When was the last time you did not find a crime report in your daily newspaper or on the television?

Robbery. Burglary. Assault. Acid attacks. Dowry deaths. Eve teasing. Rape. Kidnapping. Murder.

No longer is crime just about organised gangs and mafia type attacks.

More and more daring attacks are reported, sometimes for as little as a few hundred rupees.

Crime is an inescapable part of our lives today. Some are so horrifying that they remain in the headlines for a long time.

Others do not even make the news. They have become so common that they are not considered newsworthy.

Under this category come crimes like pick-pocketing, drunken misbehaviour, public fights or brawls and many more.

There is a bigger category -- of crimes that are not reported because the victims are too scared or doubt they will get justice.

Crime does not just happen to other people only. You could very well be the next victim if you don't learn to keep your eyes and ears open.

Crime is not always committed by attackers unknown to you.

Although there are no 'absolutely safe' places, Get Ahead, along with Tops Security, a reputed Mumbai-based security services provider, brings you a two-part series on how to avoid some common traps and be safe.

Text: Nitya Satarkar
Illustrations: Dominic Xavier