Which routes are unavoidable? Map them first.
Mark the high-risk spots you pass daily—subway exits, narrow streets shared with vehicles, bar districts, gang hangouts, underpasses/overpasses, isolated parking lots, etc.—and build your personal risk map.

• Google Maps + On-the-ground checks
• Compare daytime vs. nighttime observations

Try to avoid being alone during the hours when the fewest people are around.
The same street at 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. can feel like two completely different worlds. Assess the times you commute, return from night shifts, or finish social events, and try to avoid overlaps with last-train rushes or bar-closing crowds.

• Avoid closing or clearing-out hours
• Don’t be the last person left on the street

Don’t stand out: adjust how you show valuables, dress, and carry your bag.
In high-crime areas, aim for a “nothing worth stealing” look — keep brand logos low-key, avoid holding your phone in your hand, turn backpack zippers to the front, and skip any outfit that screams “tourist.”

• Low‑profile clothing
• Wear your backpack in front
• Split and stash your cash separately

The neck houses critical blood vessels (carotid arteries, jugular veins) and nerves, so even a brief sharp attack can cause severe bleeding or shock. In urban high-crime areas, assaults often occur at close range.

• Nighttime bar streets or alley conflicts usually involve close-quarters shoving and quick knife strikes.
• If an attempted robbery of a bag or phone fails, attackers may retaliate by targeting the neck or torso.
• Narrow sidewalks, stairwells, and subway exits limit your ability to retreat.

✔ Principle: Neck protection should resemble an ordinary scarf or hood to avoid drawing unnecessary attention or causing misunderstandings.

Commute after work through a “subway exit + bar street + open parking lot” sequence

Stick to busier main streets, avoiding narrow alleys; add 5 extra minutes if needed.
Keep your phone and wallet in inner or front concealed pockets; avoid using your phone while walking.
Clothing: Swap your regular business jacket for a Stab-Proof Business Jacket or wear an inner stab-proof vest.

• Recommended gear: Business Jacket / Inner Worn Vest + Neck Protection + Compact Flashlight

Returning home alone after weekend nightlife (old city district)

After drinking, opt for licensed taxis or ride-hailing services; avoid disputes with strangers on the street.
Casual attire can be upgraded to a Slash Proof Hooded Jacket with slash-resistant hat or neck guard.
Before exiting the vehicle, use a flashlight to quickly scan the surroundings and building entrances.

• Recommended Gear: Slash Proof Hoodie + Slash Proof Hat/Neck Guard + EDC37 Flashlight

Night shift at convenience stores / small bars / ride-hailing drivers

For fixed shifts, always wear an inner stab-proof vest under your T-shirt or uniform.
Maintain a safe distance between yourself and customers/clients to avoid sudden close contact.
Keep cash secured in a drawer or use a Fingerprint Lock to minimize visible cash exposure.

• Recommended Gear: Stab Proof Inner Worn Vest + Fingerprint Lock + Low-profile Jacket

• Treat your stab-proof jacket or vest as your commute uniform: wear it whenever passing through high-risk areas, no need to decide daily.
• Neck protection can match the season: use a slash-proof hat or neck guard in fall/winter, and a lightweight neck guard in spring/summer.
• Use a fingerprint lock on frequently used backpacks, gym lockers, or temporary doors in rental spaces.
• Keep your EDC flashlight with your keys or waist bag so it’s always accessible, avoiding the “it’s in another bag when I need it” problem.

• “I’ve lived here for years, nothing will happen.” – Personal feelings of safety don’t equal actual risk. In high-crime areas, preparation should be based on probability, not perception.
• “I don’t cause trouble, so no one will bother me.” – Many robberies or assaults aren’t about provoking anyone; perpetrators target easy opportunities.
• “Won’t carrying protective gear make me look scared?” – True professionals prepare discreetly; it’s about safety, not bravado or image.

• Identify at least 1–2 people you can contact immediately in case of danger: friends, colleagues, or family.
• Arrange with neighbors or coworkers: if you haven’t returned home by a set time, they send a check-in message.
• Establish a “check-in habit” for regular routes, e.g., send a quick “arrived home” message to a group.
• If possible, add an extra lock or security device at home entrances to reduce the risk of unauthorized entry or tracking.

• The tips on this page aren’t meant to create fear—they’re here to give you a calm, actionable plan for staying safe in high-crime areas.
• If you’re preparing protective gear for your family, feel free to share this page with them and check off each point according to your routes and scenarios.