First of all, whatever you own is nothing compared with your life. Don't try to fight someone who's trying to rob you. Just get away.

A trick I learned in a self defense class is: If someone comes up to you in a parking lot and demands the keys to your car, throw them down on the ground, say, "My car's the red Toyota van over there" and quickly run away. Of course, your car's really the blue Ford Thunderbird, but he won't know that until he's trying the lock, and you're long gone!

Basically, in self defense, it all comes down to common sense. When you lose that, you're an easy target. Don't look like a tourist. Walk with a purpose. Keep your doors locked. Don't store valuables in your car. If someone tries to grab your purse, let him take it (it's that or your life in some cases). Don't let anyone put you in a car - better to be killed in public with witnesses (which is less likely to happen) than be taken to an isolated spot (where it just might happen). If you notice something amiss, don't go into the house - go next door and call the police. All those things we know in our hearts, but lose when we get careless.

Does anyone have anything that they've learned over the years? Perhaps the hard way?

BE LOUD!! Being loud attracts attention, thieves don't like attention.

Puke on them! I know-disgusting! How long will an assailant want to stick around with you puking your guts out? Better yet...tell them you have Aids!

Act familiar with them! Don't I know your mother? Might give you that extra few seconds you need.

Don't be embarassed to ask for help! All shopping malls have security staff, ask them to walk you to your vehicle. At the very least, ask a store clerk!

Linda1 is so right about losing everything you own versus losing your life. I've kind of always lived by the following quote by Eddie Rickenbacker(sp?) the pilot:

"Let the moment come when nothing is left but LIFE,
And you will find that you do not hesitate over the fate of material possessions."

BL

I leared when young and still to this day do not park near a van. If a van is next to my car when I come out of where I have been shopping I am very cautious about getting into my car. If I have to I enter through the passenger side.

------------------
Sandalwood's Cosmic Creations: Working with the magic of love....

Excellent suggestion Sandalwood!

About going into your own home when you suspect someone you didn't invite may be inside: as a matter of habit, leave a 10 or 20 dollar bill in plain sight of the open door. If it is missing, get away from the house.

fjohn that is a wonderful idea!

------------------
Sandalwood's Cosmic Creations: Working with the magic of love....

Ooooh, fjohn, I like that one too!

Bringing this one up to add to gustav's topic.