What to Do if You are
Attacked or Robbed

        Falling victim to a crime can happen to anyone, at anytime. In this situation, there are two priorities: the first is your safety then the second priority is catching the criminal to retrieve your property. The absolute first priority should always be your safety and survival through this ordeal. Many victims are immediately outraged by an attack and fear does not have time to set in. Chasing your attacker can be very dangerous. Many criminals who perform this type of crime are desperate for the smallest amount of money. A majority of them are stealing to support a drug or alcohol addiction, and their reaction to confrontation is completely unpredictable.

        Most robbery's are commonly referred to as "snatch and grabs". The criminal will run passed you and take items right from your person without hardly slowing down. Some, however, may be more confronting and terrifying. No matter the case, always keep a focused mind. Do not argue with your attacker, especially if they are armed with a weapon. Speak in a clam voice and make mental notes of your attackers height, approximate weight, race, clothing description, facial features and any distinguishing scars, marks or tattoos. Give the attacker what they ask for and let him/her on their way. Then immediately get to a safe place, call "911", and if possible write your mental notes down on paper while they are still fresh in your mind. This will greatly assist the Sheriff's Office in capturing your attacker.

        The use of chemicals (Mace or Pepper Spray) on an attacker is very effective in some cases but you should know when and when not to attempt using it. Chemical sprays are no match for a handgun or knife. While chemical sprays may impair the attackers vision or breathing, it will not impair the use of their hands and legs. Spraying an attacker armed with a gun is NOT recommended in any situation. Even spraying an attacker armed with a knife is recommended only if there is a safe distance between you and your attacker. That distance must be determined by YOU. The safest usage of chemical sprays are on an unarmed attacker. The exception to this must be determined by you while considering factors during a specific incident. (FACT - An average man armed with a knife at a distance of 15 feet away, can be within arms reach before the average trained Police Officer can draw a weapon out of its holster. The moral of this story is- The hand is quicker than the eye).