32 Street Smart Tips That Could Help You Out

These could potentially save your valuables or even your life.

Published 2 years ago in Ftw

The world is a beautiful place. But it's also a troubled one. They say every light casts a shadow, an adage that proves far too true too often. That's why it's important to, while having fun and without succumbing to paranoia, to know a few tips here and there that can help you navigate the shadowy aspects of life and come out the other side whole. Down below are a few dozen street smart tips that can help keep you, your loved ones and your valuables safe.

1
Always put something between yourself and the ground, even if it's just a piece of cardboard. Especially on asphalt, it absorbs heat and it will feel like it's sucking the life out of you

2
If someone asks you for help. Like 'my car won't start' or, really anything. Don't help them but offer to call someone for them. I learned this ~10 years ago. I had to do a thing in the bad side of town once a week early in the morning. I would get there ~5:00 a.m., they opened at 6:00 but I wanted to get in and out and leave. There were a few other regulars at that time for the same reason. One I befriended was a lady named Kim. We were both there one morning. A couple of guys pulled up in their car ~100' from us. They got out, lifted the hood made some noise, called us over to help them. They were having car troubles. Kim told me to stay where I was, I shrugged and said 'OK'. She walks over, they talk a few minutes, they drive off and she comes back. Kim says "They didn't have car trouble, they were going to rob us". I say "Seriously? No s**t. Why did they drive off then"? Kim says "I showed them the gun in my hand". Then she showed me the gun in her hand. I said "Oh. OK"

3
Only break one law at a time.
4
This one isn’t so much protection, but when you’re walking and you know how people do that little shuffle thing when they walk towards each other because you don’t know which way the people are going. Well if you maintain a line of sight in a direction, not looking into the eyes of people coming towards you, people will just move out of your way. No awkward little dance.

5
Another tip: get to know your local homeless people. If you live in a city and regularly walk past the same homeless people, stop and say hi once in a while. Just have a brief chat and give them some change. Even a smile helps. Believe me, these guys know EVERYTHING about what happens on that block. If you're ever in trouble, they'll help you out if you've been friendly, or they may just pretend they didn't see a thing. They can also help watch your car - for instance if someone dings it and drives off, they might even get the plate for you. View the street as their home; when walking on the street, you're walking through their living room. They can be excellent hosts. This doesn't apply if you're traveling in a new city. Not worth befriending a homeless guy if you're only there for like 2 days.
6
Never show your watch, wallet, or phone in areas known for pickpockets. Also don't touch your pockets if you see warning signs, because a good thief will be watching to see which pocket your valuables are in. And when approached by someone on the street be mindful of who else is watching and what is behind you. Try and keep everything in front of you and don't be afraid to shout and swear at them to get attention. If someone puts a gun or knife in your face don't be a hero.
7
Listen always and speak only when you need to. People don't know when to shut up.

8
Look with your eyes, not your head.
9
Walk on the road if you’re in a real shady neighborhood and it’s late at night. Not in traffic but away from alleyway entrances.
10
Wear shorts under ur pants keep your valuables in ur shorts

11
If an attractive woman asks for directions, look for her partner behind you or going into your car to take what they can grab. Typical vacation area scam.
12
Exercise your legs. Although in a bad situation they'll probably feel like wet noodles, if needed you'll be able to run. It will also show in everyday life that you are capable of moving effortlessly. Most people are sluggish and it's not hard to notice.
13
Your elbow is the strongest joint on your body… take advantage of it when you can.

14
You can get into a lot of places by holding a pizza.
15
Always get the money upfront. People who want to pay later probably won't and then things can get messy.
16
If you see something potentially illegal going on don't look directly at them. Especially if you know that you're not going to be reporting it to the police.

17
Never count your cash in public even if in singles.
18
If you're in the hood and you see kids playing outside, you're probably safe. If there are a lot of people outside but no kids, be super cautious and walk with a purpose. If it's empty or only teenagers/young adults, get out asap.
19
Confirm the license plate and make sure you are getting in your proper Uber/Lyft.

20
Blend in. Everywhere. Even if you’re faking it. And, if you’re faking it, get out as soon as you inconspicuously can.
21
If someone is asking you for help, but you need to follow them around the corner to help them... don't. Politely say you're late to a meeting and keep walking.
22
Always check the toilet paper roll before taking a dump.

23
Know where the exits are at all times.
24
If you ever find yourself homeless in a big city but want to keep clean because of job/hygiene standards/whatever, look into gyms in the area. Many of them have very low-cost memberships or even free trials for a certain amount of time. Head on in, get your shower, brush your teeth, and get yourself all cleaned up. Hope it helps anyone who needs it as much as it helped me.
25
If you are feeling unsafe, find the biggest friendliest person and act like you know them, chances are they will understand, help you out and you'll end up making a friend. Had a group of young men once nod in a targeting manner towards me in a dangerous subway station in SF, the big dude I sat next to, and acted like I knew, was understanding when I explained why I was sitting next to him, we ended up chatting during the subway ride too. Very cool guy.

26
Trust your gut. If anyone seems a little too friendly, get away ASAP.
27
If you're uncomfortable with your surroundings, leave. Your unconscious is often more aware of your surroundings than you'd think. If something you can't figure out is telling you to go, listen to it.
28
If someone approaching you says “hey man, I ain’t gonna rob you” - they’re probably gonna try to rob you.

29
Ladies, never leave your drink unattended and don't accept drinks from strangers when you didn't see the drink being made.
30
There is no shame in running away from a fight.
31
If someone starts to loudly state that they’ve lost their wallet or phone, don’t obviously or immediately go to check on yours in your bag or pocket. It’s a common pickpocket technique to get people to show the pickpockets where their stuff is.