A renowned serial killer profiler with 50 years of experience has revealed the steps women must take to avoid becoming the next victim.
Dr. Ann Burgess, who has spent decades researching the minds of serial killers, discovered that these individuals always seek out women who are unprotected, appear weak, and live alone.
This has been the case in many infamous examples, such as the victims murdered by Ted Bundy between 1974 and 1978 and the ‘Co-ed killer’ who went on a killing spree from 1972 to 1973.
Although these cases are decades old, Burgess warns that serial killers are still among us. He shares four actions you can take to prevent yourself from committing the next heinous crime.
Dr Ann Burgess studied the methods of 36 serial killers to understand why they committed the horrific acts and the trauma that led to them. She has now revealed what women can do to protect themselves from victimisation
Dr. Burgess joined the FBI in 1978 to consult for the FBI’s behavioral science division, which developed the first psychological profile of serial killers.
They studied the methods and motives of 36 serial killers, including Edmund Kemper (“The Co-Ed Killer”), who murdered his grandparents, six young female students, and his own mother and her girlfriend in the 1970s.
The team examined how past trauma influenced the killers’ crimes and found that all the serial killers had similar mental patterns, caused by abusive mothers and absent fathers.
Burgess’s cooperation with the FBI led to the arrest of known killers, including the Menendez brothers, who murdered their parents Jose and Kitty in their Beverly Hills home in 1989.
She recently rose to fame again with her new three-part documentary series on Hulu, titled ‘Mastermind To Think Like a Killer.’
“There’s this misogyny that develops or this expression of discontent with women because of these mothering issues, sort of,” the show’s director, Abby Fuller, said. PEOPLE.
‘Often they have become the victim, so there is a sense that the victim becomes the perpetrator and the scene plays out, only this time they are the ones in control, instead of the victim.’
1. Trust your intuition
If something isn’t right, Burgess says, it probably is and you should remove yourself from the situation or area immediately.
Women often have a sense that something is wrong and think, ‘Gosh, I’m just overreacting,'” Burgess told PEOPLE, but by ignoring those thoughts, “they got into a really tough spot.”
When you feel that tight, contracting feeling in your stomach, “that’s a response from your limbic system,” Burgess says.
“It’s an involuntary system that’s set up in us to alert us and you have to pay attention to it. I just think it’s wise to listen to it and not ignore the system.”
Dr. Ann Burgess (pictured) joined the FBI in 1978 to consult for the Behavioral Sciences Division, where they developed the first psychological profiling for serial killers.
2. Buy a German Shepherd
Protection dogs, especially larger breeds like German shepherds, have an intimidating appearance that can deter people from entering your home, Dr. Burgess explains.
German Shepherds are naturally protective because they are born with a gene that causes them to form a strong bond with their owner.
They are also the most loyal, intelligent and courageous of the canine family. They have an alertness that allows them to keep watch over the house for hours and quickly notice changes in their surroundings.
German Shepherds are very vocal and often howl, growl, and bark, making themselves known to a potential serial killer and alerting you to the presence of the intruder.
“Get a German Shepherd. That’s the one thing I always say — get a German Shepherd,” Dr. Burgess said.
3. Place a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign outside your home
Dr. Burgess suggested that a sign that says “Beware of Dog” can deter serial killers from entering your home for fear of being attacked.
They are looking for an easy target, someone who is alone and vulnerable. These are the kinds of signals that can deter serial killers from targeting you.
However, according to research from the University of Pennsylvania, homeowners should be warned that signs reading “Beware of Dog” can entice burglars to enter their homes out of curiosity about valuables inside.
4. Leave work shoes outside your door
Dr. Burgess said she often leaves her work shoes outside her front door when she is home alone so it looks like her husband is there.
These tough boots outside the house can deter serial killers who don’t want to fight anyone to carry out their plans.
“A lot of killers take their chances,” Dr. Burgess said. “So if they … think there’s a guy who might fight them, they’ll move on to the next house for the easier victim.”