By Carla Wintersgill
Your safety on campus can be reduced to simple math. Chris Beninger, Ryerson security’s chief of crime prevention explains that the formula for crime needs three elements: a victim, an assailant and an opportunity. Take away the opportunity and you reduce your chances of becoming a victim by 90 per cent.
Unsurprisingly, to avoid a mugging, prevention is key.
If you have to walk across campus at night, don’t go by yourself. Arrange to walk with friends, or if you can’t, call campus security for a safe walk. They’re available 24 hours a day and security will escort you anywhere on campus or to a nearby parking lot.
If you are walking alone, stick to well-lit, busy areas and avoid shortcuts down dingy alleys or through empty parks. Be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid listening to your IPod. You might be loving the new Kanye West album, but you won’t hear someone creeping up behind you.
In the event that you are mugged, don’t argue and don’t fight back. You may be extremely attached to your new phone, but it’s not worth your kidney. Stay calm and try to memorize a description of your assailant. Focus on distinctive details like tattoos or scars.
When it’s over, call the authorities as soon as possible.
The quicker you report the incident, the more likely your mugger will be caught.
Leave a Reply