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Nobody wakes up expecting to be attacked, but the truth is, danger doesn’t send a warning. You might be walking to your car, taking the subway, grabbing cash from an ATM, or just enjoying a night out when suddenly, someone with bad intentions sees you as an easy target.
Knowing where attacks happen most often gives you the advantage. When you’re prepared, you can avoid trouble before it starts. Let’s break down the 5 most common places where attacks happen—and more importantly, how you can stay safe.
1. Parking Lots & Garages: Easy Targets, Easy Fixes
People let their guard down in parking lots because they’re focused on getting in or out of their car. That brief moment of distraction is exactly what attackers wait for.
Why Are Parking Lots High-Risk?
- Most people walk alone and aren’t paying attention. An attacker watches for someone looking at their phone or searching for keys instead of checking their surroundings.
- Cars create natural hiding spots. Criminals use parked vehicles for cover, waiting for an opportunity when no one else is around.
- Lack of security makes it easier to get away. Some lots don’t have cameras or guards, and even if they do, an attack happens fast.
How to Avoid an Attack in a Parking Lot
- Park Smart – Stay in well-lit areas near entrances and avoid parking too far from foot traffic.
- Stay Ready – Have your keys in hand before stepping into the lot. Digging for them with your back turned makes you an easy target.
- Be Aware – Walk with purpose, keep your head up, and scan your surroundings.
If someone approaches and makes you uneasy, change direction or go back inside. If you’re already near your car, get inside, lock the doors, and drive away immediately. If someone grabs the door handle, lean on the horn and alert others. The goal is to escape, not to fight unless there’s no other option.
Self-defense isn’t just about throwing punches—it’s about being proactive. The more aware you are, the harder it is for someone to catch you off guard.
2. Public Transportation: Trapped in a Confined Space
Buses and trains put you in a situation where you can’t control who sits near you. Criminals take advantage of this, especially when passengers are distracted.
How Criminals Operate on Public Transit
- They blend into the crowd. Attackers don’t always look threatening—they rely on being ignored.
- They target people who aren’t paying attention. If you’re buried in your phone or wearing headphones, you won’t notice someone reaching for your bag or moving closer.
- They work in teams. One distracts while the other steals or tests your reaction to see if you’re an easy target.
How to Stay Safe While Commuting
- Choose the Right Spot – Sit near the driver or in a well-lit area, and avoid empty train cars or dark bus stops.
- Watch Your Belongings – Keep bags zipped, wallets out of easy reach, and a firm grip on your items.
- Trust Your Instincts – If someone is standing too close for no reason, move away.
If someone harasses you, respond with confidence. Look them in the eyes and say, “Leave me alone.” If they persist, get the attention of the driver or other passengers. If things escalate, exit at the next stop and find a safe place.
Most attacks happen because the target is distracted, unaware, or unsure of how to react. Staying alert and making quick decisions can stop a situation before it turns dangerous.
3. ATMs & Banks: A Fast Cash Grab for Criminals
Using an ATM should be a quick stop, but for criminals, it’s an easy opportunity. They don’t have to guess if you have cash—you just withdrew it. Worse, most people are focused on the screen, their wallets, or their phones, making it easy for someone to catch them off guard.
Mistakes That Make You a Target
- Using an ATM at night or in a secluded area. Criminals look for isolated spots where they can act without witnesses. If no one’s around, they know you’re an easy target.
- Counting cash in public. The more people see your money, the higher the risk. You never know who’s paying attention.
- Taking too long to finish your transaction. The longer you stand there, the more time an attacker has to move in. Struggling with your card or checking your balance makes you look distracted.
How to Stay Safe When Using an ATM
- Use Indoor ATMs. ATMs inside banks during business hours are safer. They have security cameras and controlled access, which discourages criminals.
- Scan the Area. Before walking up, look around. If someone is lingering nearby, trust your instincts and find another machine.
- Be Quick & Alert. Have your card ready, complete your transaction, and put your cash away before turning around.
If someone demands your money, don’t argue. Drop the cash, back away, and get to safety. If they follow you, run toward a busy area.
Some self-defense classes like ours teach how to handle threats in close quarters, including how to break free if someone grabs you. A few simple techniques could give you the opening you need to escape.
4. Bars & Nightclubs: Fun Can Turn Dangerous Fast
Crowded places make it easy to lower your guard, especially when drinks are involved. Criminals take advantage of this, blending in and waiting for the right moment to act.
How Criminals Operate in Nightlife Settings
- They spike drinks to incapacitate victims. A moment of distraction is all it takes. If your drink is left unattended, it’s no longer safe.
- They isolate targets, separating them from their group. Predators use fake concern or charm to lure someone away. Once alone, the target has fewer options.
- They look for people walking alone at night. Someone leaving a club by themselves is an easy mark. Criminals know intoxication slows reaction time.
How to Stay Safe While Enjoying a Night Out
- Watch Your Drink. Keep it in your hand, and if you set it down, get a new one. Buy your own drinks and watch them being poured.
- Stick Together. Arrive with friends, and leave with them. No one should be left behind. If a friend disappears, find them before heading out.
- Plan Your Ride. Don’t wait until the last minute. Pre-arrange a ride or use a rideshare app with trusted contacts tracking your trip.
Dealing With Aggressive Behavior
If someone is making you uncomfortable:
- Use Clear Language. Say, “I’m not interested,” or “Back off.” Being firm and direct stops most situations from escalating.
- Seek Help. Bartenders and security are there for a reason. If someone won’t leave you alone, let them know.
- Have an Escape Plan. Always know where the nearest exit is. If something feels wrong, leave—no second chances.
Knowing how to create space and break free from a grab can be life-saving. Our self-defense instructors focus on escape techniques for tight, crowded environments—skills worth learning if you go out often.
5. Jogging or Walking Alone: Open Spaces, Hidden Dangers
Going for a run or walk alone may seem harmless, but criminals see it differently. They look for patterns, distractions, and moments when you’re most vulnerable.
Why Joggers and Walkers Are Prime Targets
- Distracted (often wearing headphones). Blocking out the world with music makes it easier for someone to sneak up behind you.
- Exhausted (less energy to fight back). A long run drains energy. Criminals count on fatigue slowing your reaction time.
- Predictable (taking the same route daily). Routines make it easy for an attacker to plan ahead. If you’re seen in the same spot at the same time every day, you’re easier to track.
How to Avoid Being Targeted While Exercising
- Change Your Route. Avoid predictable patterns. Taking different paths makes it harder for someone to plan an attack.
- Ditch the Headphones. If you must listen to something, use only one earbud and keep the volume low so you can hear what’s happening around you.
- Stay Visible. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Dark, isolated paths increase your risk.
If You Sense Someone Following You
- Cross the street or change direction. This tests whether they’re actually following you. If they mirror your moves, assume bad intent.
- Look for a public place (store, gas station, or gym) to duck into. The more people around, the safer you are.
- Make noise. Attackers hate attention. If you feel threatened, yell, wave your arms, or even pretend to call someone on speakerphone.
Our self-defense programs at Eye2Eye Combat focus on ground fighting techniques, teaching you how to break free if someone takes you down.
Knowing how to fight back, even briefly, can buy you the time needed to escape. Being prepared doesn’t mean living in fear—it means making sure you’re never an easy target.
Don’t Just Be Aware—Be Prepared with Bujutsu
Avoiding danger starts with awareness, but real confidence comes from knowing you can handle yourself in any situation. The streets don’t follow rules, and neither should your training.
That’s where Bujutsu comes in—it’s not about flashy moves; it’s about real-world techniques that work when it matters most. At Eye2Eye Combat, we train you to react instinctively, control the fight, and turn the tables on any attacker.
If you’re serious about staying safe, don’t just read about it—train for it. Join our Bujutsu classes today and become the person attackers regret targeting.
FAQs
1. What’s the most important thing I can do to avoid an attack?
Stay aware. Most attackers look for easy targets—people who are distracted, isolated, or unaware of their surroundings. Walk with confidence, scan your environment, and trust your gut. If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation immediately. Being alert is your first line of defense.
2. Should I carry a self-defense tool like pepper spray?
If it makes you feel safer and you’re trained to use it properly, absolutely. But don’t rely on it as your only defense. Tools can fail, get taken, or not be accessible when you need them most. Your best weapon is your awareness and ability to react quickly. Self-defense training helps with both.
3. What’s the best way to protect myself if I’m walking or jogging alone?
Mix up your routine—don’t take the same route at the same time every day. Keep one ear open if you wear headphones, and stay in well-lit, populated areas. If someone makes you uncomfortable, cross the street or head toward a safe location. Confidence and unpredictability make you a harder target.
4. How do I know if someone is following me?
Pay attention to patterns. If you notice the same person behind you for multiple blocks or stops, test it—slow down, cross the street, or change direction. If they match your movements, assume it’s a threat and act. Get to a public place, alert others, or call for help immediately.
5. What should I do if someone grabs me?
Your goal is to break free, not engage in a fight. Go for weak points—eyes, throat, groin, or fingers. Make noise and create space to escape. If they’re holding your wrist, rotate it toward their thumb and pull away quickly. Even a basic self-defense class can teach you life-saving techniques.
6. Are self-defense classes really worth it?
Absolutely. Knowing how to defend yourself gives you confidence and real skills that could save your life. It’s not just about fighting—it’s about understanding body language, spotting danger early, and reacting effectively. Plus, you’ll get stronger, more aware, and better prepared for whatever life throws your way.
