Muggers in Madrid?

Question

I'm travelling to Madrid on Sunday and I've heard some scaries stories about muggers.

I will be taking a shoulder bag: inside, there will be around 75E and a camera, would be the most valuble processions. I'm worried that someone is going to cut the strap of my bag and just take it really.

I'm only 13, so would that mean I would be less likely to be mugged? I will be travelling with 30 other students, and five teachers, so I will always be around them. Does that mean we would be less likely to be targeted? Other students are going to take 100E so I really hope no one spoils our trip.

If I wear a money belt, how can I wear it underneath if I'm wearing tight clothing?

Advice and tips please!

Answer this one? Kind of similar.

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ari4DkU5f2TR2EoNuGiMztUgBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20080612114229AAPHUI2

Answer 1

You should carry a dummy wad of cash... The dummy wad is 10-15 ones with a 20 wrapped around the outside...this appears to be a wad, which is what muggers want...

Make sure your real cash is elsewhere on your person...

In the event that a robbery takes place, you willfully forfeit the dummy wad, but you don't hand it to them if you can avoid it, because that allows them within reach of you, instead produce the dummy wad, their attention will now be on the wad as that’s what they want... determine which way you want to flee, then you can and toss the money in the opposite direction and hopefully it will fan out over the pavement...This will distract the mugger as it's the cash they want, and now it's blowing away...

in the instant that the muggers attention is diverted, you run in the opposite direction as fast as you can, remember you're running for your life so act like it... if you even have to face off with an attacker turn your body sideways toward your attacker...That way you have just decreased the size of the target he must now hit by at least 50 to 65% on average....that means he has a harder time hitting you... Also as your running,something like only 15-20% of shots fired at a running target actually hit their target and inflict serious wound..... Keep running and don't stop...

Keep your valuables hidden on your person and if you carry a bag, and someone makes a grab for it, let them have it... don't resist...Only resist when someone is trying to harm you or to get you to go with them...

NEVER EVER go with an attacker quietly...

What your allowing that perp to do is to remove you from one crime scene and to take you to a more suitable crime scene so that he may rape and or kill you with less chance of getting caught.

If faced with an abduction, IN ALL CASES, Scream, Run, Make noise, yell FIRE, anything you can do to draw as much attention as possible...

Might the attacker harm you if you do this?... YES, but trust me when I say, he was planning on harming you anyway... so you might as well make your stand where you are....

Many times when you resist, or cause a perp to alter his intentions because YOU made him change his MO, he will abort and run...

Try to remember as much facial features as possible, moles, scars, tattoo's size of ears, shape of nose etc... many people do many things to alter their description, but the face cannot really be altered beyond facial hair...so this will become your most important facts to remember...

Also on the street, trust your sixth sense, almost ALL victims that are interviewed after an attack, say they knew something was up right before their attacker made his move... Well if you think something’s up... Change things into your favor by reacting NOW< instead of after he grabs you or pulls a weapon... Cross the street in the middle of the street, walk into a business you have no interest in...and always walk nearest the curb, this way, no one can snatch you into an alleyway or breezeway to rob or assault you...

Also, when you have such occasion to come face to face with an attacker/mugger, stare into their eyes, and even try not to blink if you can...

This also has a Psyche effect on an attacker...they aren’t used to being stared down like the animal they are... don't look away, keep that mean stare and don't flinch, and if he says "What are you looking at" say nothing, don't flinch and don't take your eyes off him until your safe...all the while noting physical descriptions...

Become street smart, and your chances of becoming a victim have become dramatically reduced...

Good Luck in life...

Answer 2

there are muggers everywhere- you need to use precautions anywhere you travel- indside the US and out

carry your bag strap slung across your body so it can't be slipped off your shoulder

use a bag that can be zipped shut all the way so that no wandereding hands can just reach inside and take something

when in crowded areas likes buses, entry lines, museums- keep one hand on your bag and keep it in front of your body

muggers/pickpockets often operate in pairs- one will distract you while the other helps themselves to your possessions, it's very sad but you will see moms using their babies to do this, it's best to just ignore beggars

if you have a money belt pick out clothing that will allow you to wear it properly otherwise what's the point in having it?

you will probably be just fine- learn to be aware of your surroundings and the people close by

have fun!!!

note about above poster: don't let him scare you. all the stuff they recommended is great but, really, I have been to Europe many times, sometimes all alone, and I have never ever had anyone try to mug me; being in a group will make it a lot less likely this will happen- your biggest worry should be pickpockets, not muggers