5 Important Safety Lessons We Can Learn From Kim Kardashian’s Robbery
Everyday behaviors we all do may be putting us at greater risk for being robbed.
When the news broke of the armed robbery of Kim Kardashian, journalists and fans alike started scouring Kim's social media accounts for information.
Maybe that's the problem to begin with.
If anyone with an electronic device is able to analyze Kim K's whereabouts, what's to stop a group of determined criminals from doing the same?
As the popularity of social media rises, the privacy of its users seems to disappear. Both high profile celebrities like the Kardashians and regular people are leaving digital fingerprints behind for their fans, friends, and foes all to see. The more information a user shares with the digital world, the greater the risk of them becoming prime targets for criminals.
We can learn a lot about safety precautions and smart social media practices from the events leading up to Kim's unfortunate robbery.
Don't get us wrong — we do not condone victim-blaming and believe that no one deserves to be robbed like Kim was; however, it is important to be aware of the everyday behaviors we engage in that may be putting us at greater risk.
While nothing can guarantee 100% safety, there are certain precautions we can all take to try and decrease the likelihood of being robbed.
Here are 5 important safety lessons we can learn from Kim Kardashian's robbery:
1. Avoid broadcasting that you are alone — especially when traveling.
Kim's bodyguard was not on the scene when the robbery took place, as he was with Kim's sisters Kendall Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian at a party. She even uploaded a snap of Kendall and Co. leaving for the night. Kim's friend was asleep downstairs when the intruders entered, so she was completely alone upstairs when the robbers forced their way into her room.
It is always a good idea to surround yourself with roommates at home or companions if you are traveling; there is strength in numbers. However, many people do still live or travel alone — either by choice or out of necessity. Whatever your circumstances may be, it is important not to draw attention to the fact that you are solo.
Avoid captioning your next Instagram post with "Roomies are gone for the weekend!" or using a hashtag like #homealone. Criminals often target victims who are alone because it is easier to outnumber and / or overpower them.
2. Avoid posting to social media in real time or disclosing your location.
Kim actually revealed her current location several times before the robbery occurred, posting to Snapchat in real time from her Paris rental apartment.
It's important to know how your phone's camera and social media platforms track your location so you can disable this option when possible. Many times you can turn of location services so your posts will not leave a trace of your location, but this can't be avoided when posting in real time on Snapchat. To avoid being tracked down, Kourtney Kardashian says she actually puts her phone on airplane mode and waits to upload snaps after she's left a location.
Many burglars actually target the residences of people who post on social media about leaving for vacation. If you don't want to come home to a ransacked place, you might want to wait to upload all your vacation pictures once you've returned.
3. Avoid showing off your most valuable possessions.
Just a couple days before the robbery, Kim uploaded an Instagram picture of her wearing a brand new diamond ring. An estimated $10 million worth of jewels was stolen from Kardashian in Paris.
While it might be tempting to flaunt what you've got, it also tells crooks you've got something they want. If you do own a lot of valuables, consider investing in safety deposit boxes outside of your home or hiding a safe that won't easily be found.
4. Don’t let your guard down just because you see someone in uniform.
Paris police reports suggest that the people who robbed Kim were dressed in police uniforms when they entered the building. Criminals know that people are more likely to trust them and let their guard down if they look like the "good guys." Always ask for an officer's badge, look for a squad car, and call the police station to verify the police presence whenever possible if something feels off.
5. Stop thinking it could never happen to you.
Kim Kardashian said she "felt completely safe" alone in her room the night of the robbery. And we don't blame her. After all, she was in a discreet apartment in a wealthy part of Paris where she and her husband had both stayed before.
It is human nature for us to feel like bad things only happen to other people, but could never actually happen to us. But it doesn't matter if you are a high-profile celebrity traveling abroad like Kim or an ordinary person relaxing in the comfort of your own home. You could be targeted directly by criminals or the unlucky victim of a random crime at virtually anytime. Always keep this in mind so you can actively stay smart and hopefully stay safe.
SHARE this story and help spread these safety tips!