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PSA: Stay safe at night
posted in Off Topic
1
#1
0 Frags +

I had the misfortune of getting mugged, and although they inconvenienced me heavily (they got my 3DS and my library of games), I'm okay (one bruise at most).

Please stay safe if you're walking at night. I was coming back from a concert walking through campus (a college campus generally known to be safe, and I thought so, too, after walking around at night for 5 years straight), while I got hit by a group of people (won't go into detail about them). I was dumb by listening to music and looking at my cellphone while it happened. Luckily, they didn't resort to weapons, and they ran off after they jacked my bag (they were originally targeting my cell phone but I fought a bit).

I want to make clear, this was NOT the right approach to responding to a mugging. I could have very easily been murdered if I was being attacked by a more unstable group of people. The right thing to do is to give them what they ask for and get out scot free otherwise, and then, of course, report to the police immediately (luckily the campus has many emergency response booths around, so it was literally less than a minute that a police officer came to take down notes). Other ways I could've prevented it (though in my situation, unlikely): not listening to music and being able to notice them faster, or walking back with a friend. I also made the mistake of cussing at them instead of yelling to call the cops or that I was getting mugged. Doing this is very situational (read up on the bystander effect), but on the campus I was on, it would've been advantageous to me.

Just to make it clear, they hit me in between crowds of people walking nearby (literally 150 feet away, and actually really close to campus buildings WITH LIGHTS ON INSIDE), and surrounded me. Muggers use a surprise advantage (check your flanks, seriously, or make sure you can notice them) to force you into submission.

Stay safe.

I had the misfortune of getting mugged, and although they inconvenienced me heavily (they got my 3DS and my library of games), I'm okay (one bruise at most).

Please stay safe if you're walking at night. I was coming back from a concert walking through campus (a college campus generally known to be safe, and I thought so, too, after walking around at night for 5 years straight), while I got hit by a group of people (won't go into detail about them). I was dumb by listening to music and looking at my cellphone while it happened. Luckily, they didn't resort to weapons, and they ran off after they jacked my bag (they were originally targeting my cell phone but I fought a bit).

I want to make clear, this was NOT the right approach to responding to a mugging. I could have very easily been murdered if I was being attacked by a more unstable group of people. The right thing to do is to give them what they ask for and get out scot free otherwise, and then, of course, report to the police immediately (luckily the campus has many emergency response booths around, so it was literally less than a minute that a police officer came to take down notes). Other ways I could've prevented it (though in my situation, unlikely): not listening to music and being able to notice them faster, or walking back with a friend. I also made the mistake of cussing at them instead of yelling to call the cops or that I was getting mugged. Doing this is very situational (read up on the bystander effect), but on the campus I was on, it would've been advantageous to me.

Just to make it clear, they hit me in between crowds of people walking nearby (literally 150 feet away, and actually really close to campus buildings WITH LIGHTS ON INSIDE), and surrounded me. Muggers use a surprise advantage (check your flanks, seriously, or make sure you can notice them) to force you into submission.

Stay safe.
2
#2
28 Frags +

mana if anyone seriously hurts you a horde of angry nerds will hunt them down and beat while yelling things like BOOM TOASTED and HAHA MEATSHOT

I love you

mana if anyone seriously hurts you a horde of angry nerds will hunt them down and beat while yelling things like BOOM TOASTED and HAHA MEATSHOT

I love you
3
#3
11 Frags +

glad that you"re safe :)

glad that you"re safe :)
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#4
-39 Frags +

I thought y'all americans can carry guns to defend yourselves?

I thought y'all americans can carry guns to defend yourselves?
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#5
3 Frags +

:( don't die

:( don't die
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#6
12 Frags +

calling all norcal tf2 players. let's go hunting.

calling all norcal tf2 players. let's go hunting.
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#7
9 Frags +

Shit, man. Good to hear that you are safe; that's the important thing.

Shit, man. Good to hear that you are safe; that's the important thing.
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#8
17 Frags +

i knew a guy that got stabbed in the leg by someone trying to mug him, he ran away. he actually mugged the mugger because he still had the knife in his leg when he ran off.

but yeah, glad you're ok.

i knew a guy that got stabbed in the leg by someone trying to mug him, he ran away. he actually mugged the mugger because he still had the knife in his leg when he ran off.

but yeah, glad you're ok.
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#9
5 Frags +
WARHURYEAHi knew a guy that got stabbed in the leg by someone trying to mug him, he ran away. he actually mugged the mugger because he still had the knife in his leg when he ran off.

but yeah, glad you're ok.

WTF?? Them brits are crazy

[quote=WARHURYEAH]i knew a guy that got stabbed in the leg by someone trying to mug him, he ran away. he actually mugged the mugger because he still had the knife in his leg when he ran off.

but yeah, glad you're ok.[/quote]
WTF?? Them brits are crazy
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#10
10 Frags +

it's what happens when you try and mug someone with a 1 inch knife

it's what happens when you try and mug someone with a 1 inch knife
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#11
2 Frags +

Go down swinging!

Go down swinging!
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#12
1 Frags +

Everyone should also be safe on trains at night, I've had some bad experiences.

I don't know if anyone else here lives in Sydney but travelling on cityrail trains at night is dodgy as fuck.

Everyone should also be safe on trains at night, I've had some bad experiences.

I don't know if anyone else here lives in Sydney but travelling on cityrail trains at night is dodgy as fuck.
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#13
8 Frags +
etherI thought y'all americans can carry guns to defend yourselves?

You just never shut up, do you?

[quote=ether]I thought y'all americans can carry guns to defend yourselves?[/quote]
You just never shut up, do you?
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#14
8 Frags +

Have you filed a police report? Also, I dunno how applicable this is to your situation but:

http://www.reddit.com/r/3DS/comments/1d9e6n/if_you_ever_get_your_3ds_stolen_heres_what_to_do/

Have you filed a police report? Also, I dunno how applicable this is to your situation but:

http://www.reddit.com/r/3DS/comments/1d9e6n/if_you_ever_get_your_3ds_stolen_heres_what_to_do/
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#15
-2 Frags +

don't tell me what to do

don't tell me what to do
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#16
1 Frags +

Which college was this?

Which college was this?
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#17
-25 Frags +
chunkeyyyetherI thought y'all americans can carry guns to defend yourselves?You just never shut up, do you?

What did I do?

[quote=chunkeyyy][quote=ether]I thought y'all americans can carry guns to defend yourselves?[/quote]
You just never shut up, do you?[/quote]

What did I do?
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#18
-12 Frags +

So I got a 3DS yesterday. Anyone wanna exchange FCs?

So I got a 3DS yesterday. Anyone wanna exchange FCs?
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#19
2 Frags +

really unfortunate man, glad you're ok

really unfortunate man, glad you're ok
20
#20
21 Frags +

I have some other tricks I use for staying safe at night:
- park in well lit places and if at all possible outside. Parking in an enclosed structure is always dangerous because there are a lot of places to hide (i.e. stairwells) and it's easier for a person to corner you.
- if you have to park in a place you feel unsafe, park near a security camera. Most likely no one is watching it and no one can help you, but just the presence of a camera is a crime deterrent.
- if you feel as though someone is following you, pretend you're getting a phone call and declare where you are loud enough for whoever is following you to hear. Something like "What? Yeah, I'm on the way, I'm just on Jefferson and Western." That way anyone who is considering assaulting you thinks that someone knows your location and that they are expecting you.
- if you don't feel as though you can fake the call, type 911 into your phone and leave it unlocked so you can dial it without looking down if someone approaches you and so that they can hear what is happening.
- if you feel as though is an attack is imminent, try to grab your car keys and have it ready in your hand to use as a weapon.
- never stop/pullover at night for any reason. as fucked up as it is, there are too many stories of people pretending to have car trouble/waving frantically on the side of the road/tailgating to get people to pullover so they can be mugged/assaulted. If you're worried about someone, call the police and have them stop with you.
- if you're a girl, remember that it's easier to have your hair pulled when it's in a ponytail and that it's harder to run away in high heels.
- try not to walk around alone at night for any reason. many colleges campuses offer security programs where you can ask campus security either for a ride somewhere or to walk with you to the parking lot.

I think the number one thing to remember is that avoiding being assaulted will make your life much easier than trying to get out of the situation once you're in it. It seems like a hassle to have a friend walk you to your car, but when you consider the alternatives (murdered/raped/hurt), it's worth the little inconvenience. Stay safe!

I have some other tricks I use for staying safe at night:
- park in well lit places and if at all possible outside. Parking in an enclosed structure is always dangerous because there are a lot of places to hide (i.e. stairwells) and it's easier for a person to corner you.
- if you have to park in a place you feel unsafe, park near a security camera. Most likely no one is watching it and no one can help you, but just the presence of a camera is a crime deterrent.
- if you feel as though someone is following you, pretend you're getting a phone call and declare where you are loud enough for whoever is following you to hear. Something like "What? Yeah, I'm on the way, I'm just on Jefferson and Western." That way anyone who is considering assaulting you thinks that someone knows your location and that they are expecting you.
- if you don't feel as though you can fake the call, type 911 into your phone and leave it unlocked so you can dial it without looking down if someone approaches you and so that they can hear what is happening.
- if you feel as though is an attack is imminent, try to grab your car keys and have it ready in your hand to use as a weapon.
- never stop/pullover at night for any reason. as fucked up as it is, there are too many stories of people pretending to have car trouble/waving frantically on the side of the road/tailgating to get people to pullover so they can be mugged/assaulted. If you're worried about someone, call the police and have them stop with you.
- if you're a girl, remember that it's easier to have your hair pulled when it's in a ponytail and that it's harder to run away in high heels.
- try not to walk around alone at night for any reason. many colleges campuses offer security programs where you can ask campus security either for a ride somewhere or to walk with you to the parking lot.

I think the number one thing to remember is that avoiding being assaulted will make your life much easier than trying to get out of the situation once you're in it. It seems like a hassle to have a friend walk you to your car, but when you consider the alternatives (murdered/raped/hurt), it's worth the little inconvenience. Stay safe!
21
#21
1 Frags +

glad you're ok man.

dunno if your college has this, but in most of the colleges I've visited, you can use the call buttons to request a friend to walk with you, I've always thought that was neat

glad you're ok man.

dunno if your college has this, but in most of the colleges I've visited, you can use the call buttons to request a friend to walk with you, I've always thought that was neat
22
#22
7 Frags +

If you're in an emergency situation near groups of people and need someone to call the cops, don't say "Someone call the cops!", because I guarantee almost no one will. Instead, single a person out, and say "Hey you, call the cops!" and they will be much more inclined to help you. I don't remember where I read this, but it seems like sound advice for breaking the crowd mentality of nobody wanting to take responsibility.

If you're in an emergency situation near groups of people and need someone to call the cops, don't say "Someone call the cops!", because I guarantee almost no one will. Instead, single a person out, and say "Hey you, call the cops!" and they will be much more inclined to help you. I don't remember where I read this, but it seems like sound advice for breaking the crowd mentality of nobody wanting to take responsibility.
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#23
18 Frags +

i just never leave my house. thats how i stay safe

i just never leave my house. thats how i stay safe
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#24
1 Frags +

Was this at UC Berkeley?

Was this at UC Berkeley?
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#25
5 Frags +

I appreciate the concern, guys.

yankeeHave you filed a police report? Also, I dunno how applicable this is to your situation but:

http://www.reddit.com/r/3DS/comments/1d9e6n/if_you_ever_get_your_3ds_stolen_heres_what_to_do/

I forgot about that, I'll actually try that to see how that goes.

RadmanWhich college was this?

It doesn't matter, it's less to do with the college and more has to do with the area. Like I said, I've been walking around that area at night for 5+ years without any trouble at all.

AloSecglad you're ok man.

dunno if your college has this, but in most of the colleges I've visited, you can use the call buttons to request a friend to walk with you, I've always thought that was neat

Yeah, it has this service (specifically designed to stop situations like this).

xoxolauren

This is all really good advice.

MasterKuniIf you're in an emergency situation near groups of people and need someone to call the cops, don't say "Someone call the cops!", because I guarantee almost no one will. Instead, single a person out, and say "Hey you, call the cops!" and they will be much more inclined to help you. I don't remember where I read this, but it seems like sound advice for breaking the crowd mentality of nobody wanting to take responsibility.

This too, it's like the specificity makes it more urgent and less likely for the person to just say "I'll let someone else do it".

I appreciate the concern, guys.

[quote=yankee]Have you filed a police report? Also, I dunno how applicable this is to your situation but:

http://www.reddit.com/r/3DS/comments/1d9e6n/if_you_ever_get_your_3ds_stolen_heres_what_to_do/[/quote]
I forgot about that, I'll actually try that to see how that goes.

[quote=Radman]Which college was this?[/quote]
It doesn't matter, it's less to do with the college and more has to do with the area. Like I said, I've been walking around that area at night for 5+ years without any trouble at all.

[quote=AloSec]glad you're ok man.

dunno if your college has this, but in most of the colleges I've visited, you can use the call buttons to request a friend to walk with you, I've always thought that was neat[/quote]
Yeah, it has this service (specifically designed to stop situations like this).

[quote=xoxolauren][/quote]
This is all really good advice.

[quote=MasterKuni]If you're in an emergency situation near groups of people and need someone to call the cops, don't say "Someone call the cops!", because I guarantee almost no one will. Instead, single a person out, and say "Hey you, call the cops!" and they will be much more inclined to help you. I don't remember where I read this, but it seems like sound advice for breaking the crowd mentality of nobody wanting to take responsibility.[/quote]
This too, it's like the specificity makes it more urgent and less likely for the person to just say "I'll let someone else do it".
26
#26
-13 Frags +

sucks for you, gl next time mana

sucks for you, gl next time mana
27
#27
2 Frags +

california player reporting for duty.

california player reporting for duty.
28
#28
0 Frags +
MasterKuniIf you're in an emergency situation near groups of people and need someone to call the cops, don't say "Someone call the cops!", because I guarantee almost no one will. Instead, single a person out, and say "Hey you, call the cops!" and they will be much more inclined to help you. I don't remember where I read this, but it seems like sound advice for breaking the crowd mentality of nobody wanting to take responsibility.

This is very true.

It goes with the "bystander effect" and something about responsibility shift...? Pretty much, the more people, the LESS likely one person will help since they think "Oh, there's 20 of us, ONE of them will call for help..." but if they all think that way, nothing happens.But if you solo someone out or if there's only one person there, the responsibility shifts to them and they think "Crap, I'm the only one, I need to call for help".

Also, people should be intervening if they ever see something go wrong. Intervene directly, delegate and get others involved, or even "distracting" is a good method. Being a bystander is honestly one of the worst things you can do when you could be saving someone's life or something.

Anyways, I'm glad you're safe, mana. It's fortunate that you didn't get seriously injured. Hopefully your items are recovered but just being safe should be your top priority.

[quote=MasterKuni]If you're in an emergency situation near groups of people and need someone to call the cops, don't say "Someone call the cops!", because I guarantee almost no one will. Instead, single a person out, and say "Hey you, call the cops!" and they will be much more inclined to help you. I don't remember where I read this, but it seems like sound advice for breaking the crowd mentality of nobody wanting to take responsibility.[/quote]

This is very true.

It goes with the "bystander effect" and something about responsibility shift...? Pretty much, the more people, the LESS likely one person will help since they think "Oh, there's 20 of us, ONE of them will call for help..." but if they all think that way, nothing happens.But if you solo someone out or if there's only one person there, the responsibility shifts to them and they think "Crap, I'm the only one, I need to call for help".

Also, people should be intervening if they ever see something go wrong. Intervene directly, delegate and get others involved, or even "distracting" is a good method. Being a bystander is honestly one of the worst things you can do when you could be saving someone's life or something.


Anyways, I'm glad you're safe, mana. It's fortunate that you didn't get seriously injured. Hopefully your items are recovered but just being safe should be your top priority.
29
#29
-1 Frags +

I can't remember the last tine I remember people even staking stuff in my town. We all leave or doors unlocked. Damn cities you scary.

I can't remember the last tine I remember people even staking stuff in my town. We all leave or doors unlocked. Damn cities you scary.
30
#30
1 Frags +

Glad you are safe mana

Glad you are safe mana
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