- Staying alert and aware of your surroundings, avoiding dangerous areas, constant communication with family and friends, are some tips that experts give to prevent crime.
- According to a study by ALTO, surprise robbery in the Metropolitan Region increased by 18.2% compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting a national trend.
According to the Center for Public Studies 2023 survey, crime was the main concern of Chileans with 60%, that is, 6 out of 10 mention that this is the main problem that affects their daily lives. In fact, in the first quarter, surprise robbery in the Metropolitan Region increased by 18.2% compared to the same period in 2023, according to a study by ALTO, reflecting a national trend. In Arica and Parinacota thefts increased by 22.5%; in Antofagasta, robbery with intimidation 10.8%; in Atacama, surprise robbery by 10%; in Coquimbo, violent vehicle theft 26.9%. In O'Higgins and El Maule, robberies increased by 22.3% and 66.7% respectively. In Bío Bío, theft of objects from vehicles increased by 11.4%, and in La Araucanía, theft with intimidation increased by 19.1%. Aysén and Magallanes suffered significant increases in thefts of objects and vehicles, with increases of 100% and 90% respectively.
Amid a worrying increase in crime rates in the country, citizens are increasingly looking for ways to protect themselves while walking the streets. With a challenging outlook, it is crucial to take precautionary measures to safeguard personal safety.
In this context, Juan Ignacio Duarte, cofounder of WiseCity, an application to improve the safety of people in their cars, walking, riding a bicycle or motorcycle, points out five key tips to stay safe and prevent any criminal act:
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings: It is vitally important to pay attention to the people and vehicles around us, as well as poorly lit or lonely places. This can help anticipate possible threats and act preventatively.
- Avoid dangerous areas: Knowing the areas considered high risk and avoiding traveling through them, especially at night or during infrequent times, is a prudent measure. When planning routes and trips, it is advisable to opt for safer and busier routes.
- Constant communication with family and/or friends: Keeping in touch with them, especially when leaving home or work, can be of great help in case of emergency. Sharing location in real time through mobile applications and establishing communication protocols if necessary can facilitate a rapid response to risk situations.
- Self-defense and preparation: Having basic knowledge of self-defense and personal safety techniques can be invaluable in dangerous situations. Attending specialized courses or workshops, learning self-protection techniques and having items such as whistles or alarm devices on hand can increase the chances of defending yourself against an attack.
- Cooperation with prevention applications: Currently, WiseCity is a free downloadable application with the addition of a free ''SOS'' button, through which you can alert the monitoring center of a criminal act that is occurring. in real time. ''We are characterized by being a fundamental tool to combat crime and strengthen security in a community network,'' says the expert.
Furthermore, Duarte points out that the key is “never to confront the criminal, but to avoid him.” It is important to follow recommendations such as not talking on the phone in public, not entering an ATM at night, not withdrawing large sums of money from the bank, etc.
