Stalking the Easy Marks Downtown

[gnome]

This plan may have some legs, except for the uncomfortable fact that most of the Grandmothers around here are only 37 years old.

[Zacha341]

Right! And some of these 'granny's' may be packing heat! I too have sensed and have indeed being 'marked' in varied situations, mainly at gas stations or when I am walking.

In all cases I let the person[[s) know I was aware of their proximity. And they moved on. You cannot be polite as defined by: pretending their presence and pending actions are not happening. They must know you are AWARE!

Yet, being direct confrontational is to be avoided when possible [[unless you are ready). It's a delicate balance, in part from being careful, and watching your surroundings.

The pursuing criminal type is 'counting' on you being politically-correct-polite [[I refuse such such coyness and denial) as though what IS about to happen is NOT about to happen!

Usually when they see you are directly and distinctly aware of and responding to what is coming they move on to someone else.

This plan may have some legs, except for the uncomfortable fact that most of the Grandmothers around here are only 37 years old.

[rb336]

I remember back when I worked in Jamaica, my driver and I would sit out in ocho rios and pick out the ones who were going to get robbed - usually the typical "ugly american" types or the african americans who tried "acting jamaican"

[majohnson]

Gannon,

I was not implying anything by saying you felt unsafe. I think many people feel a certain amount unsafe or atleast on guard.
As a citizen you should feel entitled to asking for whatever level of conventional police support that would make you feel safe.
I would like to see police officers walk/bike Park Street and other

I am only asking that you think deeply about whether those people walking behind you were actually robbers.
Detroit is filled with blight, however most empty houses are not crack-houses or crime dens , they just happen to look bad.
Detroit also has a large number of people who are not well pressed and presentable.

I doubt you think anyone not well dressed is a potential robber.
But I think you may be erring on the side of suspicion when the person also behaves unconventionally.

A robber with a handgun will not be deterred by a weaponless person who says hello.
A robber without a weapon will try to bump a person and make off with the victim's purse or backpack. A robber without a weapon will not request money from a wallet, the victim may beat them up, have pepper spray, or more simply just run away.
A robber with a gun already has her finger on the trigger when making the final approach, turning around to greet them only changes the time of initial contact.

PM me if you want to grab a beer at Park bar.