By Jessica Van Sack, Boston Herald

3/20/08 - It may be difficult to spot a would-be predator aboard a crowded train, but Transit Police say there are ways to avoid becoming a target. Here are some tips:

Be aware of your surroundings. Often just making eye contact with a potential perv is enough to scare him away.

Rather than packing into an overflowing train, wait for the next one.

Don’t talk to strangers who try to make conversation, and if you do, convey that you know the area. Predators look for people who are unfamiliar with the landscape.

In the event you are attacked, here is some advice from the experts on how to respond:

Trust your instincts. If you think someone is touching you inappropriately, you’re probably correct.

Be loud. Call attention to the suspect. Make sure others notice.

Take note of the suspect’s appearance, especially clothing. Cameras installed at T stations often make it easy to identify an assailant using only a clothing description.

Any DNA left behind on clothing or T property could become forensic evidence, so save any samples.

Report the incident immediately. Call the Transit Police at 617-222-1212. You can also use a station call box or tell an MBTA worker you’ve just been assaulted.

Wait for authorities to arrive. The conviction rate is higher when victims give their name, phone number and a detailed account of what happened.

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