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How to defy the drive-bys |
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Written by Dr Mark L. Siefring M.D. M.S. ABIM
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Monday, 24 May 2010 09:13
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Motorbike-riding thieves are one of the scourges of Saigon. However, there are ways of discouraging these unscrupulous speed demons. Dr Mark L. Siefring M.D. M.S. ABIM reports.
A women is walking down the street carrying her purse and from out of nowhere two guys on a speeding motorbike come up from behind and snatch her purse. The thieves rush off, not caring if the victim has been knocked down or is being dragged along on the ground as they continue to ride. This scenario is becoming increasingly common in Saigon and anyone is a potential victim. Women in particular tend to be targeted, but guys with backpacks or anyone talking on an expensive phone can fall victim to these crooks and the results can lead to serious injuries and trips to the emergency room.
How can you prevent this from happening to you? The overall key is to make yourself the least likely target by following these simple rules:
1. Always be mindful of your position along the street. Avoid walking in the street and, as much as possible, walk on pavements and position yourself as far away from the curb as possible to prevent being accessible to motorbike thieves.
2. Appear aware. Look around you at all times and glance back regularly. Be aware of your surroundings and especially of motorbikes carrying two riders, even making eye contact to let them know you are aware of their presence. Thieves usually search for the easiest victims and avoid targeting victims who may appear to have some time to react.
3. Keep your purse firmly in hand as much as possible and don’t use the straps which represent the grip targets for thieves. The strap can lead to you being pulled down and dragged. Hold your purse on the side of your body away from the street side.
4. Wear both straps of a backpack; just using one strap over the shoulder makes it easier to snatch off your back. If you are in a busy, crowded area backpacks can be ideal targets for pickpocket artists who find it an easy task to open the zipper compartments. Money and valuables should be kept in the front pants pockets or in a hidden money belt under your blouse or shirt.
5. Be careful when exiting any banks or ATM kiosks after having just made a cash withdrawal. Some thieves specifically lurk around these areas looking for victims.
6. When possible, try to avoid carrying bags and/or purses while walking or riding a motorcycle as they are targets for the thieves. Avoid wearing gold necklaces, big jewellery and rings. If you are wearing such items or carrying bags take a taxi to minimise your exposure to this kind of assault.
7. Travelling and shopping with a friend is best. If one person has the misfortune of being pulled down or injured, a companion is there to help.
If you do get pulled down, let go of the purse or bag - it’s just not worth getting hurt for. There are stories of people hanging onto their belongings with the thieves being pulled off from the bike, but the much more likely event is that you get dragged down the street on your face, or back, as these guys usually don’t care what injuries you sustain. If you are pulled down and do sustain injuries, it is best to seek medical attention as the wounds are often dirty road abrasions, or lacerations (cuts) that need good cleansing and possible closing of the wound with stitches. A tetanus vaccination is almost always desirable in such a case.
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