T
eens, both genders are guilty.
So are some adults… mainly women.
While walking, standing outside a store, getting vehicle fuel, getting in their ride, driving, getting the baby out of the back seat, or in their bathroom – they are either talking on a cell phone, web surfing, texting or all three, sometimes manipulating the mechanism so they can bounce back and forth between all three functions, totally unaware of their surroundings and heedless of their personal safety.
If you are guilty of this flagrant violation of your innate defense, you might find yourself the victim of a robbery or assault.
In Vancouver alone there has been a 12 per cent increase in cell/smart phone theft, often with the assailant brandishing a weapon.
“Brad” recently had two phones stolen within a matter of weeks. The first was his own, a $500 device which he purchased from Bell Canada for $150 and a three year contract.
When Bell refused to sell him another phone for $150 “Brad” used his dad’s, which he subsequently lost to another thief.
Both thefts were the result of “Brad” walking to school wearing his smart phone’s ear buds, totally oblivious of his surroundings…until he felt the knife in his back.
Should Bell have replaced the phone for $150 or should “Brad” have to pay the full price, thereby owning his behavior?
“Since reading your column I no longer wear my ear buds when I’m outside my house. I see other women who do and shake my head at their ignorance and vulnerability,” writes one Florida reader.
The solution is simple, be aware of your surroundings and engage in phone usage only when you know you are safe. We call this the Color Code of Awareness which is used by law enforcers to provide personal safety leverage.
The Color Code of Awareness is a guide to move you smoothly and efficiently into action and to enhance your security.
Adhering to this guide will help you take responsibility for your personal protection.
White is when you’re totally relaxed with your surroundings as when you are at home with the doors and windows locked watching television.You are not in this state when out and about.
Yellow is relaxed awareness, similar to defensive driving. You know what is in front, behind and in your peripheral view.
You can live daily in this condition without any mental strain.
Orange is potential danger. You evaluate. You see the man watching you from across the street as you enter the ATM kiosk.
Your body is ready to move in response to that danger.
Red is ACTION, the threat that moved you to Condition Orange. You change your plans, return to your vehicle and choose another machine.
Criminals assume that the rest of society is at their disposal to do with as they choose.
Utilizing the Color Code of Awareness breaks that chain of prey vulnerability and gives you power over those who wish you harm.
RCW encourages you to practice this Code, utilize safe use of your communication devices and to create a plan to enhance your personal safety and that of your family.
Jon McCormick is with Rural Crime Watch based in 100 Mile House. He writes bi-monthly for the Cariboo Observer.
