Mugging Manners

If you get mugged – should you politely hand over your valuables? Maybe...

Hopefully you’ll never need to use this advice – but criminal analyst Dale Yeager says if you get mugged – consider politely handing over your valuables – and avoid making eye contact. He explains that the theory of throwing your stuff at a mugger is a bad one because many street criminals value respect over everything else. As crazy as it sounds - throwing stuff at them could be interpreted as disrespectful and could trigger more violence.

Just don’t be TOO polite. If the mugger doesn’t take off right away after he’s got the goods – don’t follow additional instructions like “get down on your knees” or “walk into that alley.” This is the time to run for it. Muggers who want more than your valuables often intend to commit murder or sexual assault.