Eid is just around the corner, and as if on cue, so and are potential muggers on every street corner waiting to pounce. The number of mugging incidents has seen a dramatic rise in the last few days although law enforcers still maintain that adequate security measures are being undertaken.

Dimly lit streets and narrow alleys are part and parcel of living in Dhaka. And as Dhaka is being emptied gradually, the roads are emptier than ever – the perfect opportunity for these muggers to strike. So it is only prudent to be prepared against potential threats of being mugged.

Put that phone away

Muggers target fancy phones. If they see you on the street chatting away on your brand new Nexus 5, then you are a target. While on the street, if possible keep your precious phone safely tucked away in your pockets or purse.

And no headphones either

A headphone, as an extension to your phone gives a mugger the confirmation needed that you are carrying a fancy phone. Sure, they might not be able to snatch it away, but what good is that if they hold a knife or a gun to your chest?

On top of that, a headphone is a distraction. It cuts you off from your surroundings. Which bring us to the next point –

On alert

Keep an eye and ear out for your surroundings. If you see a group of people huddled on the road for no apparent reason, be aware. Prudence does not cost a thing, and it's better to be suspicious than to lose your belongings.

Traffic signals

A new trend in mugging that is being reported is that muggers cut a hole on the CNG roofs, and snatch the belongings just as the traffic signals are being cleared. Traffic signals give a mugger the opportunity to hide away behind vehicles and into the crowd. If you are in a CNG, do not fool yourself into undue security.

Now you see it, now you don't

A motorcycle zooms past your rickshaw and before you know it, your purse or phone is in their hands. All you do is stare on in wonder. Keep belongings close to your, especially when you are stuck in  traffic. Remember, if they pull at your belongings, the force is going to be unexpected – which might leave you injured. Try keeping everything out of reach just to be on the safe side.

Avoid lonely roads

As romantic as the notion is, keep away from roads which are empty. This is a time when people carry large amounts of money on them. Whether you are going shopping for a cow or clothes, travel in company.

Be careful what you eat

Someone offers you food on the road? Don't take it. The number of people who have dozed off after being offered something to eat on the road is plenty. You don't want to wake up with a confused memory and empty pockets just because you could not resist a bite. These dope gangs have been active in the country for a long time, and with Eid approaching their activities are on the rise.

If all else fails…

Of course, you might be the most careful person on earth and still get mugged. If you are faced with a knife on your stomach, just let give them what they want. As precious as the new phone might be, it can't be dearer than your life. If you carry debit cards, call your bank as soon as possible. File a General Diary with the police no matter how slim the chances of you getting back your belongings. And if you carry sensitive data on your phone, then give our article on protecting data in such cases a read.