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Street Violence

Frequently asked questions

Do street crimes only happen at night?

No. The number of crimes committed against people (such as theft) is usually higher during the day, at times when there is more movement and interaction between people (for example, on public transport there are more crimes during rush hour, when people are travelling to and from work/school).
On the other hand, crimes involving the destruction of buildings or structures (for example, vandalism) tend to occur during the night, when there are fewer people around to witness or stop it happening.

Am I safe if I carry a weapon?

No. You may think you are safer by carrying a weapon (such as a knife) because you think it can scare whoever wants to rob or assault you… but that is not what happens in reality. Carrying a weapon, even for self-defence, may place you at a greater risk of being harmed if someone tries to assault or rob you:

  • the weapon may be used against you by the offender;
  • the weapon may cause the opposite reaction to what you expected: it may anger the aggressor and make their reaction more violent;
  • you may get hurt using it;
  • you can be punished by the Law if you use and hurt the person who approached you.

Should I react aggressively if someone tries to hurt me?

No. Reacting with violence when someone tries to rob or assault you can increase the likelihood of the offender becoming more aggressive or violent towards you. In these circumstances he/she can use more physical force or a weapon to get what they want and you run the risk of suffering an injury. If at anytime someone approaches you on the street with the intention of assaulting or robbing you the best is to not put any resistance.

Who are more likely to be a victim of street crime: boys or girls?

Any person can be a victim of street crime. These are normally crimes of opportunity, that is, they happen because the offender spots an ‘easy’ target. This has nothing to do with the fact that you are a boy or a girl; instead it is associated with where you are (for example, whether there are people or cameras around) and the objects you are carrying (having your mobile phone out or placing it in an accessible place can make you an easy target).