I spent several years as a retail store manager on Michigan Avenue. It always use to amaze me how I would see some unsuspecting tourist walk into my store and be completely oblivious to the guy wear the long, beat up overcoat in sunny 90 degree weather trailing close behind them. It was like watching a bad reality show take place right in front of me.



As a store manager, I would frequently walk around the seating area and notice women with their purses hanging open with there item clearly visible. First of all, it's not smart. Second of all, I don't need to know that your monthly women issues have returned. Way to much information! Being safe in Chicago is easy, but you just have to ensure that you keep a few key things in mind.

1. Watch your stuff.

You're not in Iowa anymore (forgive me Iowa folks). If you're downtown shopping, even on the Magnificent Mile, you need to keep tabs on your purse, wallet, bags, laptop, etc?. I can't tell you how many times I would walk around my store and see a laptop sitting on the table with no one around. I would wait a few moments just to hear the bathroom door opening and someone jogging back to the table. I guess the jog made them feel like their stuff was safe.

If you leave your stuff open and left alone, there is a good possibility that you might not have it at the end of the day. You don't have to grab you purse and bags if some offers to open the door for you (weirdo), but just be aware of your things at all times. It sound simple but people sometime forget while in the comfort of the high-end shopping world of Michigan Avenue or when they're with a group walking down State street talking about how much fun they just had at Navy Pier.

2. Conversations with the homeless and strangers.

Look, the homeless exist. It's a fact. If a homeless person is asking you for money the chance is that they actual want it! (Ha! You didn't know that!) If you choose to give them cash, that's okay. However, don't pull out your purse or wallet on the street in order to dig out that cash or change. Have some in your pocket. Drop your change in their cup. Keep it moving.

If they want to stop and have conversation, say "no thank you". Some homeless people sense weakness and will keep following you if you let them. Sorry. I've seen it happen. If they think they're going to follow you, turn to them and tell them, "I said, no-thank you (like you mean it)" and keep going. If you just ignore them, they may keep following you.

Also, if some non-homeless "looking" stranger walks up to you and starts telling you some sob story?watch out! They're trying to get into your pockets. Let me just say. Conversation with people on the street you don't know, asking for money seems?well, strange (hence the word strange-er). Keep you and yours safe. Just tell these people "no thank-you" and keep it moving. There are places for people with sob stories to get help. The city has lots of services. Ironically, the sob stories usual stops when they see a cop walking down the street. Nice.

3. Increase your awareness at night.

It is true. The thieves come out "more" at night. You don't have to go back to your hotel room and get your piece when the sun goes down. However, you do need to look around more and see the happenings going on around you. Chicago is not a dangerous city for tourist, but things sometimes happen and being aware of your surroundings will help keep you safe. At night, you may have the same number of strange-ers around, but less of the friendly faces like yours.

4. Know your public transportation.

Know where you are going. Make sure of the route if it's a bus. To be honest, there are some train stops you don't want to get off on by mistake. If you miss your stop a Wrigleyville to see a Cubs game, you can easily end up at a stop you don't want to be at. Have you ever been at Argyle at night. Hell, have you ever been at Argyle at day. Know where you are going. Don't trail your family around in a bad/wrong neighborhood and stopping strange-ers asking where's Harry Caray's restaurant (By the way. It' at 33 W Kinzie Street). You might find a helping hand or you might not.

5. Remember to have fun. How does this make you safe? Chicago is a fun city. If you not comfortable, you don't think clearly and may not make the best decisions. If you're so focused on getting robbed or getting taken for a ride, you'll miss the reason why you came to Chi-town. Chicago is hardly one of the most dangerous cities in the country. We are not a mugging capital. However, don't have your fun ruined by not remembering the four rules I've given you above?and please, don't be that person standing in a store on Michigan Avenue talking to the manager about how you think someone stole your money. You'll probably get a police report filled out (a good souvenir), but don't count on getting it back'I'm just saying. So stay safe and have fun.