away from these people and refuse to interact with them. If that is unavoidable, there are five steps to help ensure your safety. First, keep moving; don’t give them the opportunity to engage you. Next, look around for witnesses—make sure it is obvious the stranger is hounding you. Then keep telling them that you have no money as loudly as possible. Let them know you are in a hurry, that you have an appointment, or use whatever excuse comes to mind. Finally, if all else fails, be prepared to fight the attacker off. If you are carrying concealed, this may be the time to your weapon.
No matter what the outcome of the encounter, be sure to call the police and submit a report before they come to you. Perps will say anything to avoid jail time and the truth is irrelevant to them. Yet it is likely that local law enforcement is familiar with your attacker, so let the criminal justice system take its course and keep the truth on your side.