If It Happens to You...

You are walking alone on a deserted street late at night. Suddenly a stranger steps from the shadows and jabs a sharp object in your ribs. "Gimme your wallet," he demands.

What should you do?

Do not resist. Immediately hand over your wallet, your watch, your jewelry and anything else the mugger wants. That is the primary survival tip given by law-enforcement officials across the nation to potential victims of armed street criminals. Says officer Michael Sansky of the Los Angeles police department: "If he's got a weapon, you go along with whatever he says. You're not going to gouge out an...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!