With Carnival season in full swing, crowds and festivities can also bring increased security risks.
Lead Instructor at the Firearm Instructors Regional Association, Brian Caruth, is urging the public to be more aware of everyday habits that could leave them vulnerable.
Mr. Caruth said simple actions, often done without thinking, can put people in harm’s way.
He explained that one such scenario is letting your guard down when interacting with strangers.
“So somebody come now and ask me the time. ‘Hi, good afternoon. What’s the time?’ ‘Um, 5:15. Have a good day.’ I put a defensive barrier between us, so I have offense and defense and I also have visuals because she may be the distraction.”
Mr. Caruth is also warning against carrying phones in back pockets.
“You have now opened your house door and allowed a person to enter, your personal information, your private pictures and family memories that you may have, your banking account, and whatever information that you may be deem sensitive will be there. It’s the day of technology, people hack your phone.”
The instructor also shared a safety tip that is applicable all year round. He is advising the public to vary their daily routines and travel routes, a simple practice that can reduce the risk of being targeted.