"There was research conducted a few years ago with individuals convicted of violent crimes. These cons were in prison for serious, predatory acts of violence: assaults, murders and killing law enforcement officers. The vast majority said that they specifically targeted victims by body language: slumped walk, passive behavior and lack of awareness. They chose their victims like big cats do in Africa, when they select one out of the herd that is least able to protect itself.
"However, when there were cues given by potential victims that indicated they would not go easily, the cons said that they would walk away. If the cons sensed that the target was a 'counter-predator', that is a sheepdog, they would leave him alone unless there was no other choice but to engage."
Lt. Col. David Grossman
Lessons learned?
Look and act like a hard target or a sheepdog:
1. Get fit.
2. Look around and let people know you are alert.
3. Stand up tall and walk with confidence.
4. Train in the shooting and fighting arts.