Effective Psychological Tricks to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Crime on Public Transportation

Using public transportation is an inseparable part of urban life. Although convenient and efficient, the risk of becoming a victim of crime such as pickpocketing, scams, or sexual harassment is always lurking. The key to staying safe lies not only in physical awareness but also in mastering psychological tricks to project yourself as an individual who is not an easy target.

This article will comprehensively explore the psychological and practical strategies you can apply to enhance your safety and minimize the potential of becoming a soft target for criminals.

Why Do Criminals Choose Specific Targets?

Criminals, especially pickpockets and scammers, tend to select victims based on perceived vulnerability. In the psychology of crime, this is often referred to as "Victim Selection." They look for:

Distracted Individuals: Someone overly focused on their smartphone, asleep, or looking confused and panicked.
Those Who Appear Weak or Unconfident: Slouching body language, avoiding eye contact, or slow gait indicates a lack of awareness and readiness to fight back.
People Flashing Possessions: Expensive clothing or accessories, handling large amounts of cash, or using expensive gadgets conspicuously.

Understanding this mindset is the first step to turning the tables; by projecting psychological strength and active vigilance.

Essential Psychological Tricks to Deter Crime

You can use simple psychological principles to send a subconscious signal to potential criminals that you are not an easy mark.

1. Project Awareness and Self-Control (Situational Awareness)

This is the most critical psychological trick. Criminals want to act undetected. If you show that you are fully aware of your surroundings, you immediately become a high-risk target for them.

Maintain Active Gaze: Periodically shift your gaze across your surroundings slowly and deliberately. Brief eye contact with people around you signals that you "see" and "remember" their faces. This is a powerful form of psychological deterrence.
Avoid Excessive Distraction: Limit the use of headsets or headphones in both ears. If necessary, use them in only one ear so you can still hear the surrounding environment. Do not sleep on public transport, especially when traveling alone or during high-risk hours.
Watch for Suspicious Movements: If someone is staring at you too long or tries to approach you without a clear reason, change your position or stand near an official. Trust your instincts—if it feels wrong, it probably is.

2. Master Assertive Body Language (Confidence & Dominance)

Body language is non-verbal communication that conveys messages about your psychological state. Criminals look for signs of weakness.

Stand Tall: An upright posture, shoulders back, and a steady gait show confidence. Confident individuals are perceived as more ready to defend themselves.
Hold Your Belongings Tightly: Sling your cross-body bag in front of you, and firmly hold the straps of your backpack or handbag. This action psychologically indicates that you value your possessions and are prepared to defend them.
Prepare a Mental Script: Mentally rehearse what you would say or do if someone approached you. For example, if someone touches you, you will say "Keep your distance!" in a firm tone. This mental preparation helps you stay calm and act faster.

3. Control the Display of Wealth (Pacing & Blending)

The psychological principle here is "do not stand out." The safest target is one that looks ordinary and doesn't attract attention.

Keep Valuables Stored: Avoid taking out your wallet or expensive phone unnecessarily. If you must use your phone, make sure you stand with your back against a wall or corner, and hold it tightly.
Use Secure Bags: Choose a bag with double zippers that can be locked, or one that is always positioned in front of your body (within your line of sight).
Avoid Flashing Luxury: Minimize the wearing of conspicuous jewelry or expensive accessories. A simple appearance helps you blend in with the crowd.

Practical Tactics Based on Environmental Psychology

In addition to individual tricks, there are tactics that leverage the psychology of the environment and the crowd.

Environmental Psychological Tactic	Practical Application on Public Transport	Psychological Impact on Criminals
Maximum Visibility	Choose a seat in a crowded area, near the driver/attendant, or in a women-only carriage (if available).	Reduces the opportunity to act because the risk of exposure or intervention by others is very high.
Evacuation Readiness	Know the location of exits/emergency routes. Do not sit too close to windows or doors that can easily become an escape point for pickpockets.	Provides a sense of control and minimizes the chance of being "cornered" in a secluded spot by a perpetrator.
Utilizing the Crowd	If cornered, stand near someone who looks friendly (e.g., an elderly person, a couple, or an official) and make brief, non-verbal eye contact with them to establish a visual connection.	Shows that you have identified "Potential Witnesses" or "Allies," making the perpetrator think twice.

Crucial: Assertiveness During Conflict

If you feel targeted or witness a crime, your reaction must be quick and assertive.

Dare to Voice Discomfort: If someone violates your personal space (especially in harassment), reprimand them loudly and firmly with phrases like, "Stay away!" or "Don't touch me!" Perpetrators often rely on the victim's silence. A loud voice draws public attention and disrupts their action.
Shout "Fire" Not "Help!": If you are in an imminent danger situation, shouting "Fire!" is psychologically more effective at attracting a crowd's attention than shouting "Help!". Shouting "Fire" triggers a universal danger instinct that strangers are quicker to respond to.
Report Immediately: Do not hesitate to use the emergency button or report immediately to security personnel. Documenting and reporting the incident creates a greater deterrent effect on the perpetrator.

Conclusion

Staying safe on public transport is not about hoping for luck, but about planned vigilance and strong psychological projection. By combining situational awareness and confident body language, you can effectively transform yourself from an "Easy Target" to a "Vigilant Observer," thus drastically reducing the chances of criminals making you their victim. Always prioritize your safety and trust your instincts.