There are a lot of things you can do to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of a crime. Among them:

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that will allow you to walk briskly (or run) if needed.
• Don’t wear yourself out. The more exhausted you are, the less alert you will be.
• Read about the city you’ll be visiting. Buy a map to familiarize yourself with the city layout to avoid becoming lost in dangerous places.
• Seek advice from hotel personnel and guidebooks about any special precautions you should take or any areas you should avoid.
• Leave expensive—or expensive-looking—jewelry at home to avoid catching the eye of a thief.
• When possible, use credit cards and travelers’ checks instead of cash; never count your money in public.
• Travel in a group when you can or walk near other people (e.g., when leaving a theater).
• When in public, avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist: Don't stand on street corners looking at maps. Try to walk confidently; this will deter many criminals.
• Use caution when using ATMs and don't carry too much cash around with you—most places accept credit cards and there are ATMs everywhere.
• After dark, stick to main streets if you don't know where you are going. Avoid areas that are not well lighted.
• If you feel uncomfortable or lost, approach a police officer or a friendly storeowner to get your bearings or directions.
• If someone threatens you for your wallet or other valuables, give them up without a fight and get out of the situation as soon as possible. No possession is worth your life.
• Always walk away from trouble such as angry mobs, arguments, riots, and police action. Never respond to insults and provocation directed at you; instead, calmly walk away.