01/01/2023
Important safety tip:
I have heard of a few incidents in recent weeks and this also happened to someone I know:
If you are out in public, maybe at a store or somewhere, and when you get in you car to leave, and someone comes up to you, taps on your window, and says anything like: "There's something wrong with your tire" or "You dropped something" or asks you to either roll down your window or get out of your car, DO NOT DO IT!
You've been targeted as a victim and they're going to succeed if you let them.
This has happened at locations such as: Wegmans. The local malls, Target, and convenience stores.
Recent crime trend is to get you to lower your guard because you think they're trying to help. When you open your window or door, someone else will grab you or grab your stuff and take off. Possibly even with your car.
If you have not noticed, criminals are a lot braver and more empowered than before.
Don't think that you have to be nice to everyone because you feel obligated. Only be nice to those who YOU deem worthy. Criminals prey on the fact that you don't want to make a scene, you want to be viewed as a nice person, or that you don't think you can fight back
How do you lessen the chances that you'll fall victim to this?
1. Pay attention when you're in public. As you enter or leave a store, take notice to see if anyone is following, watching, or approaching you.
2. If someone approaches you that you don't know, set boundaries immediately. If they are decent people, they won't try to make you uncomfortable. Those that are trying to get close to you will keep approaching or try to embarrass you by calling you rude, a bitch, a-hole, or even racist. Don't allow them to cross that boundary.
3. As you approach your car, look around. Is someone nearby that you should be paying attention to? Does something look odd with your car?
4. As you are loading your car with your groceries or purchases, stay aware of your immediate area. Look up. Look around. Pay attention.
5. When you get into your car, LOCK THE DOORS IMMEDIATELY. Don't get preoccupied with anything else.
6. After you lock your doors, start your car. Then you can arrange your personal items as needed. If something does not look right, LEAVE! It is acceptable to drive away from someone you don't know who approaches you.
If they try to block you, call 911 and lay on the horn. Make as much noise as possible. Tell 911 that someone is trying to hurt you and that you need help NOW!.
Here's another idea: If they try to block you while you are in your vehicle, slowly pull or back out. Don't move fast, but move the vehicle. They'll get out of the way. If you feel threatened, you have to protect yourself. MAKE OTHERS UNCOMFORTABLE
Other good tips:
Just in case your purse or wallet is ever stolen, you should know what is in it. Regularly take an inventory of the contents. Know what you need to do to place a hold on or cancel your credit cards immediately. There are some apps and services that you can place a hold on all the cards you list with one call or tap.
Take pictures of important documents: Driver's licenses, pistol licenses, etc. That way you can at least have some information.
Lastly, learn about, obtain, train with, and carry a defensive tool or tools. At some point, you will need them. A Taser, Pepper Spray, or firearm may be the tool that keeps you safe and gets you home today.
The government will not protect you. The police may or may not be there before or while it happens, but they will be there after it's all over. It's up to you.
You are your own first responder. Be responsible. Be active. Don't depend on others to rescue you. This is on you.
If you are unwilling to defend yourself against a criminal, you will be a victim.
Be aware. Be safe.
