The crime didn't happen at UMB, but the lessons learned can help our community.
It was a bright morning in 2018. I was walking from my apartment in Mount Vernon to State Center, where I worked at the time. I made that journey hundreds of times. I had become complacent.
Just two blocks from home, I was streaming a podcast through one headphone in my ear. “Just one headphone is safe,” I told myself. “I can still hear what’s going on with the other ear.”
But I didn’t.
I didn’t hear the footsteps as they quickly approached from behind. Before I knew it, someone else’s hands had closed around the bag I was loosely carrying in my left hand. The thief continued running, looking back to see if I was following. I wasn’t. How could I? I was completely shocked.
It happened to me, but I could have easily taken several small steps to reduce my risk. Learn from my mistakes so it doesn’t happen to you.
- Stay aware of your surroundings. Responding to a text message or listening to “just one headphone” is enough to distract you. Keep your eyes up and ears open so you know if something is amiss.
- Secure your valuables. I was loosely swinging my bag in my hand, making it easy to grab. Instead, use a backpack or cross-body bag with a secure zipper or other closure. Your bag should have more than one snap, which can be easily opened without you noticing.
- Use well-traveled routes. My route to work was quick, but there wasn’t a soul around, which made me an easy target. Walking one block east would have delayed my commute, but the extra people around may have dissuaded a would-be criminal. (At UMB, you can request a Safe Walk or Safe Ride.)
- Seek (or offer) support. Seconds after my bag was stolen, someone leaned out the window and shouted, “Are you OK?” This simple gesture of kindness helped more than that person knows. I wasn’t alone. When I called the police to report the crime, the officer was kind and empathetic. I was trying to laugh it off, but he saw right through my act. He showed compassion and understanding for the trauma I’d been through. Support comes in many forms, and it matters. Ask for help.
While this crime happened years ago and several blocks away, my hope is that sharing my story helps someone else stay safe.
If you have experienced a trauma, resources are available. UMB’s Student Counseling Center and Employee Assistance Program provide free 24/7 support. UMB Police and Public Safety offers support for victims and witnesses of crime by calling 410-706-6882.