A basic goal in our civilized society is to assure the “safety” of our people.
Do you generally feel “safe”?
Most of the time, most of us probably would answer, “Yes.” But still, there are far too many incidents that threaten the safety of some of our people.
It may surprise many of us that the Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies lists Chattanooga as having a crime rate among the “top 20” for cities of our population, 100,000 or more.
Crime rates also are reported up in East Ridge, Red Bank and North Georgia. The reports indicate there are many robberies and burglaries.
Robberies involve personal encounters when criminals confront their victims. Burglaries generally involve break-ins of homes and businesses where there is no personal face-to-face situation.
That the latest annual report from FBI statistics says 8,462 such crimes per 100,000 population have been reported in Chattanooga should be a matter of concern for all of us. The basic reaction should be for all of us to seek to avoid situations that invite or allow criminal attacks.
The best way to prevent burglaries, of course, is to make sure our homes and businesses are secured by good locks, lights, alarm systems and other such precautions. Don’t let burglars think they can “get in” and “get something” and “get away” easily without detection.
The worst potential danger occurs when a burglar invades a home and surprises someone face to face.
In robberies, there is always danger, because a criminal may be armed and agitated, and the victim is apt to be fearful.
The best defense is to avoid situations where such confrontations are easy for criminals. Avoid being isolated, in dark places, and where targets are vulnerable and offenders have reason to believe their victims are unlikely to have immediate help.
Unfortunately, there is no shortage of criminals. Our best way to avoid being victimized is to think ahead to avoid circumstances that might make lawbreakers believe they can easily succeed in their intended offenses.
Our police try to protect us. But we need always to be cautious to avoid becoming a victim.