NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – As the sun sets earlier in the fall, people should protect themselves against growing crimes of opportunity.

Public safety officials tell 10 On Your Side that reidentifying potentially dangerous spots in your routine can help you better plan for your safety. For example, when leaving work, Officer Jude Brenya suggests staying off your phone while walking to your vehicle.

“Pick your head up, be aware of your surroundings, pay attention to your surroundings while you go into the vehicle,” explained Brenya. “Whether if it’s in a parking lot or not. People are paying attention to their cell phones rather than where they’re walking.”

Brenya adds that bad actors can take advantage of your lack of vigilance. They will also go as far to target not just you, but dimly lit areas. Try parking close to your door or under a light if you know you’re getting out late. If you still don’t feel safe, Officer Brenya says there are steps you can take to better protect yourself.

“You could learn some minimal self-defense if you’re not confident in your ability to be able to defend yourself,” he said. “Even the cell phone I’m talking about, that’s a bad thing… but it can also be a good thing. One thing you could do is pretend you were talking on the phone with somebody.”

He believes the appearance of being on the phone can help off put crimes of opportunity, or that a real call could even provide a second person being able to call 911.

If you feel unsafe at any point, Brenya says not to hesitate to call for help.

“Always trust your instincts and guts. We have those for a reason and it’s okay to trust your instincts and guts,” he explained. “That’s what we’re there for.”

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