Many people, especially women, have felt like they were being followed.
In fact, former CIA officer Jason Hanson even said on the Rachael Ray Show that:
“75% of women say they thought they were being followed at one time and they had no idea what to do about it.”
Being pursued or stalked is an uncomfortable feeling that no one should have to experience. But if you have ever felt like someone was after you, then these tips may just keep you safe.
How do you know you’re being pursued?
A lot of websites, including The Art of Manliness, suggest trusting your gut instincts.
Your body can often recognize danger long before you do, so it’s a good idea to listen. But there are four practical and logical things you can do to confirm your suspicions.
Stop
If you feel that someone is stalking you, try and stop in a public place like a restaurant with clear windows. You can see if your suspected pursuer enters after you or stops at the window to look at you.
Turn Around
If you are in a public place with lots of people, you can try turning around and walking towards your suspected pursuer. Amateur stalkers may get flustered and walk away. This also gives you a better chance of noticing facial features and clothing in case you have to call the police.
Change Your Pace
Someone following you will have to match your pace. Try speeding up and slowing down. If your pursuer matches your movements, then you can likely confirm that you are being followed.
Make unneeded turns
Whether you are driving or on foot, try making four left or right turns. If a suspected pursuer makes those same turns you do, then its a very high likelihood that you’re being followed.
All of these tips are part of staying alert and maintaining a stronger situational awareness.
If you confirm that you are being followed, then what do you do?
So what do you do if you are being followed? Jason Hanson suggests that you stick to public places with lots of people where you can feel safe. Even at night, there are likely restaurants, bars, and hotels that you can walk into if you don’t feel safe.
If you are on foot, try calling the police or a trusted friend to ask for a pickup. If you are driving, then it may be a better idea to drive straight to a police precinct and ask for help.
Is there something that you should never do if you are being followed?
If you suspect or confirm that you are being followed, there are certain things that you should never do.
Don’t go home.
Even if it may seem like a good idea to go home and lock the doors, you may be giving away your address to someone that might want to hurt you. Instead, stick to well-lit public places or go directly to your nearest police precinct.
You could also try losing your pursuers at a subway station or bus stop by getting on the vehicle at the last possible moment, before the pursuer can react.
The key is never being alone or isolated…
Be sure to watch the video below to hear Jason talk about what to do if you’re being followed!
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