Protect Yourself In the City: How to Avoid Becoming a Statistic
And I start off my arts-focused substack with…an essay about personal safety? It’s off-topic, but I thought it came out well when I originally wrote it sometime back in the 2010s.
I am not an expert on safety or security. However, I have lived in large cities (Chicago and Boston) for over 30 years and I have noticed some basic ways of getting around that can benefit my fellow citizens, especially ones who are new to urban environments and who (like me) travel alone most of the time.
I think it’s important to point out that Chicago is a safe city overall. Generally, if you don’t live on the South or West sides of the city, where crime has been an epidemic for decades, you’ll be fine. Statistics confirm your chances of being affected by crime are greater in about a dozen smaller cities, but because of Chicago’s size and various political stereotypes, it gets the most attention.
Over the last year there seems to have been an increase in the number of robberies and attacks of persons on the street and on the subway on Chicago's North Side. Last summer, the Lakeview neighborhood was put on high alert after several people were attacked on the street. There have also been four incidents in January that have taken place on northern sections of the Red Line.
There's always been crime in the Big City, but there seems to be an increase in the frequency and randomness of everything from simple purse snatching to life-threatening assaults in places where those things don't happen that often.
No doubt the current economic climate is leading some people to set aside their humanity and prey on their neighbors. Major cities like Chicago have always attracted a lot of creeps and professional thieves, though. Whatever the reasons, it's always a good idea to keep in mind some basic safety precautions to take when walking or taking public transportation in the city, especially late at night. Additions or corrections to this list are welcome.
The Basics
Remember that criminals are always looking for potential victims who...
1. are alone
2. look like they aren't paying attention, and/or
3. look like they can't defend themselves.
Try not to fall into any of these categories when you're commuting to/from work, out shopping or walking out in public.
Going Out at Night
If you're going out on the town (i.e., bars and clubs), travel in groups of three or more if you can. There's safety in numbers.
If you're going out for the night, leave your expensive stuff at home. Carry only what you need - your ID, some cash, a credit card, and your subway/bus pass. Go on E-Bay and buy a cheap, crappy cell phone that you can use only for when you go out to the bars. That way if it's lost or stolen, who cares?
It's always nice to meet new people, but don't go anywhere with a stranger. Try not to get so drunk that anyone can walk (or carry) you out the door without you knowing. And ladies, if someone offers to buy you a drink, make sure you watch that drink being prepared, and that it goes directly from the bartender's hands to yours.
If you can afford it, take a cab home or go ahead and spend money on a service like Lyft or Uber.
Public Transportation
When traveling on the subway late at night (or pretty much any time, for that matter), sit in one of the cars at the front of the train. If you're on a bus, sit in one of the seats close to the driver. Always choose subway cars and buses that have a lot of people in them.
Keep your valuables out of sight. Jewelry and fancy electronic gear like laptops and PDAs are easy targets for thieves.
Everyone has a sense of their personal space. When you feel someone is entering yours, look at them. This gives them a non-verbal cue that you know they are there. Don't be shy about letting people know they are standing or sitting too close to you, or getting up and moving if you don't feel comfortable around someone.
Walking Down the Street
When walking down the street late at night (or most other times, for that matter) don't text, hold a conversation on your cell phone, or bury yourself in your headphones. Always be aware of what's going on around you.
Walk with confidence - head up, looking around, moving at a brisk pace. Move like you're going somewhere.
Stay in lighted areas where other people are. Chicago is a great city for walking, and many people like to spend some quiet time alone for a leisurely stroll, but even then keep an eye out for where you are and who's around you.
If you are approached by someone asking for spare change, a cigarette, etc., politely but firmly tell them "no" and keep walking. Don't slow down or stop to engage them in conversation. This might seem rude and callous to some, but panhandling is one method some criminals use to start a robbery. Chicago has plenty of resources for people in need. You're not condemning someone to death by declining their request.
If you need to walk down side streets at night, consider walking in the middle of the street (watching out for traffic, of course) so you can see anyone approaching you. Avoid alleys whenever possible.
Worst Case Scenario
If you are confronted by a person or people demanding money, your phone, etc. and there are no easy ways out, give it to them. Cash and other stuff can be replaced. You can't.
However, if your attacker grabs you and tries to take you somewhere (into a vehicle, an alley, an an empty building), now's the time to resist. Start by screaming your head off and making as much noise as possible. Throw punches (aim for the eyes), kick (aim for the groin), bite, spit in their face, do whatever you need to do to get away. When you do break free, RUN. Run to anywhere anybody else is and draw as much attention to yourself as you can. Be embarrassed later. When you're safe, call the police.