I Think I’m Being Followed! What Should I Do?

Being followed sounds like something that happens in spy movies or cop shows. But it does happen in real life. So pay attention to your surroundings.

This may surprise you (or maybe not), but many people are totally unaware. You cannot protect yourself from possible harm if you don’t have any idea what’s going around you!

When you are “out and about,” pay attention and be observant at all times.

When You are Walking

Anytime you’re out in public, pay attention to what is going on around you.

Do you keep seeing the same person? Maybe it’s a coincidence. Or maybe he is following you and is looking for an opportunity to make his move.

Do you think you’re being followed? Head for a store, restaurant or any other place where there are lights and people. Call 911. If you don’t have a cell phone, ask an employee of the business to call for you.

If you’re in a residential neighborhood, try to find a lighted house with an open front yard and not a lot of shrubs or trees blocking the view from the street. Call 911. If you don’t have a cell phone, knock on the door and ask for help. Tell them you think you’re being followed and ask them to call 911.

By the way, don’t be surprised if the person who answers the door won’t let you into their home. In fact, if they’re smart, they won’t. They don’t know you. You are a stranger to them and they’re simply trying to keep themselves safe in their home. And, unless you truly fear for your life if you remain outside, you shouldn’t go in their house. You don’t want to jump from the frying pan into the fire.

Related Post: How to be Safe When You’re out Walking

More Suggestions:

• Take out your keys, knife, pepper spray or anything else that you carry/can use as a weapon.
• Show them that you are aware of them. Turn to look at the person. It sends a clear message that you will not be taken by surprise.
• If they start coming toward you, tell them to keep away and tell them that the police are on their way.
• Be prepared to defend yourself. It could get physical.
• Try to stay calm.

While Driving

Let’s say that you just made a big electronics purchase. You put the item in your car and head home. On your way, you notice that a car seems to be following you.

Maybe it’s a coincidence. Maybe it isn’t. But, just maybe, a thief saw what you purchased and decided to follow you home to steal it from you.

Or maybe there’s a predator following you for reasons other than theft. Darker reasons.

Whatever the reason, if you think you’re being followed, there are things you can do to protect yourself.

Do not drive home. You don’t want them to know where you live.

If possible (depending where you are), make four right turns or four left turns (basically, you’ll be driving in a circle). If the car stays with you, it’s safe to assume you’re being followed. Even if you loose them on the turns, if the same vehicle shows up behind you again, they may be following you.

If you are on a highway, take an upcoming exit ramp, then immediately get back on the freeway. If the car stays with you, they may be following you.

Drive to a well-lit and populated area such as a hospital emergency parking area. I used to suggest driving to a police station. But I’ve read several articles saying that, often, police station parking lots are not busy so it may be unsafe to get out of your car if there’s no one around. If you do decide to drive to the police station, call them and ask them to meet you outside.

If you aren’t close to a populated area (like a rural area) call the police and tell them what’s going on. Ask them to meet you somewhere close-by. If you happen to see a police car nearby, honk your horn and flash your lights to get their attention.

Do not get out of your car (or even stop if you can avoid it) until you get to a safe place.

More Suggestions

• Stick to well lighted roads whenever possible.
• If you have to stop at a light or stop sign, make sure you give yourself enough room between you and the car ahead of you so you don’t get trapped and can escape if necessary (in case someone gets out of their car).

Related Post: Self Defense and Safety in Your Vehicle

• Remain calm. Sometimes, people will follow a person just because they enjoy scaring them. Stay focused and don’t panic. That may be enough to cause the jerk in the car to become bored and take off.

~Shereen

Join Personal Defense Connection on Tumblr