An electronic device that selectively performs a preventive action is described. During operation, the electronic device may acquire, using one or more sensors, a measurement in an environment that is external to the electronic device, where the measurement provides information associated with an object, and the measurement is a non-contact measurement. Then, the electronic device may detect the object based at least in part on the measurement. Moreover, the electronic device may estimate an intent of the object based at least in part on the measurement. Next, when the estimated intent is associated with a type of adverse event, the electronic device may perform the preventive action prior to an occurrence of the type of adverse event, where the preventive action reduces a probability of the occurrence of the type of adverse event or an amount of financial damage associated with the occurrence of the type of adverse event.