| Women who love to cruise the malls for bargains, | | | | matters; ando Unsure where vehicle is parked |
| especially during the holiday season, are particularly | | | | Here are some parking lot safety tips that could save |
| vulnerable to criminals who are intent on relieving them | | | | a life.o Park in a well lit area as close to the building as |
| of more than just a few packages. At such times | | | | possible.o Pay attention to where you park. As you |
| having a canister of pepper spray on the key ring is an | | | | leave your vehicle, look around for landmarks you can |
| important safety measure anyone can take. | | | | use to retrace your steps. When you near the building, |
| Recently concluded studies continue to confirm the | | | | look back to your vehicle again to be sure you know |
| sad fact that parking lots of grocery stores and malls | | | | its location.o Before leaving the building, put away all |
| are two of the most popular places for assaults and | | | | cash, credit cards, and receipts or simply stash them in |
| abductions. Worse yet, women continue to be the | | | | a pocket to deal with once you are home.o When |
| most likely targets for a variety of reasons. | | | | leaving the building, look around. Pay attention to people |
| Think like a criminal for a moment. He wants to make | | | | and vehicles in the parking lot. Head straight for your |
| his move quickly and quietly, attracting as little attention | | | | vehicle. Do not wander around or stroll casually. Your |
| as possible. He will probably have a van parked close | | | | goal is to get inside the locked safety of your vehicle |
| by or an accomplice who arrives as the grab is taking | | | | as quickly as possible.o Keep purse or tote bag tucked |
| place. | | | | close to under an arm. Have keys and pepper spray |
| Women who wear loose, easy to grab clothing and | | | | or small stun gun readily available, not buried in a bag |
| hairstyles help make it easy for him. Vehicles parked in | | | | or pocket.o Look at every person in the area. Note |
| remote areas make it easy. People who are not | | | | possible hiding places and consider looking around or |
| paying attention to their surroundings are the best | | | | under a vehicle before approaching.o Look into your |
| targets. | | | | own vehicle before getting in. That means checking |
| Here's how it looks:o Head looking down;o Hands and | | | | out the back and floor areas as well as the front |
| arms full of packages;o No car keys in hand;o Purse or | | | | seat.o Once inside, lock all doors and drive away. |
| tote bag hanging loosely from shoulder or forearm;o | | | | LEAVE. Do not sit in the car, door open, putting away |
| Obvious preoccupation with purchases or other | | | | cash or credit cards. |