Common Sense Safety

Some of the top places that women are abducted or attacked are in grocery and shopping center parking lots or garages. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the potential attacker is looking for an easy victim, so there are several things you can do to prevent yourself from being that victim:

• Park as close as possible to the building entrance. Take the extra time to find a safe parking space.

• Remember where you parked. Take a moment and write it down.

• Consider that it may be dark when you are ready to leave. Plan ahead and park close to street lights. Always take the most brightly lit path to and from your car.

•Be alert. Keep your head up at all times, and be aware of your surroundings. Always keep your distance when walking past strangers in a dark area. Attackers often look for someone who is distracted, such as searching through their purse or talking on their cell phone. While it might be a good idea to have your cell phone out (to show you have one) don’t be so absorbed in a conversation that you are oblivious to your surroundings.

• Before leaving the building, look out at the parking lot. Spot your car and look for things that do not appear normal.

• Before getting into your car, look on either side of it, in the back seat, and even under the car. If you are parked next to a van on the driver’s side (especially one that doesn’t have windows in the back that you can easily see into), consider getting into your car via the passenger door. If there is a man sitting alone in a car on either side of you, think about going back into the store or shopping center and returning later, or asking for an escort to your car (such as a security guard or grocery bagger).

• Once inside your car, do not sit there doing things like talking on your phone or going through your purchases. Lock the doors and drive away as soon as you get in.

• You make it easy for thieves if you leave your belongings visible through the windows of your vehicle. Make sure to put these away, either in your house or hidden in the trunk. This especially includes purses, electronics such as laptop computers or MP3 players, luggage, and shopping bags.

• Remember if approached in a parking lot your chances of retreating to the building you left are nearly always better than a foot race to your car. Avoid the trap.

• If you are grabbed or are about to be, fight back. Yell, scream, and/or use pepper spray if you have it. Attacker is looking for an easy victim. Remember: predators HATE lights, noise and crowds of people.