How not to become another crime statistic
Published on: Tuesday, May 05, 2015
Kuala Lumpur: We are confronted with daily crime news like a man who was slashed at an ATM while withdrawing money in Kota Damansara or two armed men robbing a convenience store in Alor Setar. Snatch thefts are also a constant threat.The crime index in Kuala Lumpur is 74-51 and safety rate, 25.49.This is according to recent figures on Numbeo, touted as the world's largest database of user-contributed data about cities and countries worldwide.
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A crime index level of up to 50 is considered reasonable, while levels of more than 100 are too high.Crime safety adviser Shamir Rajadurai of KickOut, an outfit which offers self-defence and martial arts training, said: "The sad reality is there is no 100pc full-proof way of totally avoiding being a victim. If anyone tells you there's a way, they're not being honest." For more street criminals, their main motivation seems to be opportunity. At the first chance, he will attempt to steal money and valuables.For example, if a criminal spots a person using the ATM, they will then take the opportunity to rob that person later with a weapon.
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A snatch theft is also a crime of opportunity. Some crime techniques never change. Snatch theft methods have remained the same, as well as smash-and-grab attacks on cars.Pickpocketing also has not changed much, aside that now criminals work in a group to distract their victim.
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However, criminals are slowly becoming more savvy. Some criminals recently used malware-infected ATM cards to withdraw money from other users' accounts.They have also attempted to persuade their victims to give out their card numbers and other personal details over the phone by posing as bank staff."Always remember that the bank will never ask you to reveal your details," Shamir advised.Hit-and-rob is another new technique. Criminals will lightly hit their victim's cars with their own, forcing the driver to stop and come out to check for damages.With the victim distracted, a partner will either steal the victim's belongings or the car.There is no way to stop crime from happening, but we can prevent ourselves from being a victim.First, we should be aware of what is happening around us. Avoid dark areas like alleyways during night time. That is the best location for criminals to strike.To prevent yourself from being the victim of snatch theft, do not get distracted by your phone while on the street.If you have a sling bag, do not wear your sling bag across your body. Instead, wear your sling bag by your shoulder, so that you will at least break free easily if your bag gets snatched.Our lives are more important than our material belongings.Fight back only if your own life is threatened. If your belongings are what the criminals are after, let them have the things especially if they are armed with a weapon."Always scream as loud as you can," Shamir added. "There's a 50pc chance people might help. It's better than nothing. No harm done."Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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