Study Suggests Attackers Choose Victims Based on the Way They Walk

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3. Makes sense.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]I've always heard that people who look alert, aware, and purposeful don't get attacked as much as people who look distracted, confused, or aimless. Makes perfect sense to me.

One day, I was putting groceries in the car when I sensed movement behind me and to my right. I looked back and saw a young man in motion, just a couple of feet away. I immediately stood up, looked him in the eye, and said in a friendly tone, "Hi. Is there something I can do for you?" He started mumbling about how he thought maybe I needed some help, so I firmly assured him I did not and he hurried off.

I'm pretty sure he'd had something else in mind when he saw me leaning into the back seat with grocery bags, my purse hanging from my shoulder. After that, the purse went into the car and out of sight first.

I've told my daughter the same thing: Always look like you know exactly where you are, where you're going, and what you're doing -- even if that may not be the case at the moment. Another thing is to always make sure your wallet is put away before you leave the store; never ever be seen putting cash or credit cards away while you're walking.