Well, here’s some grim news for you: the crime rate is on the rise in Ottawa. According to statistics, it is estimated that crimes have increased by around 3 percent in the area. So, what does this mean for you and your family?
To start with, you need to be more careful about your personal security. After all, prevention is often a lot better than intervention when it comes to such matters. To learn about all the precautions and measures that you need to take, follow the guidelines below:
Examine Your Environment
A habit that you certainly should get into is to examine your surroundings more closely. Keep in mind, most thieves appreciate spots that are dark and secluded. So, before you get out of your vehicle, survey the area. Do you have to walk quite a bit to get to where you need to go? Are there lights illuminating the area? Are there a lot of people milling about?
If you don’t like what you see, try to drive to a spot that is more public. In case you are leaving a building at night and need to walk to your car, try to do this with another colleague. After all, thieves aren’t going to want to take on two people at once. 
Avoid Looking Like a Victim
This may seem like an odd piece of advice but it is significant, nonetheless. Understand, criminals often choose their targets carefully. So, if they see any tell-tale signs, they may be more likely to mug or hurt you. This is why you need to be more cautious about the way you move around.
To begin with, always try to walk with confidence. Don’t shuffle, walk too slowly or quickly. Instead, throw your shoulders back and walk with a medium pace. It is also a good idea to avoid any distractions such as talking on the phone or listening to music. This can make it easier for people to sneak up on you.
Be Aware of the People in Your Life
What most people don’t realise is that strangers aren’t the only ones you need to be concerned with. Although they can seem like a bigger threat, known individuals may be just as likely to hurt you. The problem, of course, is that you won’t expect a friend or acquaintance to harm you. So you might be unprepared.
To avoid getting caught off guard, get into the habit of getting online appraisals of new people you meet. There are websites that allow you to run background checks and dig up arrest records. All of this information will tell you just who it is you have let into your life.
Find a Way to Extract Yourself from Dangerous Situations
You should always have a plan for how to defend yourself if you are attacked. Some people prefer having pepper spray while others opt to take self-defense classes. In many cases, a whistle or yelling can be quite effective as well.
It is also a good idea to train yourself to leave your bag and other personal belongings and simply run away if mugged. At the end of the day, your life and safety are a great deal more important than anything you might own.
These are the top tips you should follow to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. By following these guidelines, you should put yourself in a far better position to stay protected.