A Tired Worker, A Late Night Train Ride and A Crime Waiting to Occur

After a long day at work waiting tables, one high school senior found himself tired and ready to take his hard earned money back home where he could rest.

Before arriving back home though, he first needed to ride the CTA blue line in Chicago where it wasn’t long before he realized that something wasn’t quite right.

On the train ride he found himself being watched by a man who scanned his clothes, his class ring and what shoes he was wearing. As a result, warnings signals went off in his body. Quick on his feet he waited until the doors were closing before making a dash off the train. Unfortunately for him, the man watching him was able to get off as well.

As the man walked down the train station stairs heading for the street the high school senior knew he was in danger. Before reaching the street, the young man heard his assailant tell him to turn around. When he did so was faced with a gun the other guy was holding.

Demanding the student to hand over his money, ring and whatever else he had on him, the student knew that he was a statistic. Of course, while that incident occurred several years ago, that doesn’t mean traveling on Chicago’s public transport is any less dangerous.

According to data from the CTA, crime rates increased by 5.8 per cent in the first three months during 2010 compared to 2009. An assault was likely to take place on a CTA bus, while theft rose by 36 per cent from 2009 to 2010.

Pick-pocketing also saw an increase in 2010 and occurred on buses and trains. The most likely time a robbery or attack was likely to happen was when the victim least expected it. But, many believe in order to prevent such an incident from occurring you must always be aware of your surroundings when taking the bus, cab or train.

And always trust your gut instinct.

Even though the high school student managed to escape from the situation without any harm, he believes that if he hadn’t been aware of his surroundings he may have come off much worse. Instead all the thief managed to take was his wallet before running off.

Of course, another way of defending yourself is by purchasing pepper spray for your self defense. Small and lightweight this device is perfect for carrying around and can easily be hidden. This means that if you should find yourself the target of an attack you can surprise your attacker with the powerful spray canister.