People say you don’t become a New Yorker until you’ve been mugged. That’s great for New Yorkers, we wish them all the best at becoming natives, but what about us, the tourists who simply want to enjoy a few days of sightseeing without having all our money stolen and being scarred for life from the experience of mugging? Well, there’s hope for us, don’t worry. Here are some tips on how to avoid getting mugged in New York.
- If you look like a tourist, you’re an easy target – thieves look for people who are so taken in by the sights that they won’t bother to guard their stuff. So, when visiting New York try your best to blend in. No I Love New York T-shirts or baseball caps – and if you must take pictures, try to do it effortlessly, like a native. You’re probably not going to be very successful at this, but try your best.
- Do not wear gang colors. If you’re in Manhattan, this probably won’t count too much, but if you’re venturing out in Bronx try to keep it as neutral as possible. Don’t wear red, blue, purple of green – it will definitely mean something for a lot of people and trust us, you don’t want it to come to that.
- Keep your eyes open – if you see someone that looks a bit theif-y than trust your instincts and avoid them, cross to the other side of the road or enter a shop. Now, don’t overdo it, there are a lot of freaky, funky people in New York, and they’re not all thieves and psychopaths.
- Look tough and you won’t be messed with – try a skull hoodie and a big jacket. They may not be too fashionable, but they’ll do the trick!
Now, if you do your best and you still get mugged, don’t panic – we mean it, do not panic. The muggers will probably want your money and that’s about it. Here’s what not to do when you get mugged.
- Pull out a knife – don’t get tough, you don’t want to provoke your attacker for a couple of bucks.
- Have some money prepared in case you get mugged. Not too much that your budget will take a hit, but not too little that your mugger will be angry at you.
- Don’t scream and shout – Once again, don’t try to stop it, it will happen, whether you like it or not. Try to get it over with soon, by giving the thief all your money.
