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Expert: Body language can deter criminals from targeting you

Van Geffen: Criminals are looking at you, they're addressing you

SAN ANTONIO – Law enforcement experts believe street crimes like thefts or muggings are often crimes of opportunity, and there are some things you can do to keep crooks from targeting you.

Sgt. Russ Van Geffen, with the San Antonio Police Department, says body language is one way to keep criminals from targeting you, because they often look for victims who are not alert.

"They're looking at you, they're addressing you," Van Geffen said.  "Is he paying attention?  Is she paying attention?  Are they on their phone?  Are they going to be clueless? Can I grab something from them and get away and they'll never see me? Because if they don't see me, how are they going to report me later?"

Aside from paying attention, Geffen said, carry yourself with confidence.

"Walk with a purpose.  Don't walk kind of strolling about," Geffen said.  "Walk like you mean business, because when you're doing that, you're hardening yourself.  You're making them look like ‘this person knows what they're doing.'"

Geffen said it's also wise to have your keys handy, your cellphone out of sight and to be scanning your surroundings while walking to your vehicle.

"Don't be on your cellphone. Don't have your head down paying attention to your cellphone," Geffen said.  "I want your head up.  I want you visually scanning your surroundings.  If you see someone, I want you to make eye contact.  Let them know, I see you, because that hardens your target."


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