DFW Scanner

Welcome to the second article in our series called #FastFive, where we provide five fast tips to educate and inform you on a variety of topics. For ten years, DFW Scanner has published daily news content, covering emergencies in communities across North Texas. Now, we are trying to do our part to not only keep you informed, but educated as well, to reduce these incidents and keep you safe.

Incidents of violent crime in our local neighborhoods have been widely reported here on DFW Scanner. It seems like half of the stories posted onto our site involve someone being shot. This has led many to ask the question: why so many shootings?

According to a recent FBI report, murder and nonnegligent homicide rates in the first six months of 2020 were up 15% when compared to the first six months of 2019. The same report also lists the south region of the United States as the only part of the country that has seen violent crime increase by 2.5%.

Most of the shootings that occur daily are not random. They are either domestic in nature (a partner or spouse) or known criminal activity (gangs, someone has beef with someone else). So, it’s important for us to tell you that the likelihood of being robbed and / or shot is very low; however, it is equally important for all of us to stay aware and deter any potential criminals from getting to that point.

Here are five fast ways to avoid being the victim of a robbery and potential shooting:

1) HIDE YOUR VALUABLES

Flashy tech watches and Ray-Ban sunglasses may be cool to wear, but they make you an easy target for a robbery. Whether you are headed out for a night on the town or running into a convenience store for a quick snack, you could be approached at any time of day or night. It is important to hide your belongings, such as your phone, purse / wallet, jewelry, to deter the robber from eyeing an attack.

If I am walking through a downtown area, especially at night, I take off my wedding ring and college ring (Gig ‘em Aggies) and put them in each pocket. I usually walk with my phone in my hand, just to make sure any suspecting criminals know I have a way to call police. I would recommend against putting your phone in a back pocket or shirt, as this may be an easy target for the robber.

Hiding valuables in your car is also important. While robbers look to strike when you are away from the car, reducing your risk of injury, you can deter them from breaking in by hiding any items you may be temporarily leaving in the car. For example, if you must stop at the gas station to fill up, make sure your phone and jewelry are hidden in the middle console or other concealed area. Personally, if I must leave my car for a quick second, I put my phone under the driver’s seat, because there is no way for anyone peeking in to see it. Of course, always roll up your windows and lock your doors.

2) WHEN WALKING ALONE, STAY OFF YOUR PHONE AND TAKE OUT YOUR HEADPHONES

Robberies can occur at any time and on any day of the week; however, late in the evening and during the early overnight hours are the most prevalent. If you are out in public during those times, you are at an increased chance for a robbery.

If you walk to and from work, live in a walkable community such as a downtown area, or commonly exercise by walking, you should be very cautious when out and about. Stay aware of your surroundings by paying attention to where you are walking (stay off that phone!) and remove your headphones. Robbers tend to strike when the victim least expects it. Stay off your phone, take out your headphones while walking, and stay vigilant.

A few weeks ago, a 19-year-old college student was shot and killed in downtown Dallas while walking along the sidewalk. While police are still investigating the crime, it is important to remain aware when walking through a downtown area, especially on a weekend and late at night.

If you choose to exercise at night, it is also important to stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t listen to your music too loudly and always look ahead along your path. Avoid wooded parks and unlit areas. A couple was recently attacked in a robbery while walking through an Arlington neighborhood at night.

3) CHECK YOUR SURROUNDINGS WHEN WALKING TO AND FROM YOUR CAR

A common type of robbery is a carjacking. This allows the robber to rob you of your vehicle and take off in a hurry. If you are walking to or getting out of your vehicle, it is important to keep your eyes peeled for any suspected robbers.

Parking garages allow plenty of spaces for suspecting robbers to hide. If you are parked in a garage, it is best to have someone accompany you to your vehicle. Most robberies occur as a one-on-one interaction, so if two or more people are walking together, that will likely deter the criminal. Always park near the exits so you can leave quickly. If someone is following you, or a suspicious person is nearby, call 9-1-1 if you feel endangered.

Just last month, a man was robbed at gunpoint while exiting his vehicle in Dallas. Luckily, he was not injured, but the outcome could have been much worse.

Some of us leave or arrive home from work during the early morning or late evening hours when it is dark. Before you get out of your car, even at home, look around the neighborhood for any suspicious vehicles or persons. If you spot a car that is out of the ordinary, stay in your car with the doors locked. When you exit your vehicle, always stay vigilant and keep one eye on your surroundings. If you see a potential robber approaching, get in your vehicle, lock the doors, and leave immediately.

Fort Worth PD recently arrested an 18-year-old man for shooting and killing a man during an armed robbery at an apartment complex. It occurred around 4:00AM on November 1st.

4) STAY IN LIT AREAS

One of the most common ways to deter robberies, and most crime, is to stay lit!

A robber is most likely to strike in a dark area, so the victim and any witnesses are unable to get a description of him or her.

If you are parking late at night, choose a spot that is well lit. If you are walking through a downtown area, always choose the side of the street that is lit with streetlights. You can always carry a small flashlight if you know you will be in a dark area, ripe for a crime to occur.

Most robberies avoid out in public, but you can always install additional lighting at your home to avoid a home invasion robbery.

5) AVOID ATMS AT NIGHT

ATMs are nice for a quick grab of cash, but they can also be bait for a suspecting robber.

If you must use an ATM, do it during the day. It is best to avoid ATMs and other cash-dispensing machines at night, even if you are at a drive-thru bank.

If it is an emergency, or you cannot wait, find an ATM that is in a well-lit area, such as a convenience store or quick store. Places like CVS are 24-hours and have ATMs inside. Get your cash and leave. Do not dilly dally!

These five tips will keep you safe from being the victim of a robbery and potential shooting; however, no one is exempt from such an event. You must also prepare for the moment that a robber may strike. If you fall victim to a robber, especially if he or she is armed, give up your possessions, especially if you are unable to adequately defend yourself. Your stuff is not worth loosing your life. Most robberies are done within a minute, so get as much information as you can about the suspect (gender, skin color, age, hair color, attire, etc).

Be safe!