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Playing It Safe in the Boston Commons at Night
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Are you confident that you will not be approached by a dark and ominous figure late at night as you stroll through the Commons to your friend's apartment because... well, it's never happened before? Might want to re-think your route, especially if you're a girl, because for some strange reason it's usually males who tend to have crime on the mind.
After dark is obviously the worst time to stray into or even around the Common. There are people who are looking for easy targets, usually young girls with bags who are alone. Don't be that girl, (or that guy). Here are some Boston Common Sense (like the pun? thanks) tips to help you not cross paths with potentially bad situations.
1. Don't go through the Common alone at night, especially if you're a chick. Try to go around by using the sidewalks and stay where cars and taxis can see you on as well-lit of a street as possible, or walk with at least one other person. Safety in numbers, yes?
2. Carry your keys so that the end is sticking out between your pointer and middle finger. It's easy to conceal under your sleeve and if you're approached, and can make a nice little defense.
3. If you have a purse, sling it over your shoulder and under your arm. It's a lot harder for someone to grab off of you that way.
4. Be mindful, young grasshopper, of ye surroundings. Don't look down at the ground, keep your eyes moving like they tell you for your driving test and book it towards well-lit areas, people or a building if someone starts tailing you.
5. Don't be afraid to scream. Use those healthy lungs like you're on the rollercoaster of death, because attention is the last thing a potential criminal wants.
The best way to avoid a bad situation is to not put yourself in it in the first place. If you feel weird about something, your instinct is probably right. Taking a taxi for a few blocks down is sometimes better than losing your whole wallet.
