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On average, according to FBI statistics, there’s a violent crime every 18 seconds, a violent assault every 29 seconds, a forcible rape every five minutes and a murder every 24 minutes. Who wouldn’t be paranoid about security with numbers like those?

It’s reasonable to take proper precautions, at home and around town or abroad, even if you’ve never experienced a crime. It isn’t healthy or necessary, however, to live in perpetual fear. After all, those statistics are the result of millions living in close proximity and there’s no breakdown according to location.

But there is a genuine need for personal security. In order to feel and actually be safer, the first thing to consider is location. Stay away from high crime areas whenever possible. When you’re on the street, don’t project an attitude of vulnerability.

Studies show that criminals choose their victims by subtle clues based on body language. Project an air that you are not to be messed with.

Be prepared. Carrying a concealed firearm is inappropriate for most people. They don’t have the training and they would hesitate to use it anyway, exposing themselves to increased risk of attack. But pepper spray, loud whistles and other personal protection devices are a low risk, yet highly effective option.

Ensure that your cell phone is charged at all times. One of the most frequent reasons people cite for having one, even when not required for business, is use in an emergency. But that value is lost if you neglect to keep the batteries up.

Vary your routine. Don’t leave or arrive home at the exact same time every day. Don’t take the same route to work, to shop or other activities.

Very few people are followed at any time in life. Most lead lives that are much more anonymous. But during divorce proceedings, romantic breakups, conflicts at work and other common human experiences the motivation for stalking is higher.

Don’t travel alone, especially to strange areas, if you can avoid it. There’s safety in numbers, even if the two or more persons in the group are not physically imposing.

It’s much more difficult for attackers, whether they be single muggers or a small gang, to subdue multiple people. One can usually delay the crime while the other phones the police. That will often lead to the criminals just leaving to seek easier victims.

When you’re at home, even if you live in a very safe neighborhood where you know all your neighbors, keep your doors and windows locked. Again, paranoia is unwarranted. But a little caution never hurts.

Rapes, burglaries and other crimes do occur during the day and at night when people are home. It’s less common, but far from unknown.

Be aware of your surroundings at home and on the road. Don’t leave your belongings far from you and don’t let children wander off.

Taking a few simple precautions can leave you in a position to relax and enjoy your life. Then you don’t have to worry as much about those horrifying statistics, since your risk of being among them is much lower.