Safety For The New Year

Many of us jump at the opportunity to get out shopping for those end of Christmas deals at the mall.  Well, this is common knowledge to the criminal predators as well.  As a veteran police officer in a large metropolitan area, we have seen statistics rise about 20% after the holidays.  Criminals interested in purse snatching, vehicle break ins for the merchandise left in plain view on the seat, or shoppers just not paying attention to their grocery cart where they have their valuables unsecured as ready for the taking.

As you are out shopping in a department store, take a minute to sit back and watch people as they shop then ask yourself if you shop the same way that do.  Most shoppers leave their cart unattended with their purse sitting in the basket unsecured.  I have observed on several occasions people who simply walk away from their cart for several minutes oblivious to the fact that in doing so they are setting themselves up to be victimized.

Another point to keep in mind is shopping at night in crowded shopping malls with large parking lots.  Parking in unlit areas of a dark parking lot is asking for trouble.  Large shopping malls concentrate the ambient lighting towards the front of the store and that are not necessarily concerned with sections of the parking lot towards the back.  It is important to identify this situation and try to park your vehicle towards the front of the store where there is more ambient lighting available.  Criminals have been known to lurk in the shadows waiting for potential victims to prey on.  Others break into vehicles and lye waiting for the victim to enter the car where they are overpowered and forced to drive to secluded areas where they are beaten and or raped.

By following some simple rules, you can protect yourself and reduce the chances of becoming prey of the criminals out looking for potential targets.

First, secure your purse or handbag to the shopping cart with the carry strap and zip up all of the compartments when you are shopping.  This simple task will reduce the chance of someone taking your purse from the shopping cart or reaching into it and stealing your pocket book when you are not looking.  Of course the best alternative is to wear your purse on your person with the carry strap across your body from one shoulder down to the other hip.

Secondly regarding parking in dim lighted parking lots.  Take your time once you get to the mall and drive around if their are no parking spaces available towards the front of the mall.   This will give you the opportunity to scan the area looking for people lurking around the parking lot who appear not to fit in.  Look at the clothing they are wearing and ask yourself if the long black trench coat is a common piece of clothing worn on a hot summer day.  Chances are this is a criminal looking for a victim.
Once you park your car, make sure the car is secured before walking away from it and set the audible alarm as well.  As you walk to the front doors of the mall, be aware of what is going on around you as you do so.  Most victims confronted by assailants in a parking lot setting saw the criminal approach from a distance and had a chance to escape but the did not recognize the threat.  Pay attention to those little hairs on the back of your neck, they are out own built in alarm system and they are rarely wrong when they stand up and say "watch out here comes trouble".

Another option I highly recommend is to purchase a personal defense weapon of some sort.  Having something in you possession readily available just may save your live.  Non-lethal personal defense weapons come in many styles, shapes and sizes.  Tasers are the most effective personal defense weapon available on the market today and are backed by a lifetime replacement policy.  In the event you eve have to use a taser to protect yourself or a loved one, the unit will be replaced frr of charge simply by filing a police report regarding the incident where it was used.

Article issued by veteran police officer and founder of StunTech Public Safety Products Joe Davidson.  He is also an accomplished martial artist in Tae Know Do, Brizillian Jiu-Jutsu, Hapkido, and Kraz Maga.

Stay safe and remember that the things we possess are material items that can always be replaced, becoming injured fighting for  and object is where most make the mistake.  Don't be a hero unless the threat is to your personal safety, then fight like a mad person and leave the rest to God.