In our busy world, we have a natural tendency to classify “traumatic” events as mostly chaotic and random. However, from a rational and scientific point of view, a little-known universe with no order. Violent crimes, especially when they are faced with unsuspecting, often seem to follow our natural tendency towards this “theory of chaos”, but, as a rule, the order of these events. By studying some of these variables, we can better understand and thereby protect ourselves from these terrible events.
There is a big axiom developed by Marc McIun (a well-known self-defense expert) that simply says: “what you think you know will kill you!” Mr. MacYoung points out that crime is really a process, with easily identifiable steps. This theory is supported by the research of recent decades by researchers around the world. Once a person learns to identify the characteristics of these “stages” or variables, as I like to call them, it is easier to avoid or fight crime.
First, we must understand that criminals support themselves by committing crimes! These people absolutely must comply with a number of guidelines in order to be successful. Unsuccessful criminals are either in prison, either dead, or just starting a criminal life. In a very real way, the most dangerous criminals can often be newcomers who make mistakes, who change their original intent. Look at it this way, if a muggler could just get your money without any contacts, would he? Most criminals have to maintain their lifestyle, and killing someone over $ 100 is not a very effective way of running a criminal enterprise. However, escalation in situations often leads criminals to more “forced” situations. Given the choice to go to prison for 10 years or beating your head, most criminals will hurt you and not go to prison. The fact is that we know that any criminal simply “must” make certain things successful.
There is a fairly simple formula that demonstrates the 3 main variables that must exist for a criminal to begin an attack. MacYoung expresses this formula as a triangle, but the variables are simple: Intent + Opportunity + Ability = Crime. If we can recognize the existence of this formula, then we can learn to assess situations in the same way as criminals do. As soon as we learn this habit, we can more easily avoid or be ready for this event. Criminals always strive to steal, but other variables may not be optimal, and this is how they evaluate who commits the crime and where. The possibility of excessive victim power is most important. Weapons and physical characteristics play a vital role here. The third variable is an opportunity; where, obviously, the environment, the nearest, and the targets should be set. If all these variables are in tact, and you are the target, then you are attacked!
Reverse logic is what we must use to remove at least one of these variables. If you are not in areas where criminals are waiting for you, then there is no possibility. If this is not like someone who can be crushed, then the risk of attack is less. This is a complex variable that works easily if you don’t look like Chuck Norris. Self-defense training, a non-lethal self-defense weapon or a firearm hide the playing field in secret, but you can still become the main target for the offender. Criminal intent is the only variable that cannot be eliminated. Violent criminals at some point decided that they were willing to use violence to get what they wanted. The only defense against this variable is to eliminate one of the other two. In the extreme case, if you are driving a tank, then the offender may not believe that you can be easily attacked.
This web site has very detailed information on this subject. In the meantime, think like a criminal before you go down a dark alley. We can not always choose where to go, or even how to get to different destinations. Watch people in areas where existence is possible, they look as if they can attack you, then they probably could. Are intentions, capabilities and abilities in place? If so, you should probably remove yourself, or you should be covertly prepared for the attack. Once you realize that a violent crime is not chaos, but an orderly and semi-logical process, you can deal with the problem more easily. I hope this article has helped you at least know about it, and I provide good links to resources that will help you learn more.
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