In a parking lot, never park next to the sliding door of a van. If there's a van next to your driver's side door when you return to your car, climb in from the passenger side. It's way too easy to be pulled in from the wide opening of a van door when -- especially when your back is turned and you're working your door's lock.

Always have (at least) one hand free to respond to whatever needs to be responded to. Don't be afraid to drop whatever it is that's tying up your hands (unless it's a child or a weapon).

Have a separate stash of mugger money from your wallet. Be ready to throw it as far as you can if you're mugged -- muggers will likely chase the money and NOT you.

For guys, ALWAYS use a stall in a public bathroom. A urinal leaves you too vulnerable. While a stall door isn't exactly bank vault secure, it's (a) an extra step for the bad guy and (b) a moment or two extra for you to respond.

I'm sure there are other things that I do without thinking about it...

Ronin:

Glad I'm not the only one who always uses a stall.  I was the first one to speak with a customer who was mugged in the restroom of a fast food restaraunt where I worked.  I will never forget the rage and disgust on his face. Someone simply opened the door and "hugged" him while he was at the urinal.

Other hints:

1)  When exiting your house in the morning, lock the door on the way out and close it quickly.  If a bg is waiting, at least your family will be locked in.

2)  Keep a spare weapon stashed in your trunk, possibly under the carpeting.  Carjackers/kidnappers like to put people in their own trunks during transportation to a more discreet location.  It would be nice to have a second chance.

4)  Keep your gun hobby to yourself.  "Loose lips sink ships" and firearms are a prime target for burglars/robbers.

5) Put bells on your doorknobs. We use the very small ones that make noise at the slightest disturbance.

That's all I can think of now.

-White Horse

Keep your car doors locked, even with the windows rolled down.  Hints of danger mean "Go" not "stop".  See Reginald Denny for the opposite.  

Don't go out with married wimmin or play pool with people that bring their own stick.

Hey Ed, in most bad neighborhood's that I've lived in your #5 could be very bad for your health. Looking a latino gangbanger in the eyes is like saying "I challenge you". It's not a good idea.

I'd say walk erect. Look around you. Almost swagger, but don't eyeball the element.

It's also much easier than trying to keep your pistol from showing or printing.

When pumping gas don't stare at the meter and keep aware instead.
When stuck in line I often stand facing 90 degrees rather than stare at the back of the head of the guy in front of me.

That reminds me that if I have to use a pay phone (less and less common since mobile phone coverage extends almost everywhere I go now), if the cord isn't long enough for me to face my surroundings and keep my back to the phone, I move along to find another phone.

Credit card offers, etc. that come in the mail get shredded and thrown away [b]right before[/b] trash pick up OR get used as tinder. (Okay, it's not a street safe issue but identity theft ain't fun either).

If I'm in a potentially high threat area, I won't wear my watch. Not only is a watch a potential target, it's among the top three excuses used by bad guys to get into your personal space ("Excuse me, do you know what time it is?"). If I'm not wearing a watch, I'm less likely to be asked. And even if I am asked, I can say a quick, "No," and keep on moving.

My dad was a police officer and always made sure I had a empty glass soda bottle within reach. Just brake it on the dash or steering wheel and you have a instant defense weapon.

Also, in a crowded parking lot at night I always look under my car from a safe distance before I approach the door, you are vunerable for someone to grab you by your ankles and bring you down.

Some of you guys will dismiss this.

When doing the eye to eye thing with a potential threat, on a subway for instance, before anything has even happened, I imagine kicking the living shit out of that person in detail. Where, when and how hard, etc.

First it gives you a game plan. Kinda important. Also starts the adrenelin process and get's you into the game.

But mostly, it comes across. I swear I've seen a few guys completely perceive it. Not advocating ESP ability or anything, but it still comes across. Maybe just as attitude, I don't know. But I've seen a few guys who completely understood they had been threatened.

It probably has something to do with the whole non-blinking stare thing.[:D]

...mmmmmmm..... kinda like a boxing match w/o your fists raised,just sizing each other up, or hockey players facing off to fight.

1) We all cut off other drivers on the road and not think much of the other driver.  But its quite possible that the other person is pissed off and is seeking to make a revenge.  Maybe you are driving a nice car and the other person wants it.  You are well dressed and bad guy thinks you got $$$$.  If I see same vehicle following my car for awhile, I would begin switching lanes.  If he/she continues follow movement of my car, I would turn into a small side street to make sure its not a coincidence.  If all is well, I would circle the neighborhood before driving home.
2) At the intersection, I would pretend to slow down and at the last minute (before the signal turns red) I would floor the gas pedal forcing the car behind me to stop while I make a getaway.  If the follower runs the light to follow me then I know I got a problem.
3)At a drive up ATM or fast food drive through window, I would deliberately leave a space between my car and the car in front of me.  
4)Avoid eye contacts if I see threatening person walking towards me.  Look for possible evacuation route and ways to protect myself.
5)Everything is a weapon!  In a self defense situation, use anything thats available to protect you or to create a diversion.  You can put your car key between two fingers and use it as a poking device.  If someone tries to mug you at knife point in a grocery store parking lot, use the shopping cart to keep the distance between you and the knife.  Sand in the eye works.  Most building has fire extinguisher.  Spray it into the eye or use it as a club.
6)If the bad guy is armed with a gun, you might as well do what he/she says, don't fight back.  Not all of us are fortunate enough to have a CCW permit.  Your chance of outrunning the bullet is slim.  One time some guy cut me off so I honked.  He got pissed off and started following me.  So I pulled into a parking lot near an apartment complex.  He parked his car and got off.  I also got off my car.  He put his hand in the jacket and acted like he was reaching for a gun.  He then asked me what my problem was.  I told him that his car almost hit mine.  I kept my body behind the car so that if he shoots,  I'll be somewhat protected from the bullets.  I also put my hand in the jacket to pretend like I had one too.  After tense moments, he eventually drove off.  I think I did couple things right that day.  One, was shielding myself behind my car.  Two, being where other people are likely to see me or hear me.    
7) Finally, do a quick physical and mental analysis of the opponent.   Can you take on this guy?  Is he high on drugs?  Is he serious if he says he is going to kill you?  Then decide whether to fight, surrender or run.

Yeah, you noticed it too. I don't do this with everyone I encounter, only probable threats.

The following is a lengthy messages that was posted to the Tactics list by Greg Hamilton a few years ago.  

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last one, I promise

I do so many things, there are way to many to list... but reading some of these reminded me of one that relates to road rage.

If someone is driving behind you, or you are passing them, check to see if any windows are down on the side near you (use your mirrors). Keep an eye on the windows. If they are down, adjust your speed accordingly, just to ensure that nothing is thrown or to verify they are not going to shoot their gun at you.

Does avoiding driving in large cities count? (ever want to attract some negative attention? try driving really slow through west-side milwaukee after dark with rap music playing...they will all want to be your friend.[:D])