7 Tips For Staying Safe When Leaving The Mall

Posted on April 8, 2008 
Filed Under Pepper Spray, Security and Safety Tips

Have you noticed how unconscious some people are (especially women - and young women) when they leave the shopping mall or even the grocery store?  Well I have.  When you think about how easy it would be for some crazy predator who is looking for an easy target - there she is! 

Here are some quick safety tips for staying safe when leaving the shopping mall.  Pass it on to other women.

7 Tips For Staying Safe When Leaving The Shopping Mall

1.  Ladies don’t be talking away on your cell phone not paying attention to what’s around you.  If you have your cell phone, ipod or mp3 player hooked to your head, you’re not really paying attention to what’s going on around you. And that really is important, especially if you are going to your car way in the middle of the parking area by yourself.   This is exactly the type of person the predator is looking to attack.  Be fully aware and totally alert as you walk to your car.

2.  Have your keys in your hand and ready as you walk to the car. Be prepared to use your keys as a weapon if you are assaulted or attacked.  A great secondary weapon would be to carry pepper spray in your hand slightly  concealed.  You should definitely know how to use the pepper spray.  Don’t wait until the last minute to learn how to use it.  The last thing you want to do is spray yourself.  Prior practice is highly recommended.

3. If you have a newer car, you can probably unlock your car from quite a distance away.  Wait until you are fairly close to your car before unlocking the door and then only unlock your side.  If you press the button more than once it may  unlock all doors.  You don’t want a criminal following you or hiding on the other side of your car jumping in.  When you get inside your car, immediately lock all doors.

4.  Before getting into your car (especially at night), check to make sure there is not someone hiding inside.  Get a personal alarm with a flashlight built in so you can easily check your car at night.  Some people are not in the habit of locking their car doors – they should get into the habit – and it makes it easier for the predator to get inside your car and be waiting to attack whomever owns the car.  Always lock your car doors when getting in or getting out.

5.  Don’t leave your valuables unattended.  This is a great time for the criminal to rip off your packages or your purse.  If you’re trying to get a baby strapped into the seat, look around to see who is nearby.  If it looks okay, get your child strapped in and then put your valuables in the backseat or trunk.  Always be looking around and monitoring the situation. You don’t want somebody seeing you bend all the way into the trunk or backseat putting in your bags and actually push you into the car. This happens because these creeps are opportunistic!

6.  If you’re going to be shopping for awhile be sure to wear comfortable shoes…and that’s not high heels.  If you are attacked as you head to your car, you may not be able to get away quickly if you have on 3” high heels.  Nix the heels for some comfortable shows.  Think safety first.

7.  And lastly, avoid parking near large vehicles or shrubbery or up close to a building – especially if you are by yourself.  If you are walking out to your car alone late at night to an unlit area covered with shrubs, you may become a target for some predator looking for an easy prey.  If you can’t find a parking spot and have to park there, come back before it gets too dark and move the car closer to the entrance.  Or you could have the mall security walk you to your car.

There you have it - simple little Safety Tips for mall shopping or wherever you go.

Til next time..Stay Aware..Stay Alert..Stay Alive!!
 

 

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Comments

3 Responses to “7 Tips For Staying Safe When Leaving The Mall”

  1. Pepper Spray Flashlight on July 3rd, 2008 5:21 am

    I am always looking for good information and latest news about Pepper Spray Flashlight. I like reading posts related to it like For Staying Safe When Leaving The Mall | Self-Defense With An Attitude and what people think. Thx

  2. admin on July 3rd, 2008 6:14 am

    Thanks for the comment. And yes the mall seems like such a “safe” place to go. However, many violent attacks, robberies, carjackings, etc. seem to happen at the mall. Being aware no matter where you are is so important.

    Cheryl

  3. Larry Kaminer on October 9th, 2008 12:59 am

    Your section on parking lots is great. Excellent information that is well worth reading and heeding!!!

    How about taking a look UNDER your vehicle when you are still about 40 feet away. I carry a flashlight at night and use it to briefly illuminate the underside of the car upon approach.

    Someone underneath the car, you might think, does not have the strength to hold onto your leg from such an awkward position. Not unless he slices one of your Achilles tendons before you realize hes there and now you cant walk!!!

    I learned this the hard way when this happened to someone I know back in South Africa where I was born and raised.

    Speaking of large vehicles, more specifically we also tell folks to be very wary of panel vans and utility vans in parking lots.The ones w sliding doors. Especially if parked close to your drivers side door.

    Getting in from the passengers side and scooting over to the drivers seat is often spoken about in our classes as a solution, but that too is a flawed plan.

    You are most vulnerable sitting in your drivers seat as someone smashes in the window, unlocks and opens the door and drags you into the open van door. This only took four seconds when we simulated it. Not enough time for you to once again try and get over to the passengers seat in order to effect an escape

    If you dont like the look or feel of a panel van parked next to or near you, HONOR your instincts and go inside and have security walk you to your car. Or wait until that vehicle is gone.

    And if it turn out that the van in question was in fact not a threat or issue, well no harm in a false alarm!!! Rather be safe than sorry

    Also always back into a parking space in a mall lot if you can. It makes a rapid departure easier should you need to leave quickly.

    And one last thing if I may. Always close your sun roofs when parking. Some cars do not have movement sensors and its not very difficult to climb in thru them

    Thanks

    Larry

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