What are the warning signs of an impending hold up — those subtle clues that could tip you off, before a criminal sticks a gun in your face?
At the top of the list is a dark and foreboding presence in a passer-by. A would-be robber or assailant may sport a sloppy and unkempt appearance. If a passerby looks like he hasn’t put a comb through his hair in some time, his clothes are dirty and wrinkled and his pants are drooping, keep a close eye on the person. If he’s covered in bizarre tattoos, has a bandana wrapped around his head and is sporting enough bling to look like a prototypical gangster, he likely is one. Such body ornamentation is often the give-away trademarks of a person with a lawless attitude. When pants fall below the waist and the overall mood is dark and foreboding, you could soon find the barrel of a handgun aimed at your face.
Here are some other signs that may tip you off to approaching danger, particularly if you are walking in a crime-ridden neighborhood. The suspect is hyper-vigilant, or displays unusual attention to the people and things around him. His eyes may dart about and movements appear agitated and jerky. Behavior may be excitable or hyperactive. Skin appears clammy or wet. Hands, arms and shoulders will often look rigid and tense.
People who carry weapons may fidget with their clothing, or show an unusual degree of self-consciousness about how their coats and shirts hang. Clothing pulled to one side or the other may indicate the person is carrying a handgun. Take note if the suspicious person straightens or pulls out a shirt tail, pulls down the bottom ribbing of a jacket, or brushes hands across the outside of their pockets: All those are signs that indicate the person is armed. If the individual moves his hands back and forth across the waistline and belt area or unzips or unbuttons a jacket, that presents yet another clue.
When someone approaches you wearing unseasonably heavy clothing or wearing more layers of clothing than seem typical, be on the alert. A shady-looking character who wears a rain or trench coat on a cloudless day, with hands thrust into deep pockets is yet another tip-off to potential trouble. If the concealed hand appears larger than normal, watch out. The overall profile of the person may appear unsymmetrical, and clothing may reveal unusual bulges and stretch wrinkles.
Always remember to pay close attention to your surroundings when you are out on the street. That way, you will be able to respond quickly and effectively to a threat — whether that means engaging your own weapon or seeking immediate cover from an assailant.