WASHINGTON — There have been 680 robberies in D.C. so far this year, a 28 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
While robberies are on the upswing in the city, there are ways to avoid being robbed.
“You have to maintain common sense [and] not let yourself be an easy target,” says D.C. Police Lt. Ed Aragona. “You’ve got to walk confidently. Act like you know where you’re going. Don’t appear to be lost or not knowing what’s going on around you. They pick easy targets, if you look like an easy target they’re going to pick you.”
On a recent anti-crime walk that Aragona led in a Southeast D.C. neighborhood, the veteran officer shared tips to help prevent robbery. The Metropolitan Police Department also offers personal safety tips, which include not walking alone during late-night hours and, in fact, walking in groups whenever you can.
“Don’t expose your cellphone to everyone, because that’s one of the most frequent items being stolen,” Aragona says.
It’s wise to stay in well-lit areas, avoiding alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas and shortcuts. Walk on the sidewalk, close to the curb, avoiding doorways, bushes and other possible hiding places. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and flashing expensive jewelry in public.
Let someone know where you’re going and when you’re expected to arrive. That way, police can be notified quickly if you face trouble.
“Don’t go near ATMs or stores that you’re not familiar with or with people that you don’t know. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right,” Aragona says.
