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December 12, 2008
Exclusive: Refuse to be a Victim this Christmas Season
The Christmas shopping season is upon us and soon I will join in the festivities by making the annual gift shopping trek to Little Rock to peruse the glittery, enticing fare from my favorite stores. Bright Christmas trees and assorted decorations will adorn the malls, restaurants and streets as my mother-in-law and I weave through the crowds, sipping our cappuccinos in search of that perfect “something.”
It is not only which restaurant we will treat ourselves to or who has the best sale on this or that, but our “safety plan” that is at the top of our “to do” list and should be part of yours. How can you protect yourself and your family – refusing to be a victim to unscrupulous thugs and criminals? Much of it is common sense, yet is worth reminding our readers.
1. Plan your trip. Determine what malls, shopping centers and major outlets you will visit beforehand. Inform a family member – husband, wife or parent – of your plans, including an estimated time of return home. It has become second nature for me to call my husband when I leave home, as well as periodically during the day – if it is an all day trip, and upon leaving the city.
2. Know the area. If chartering into unfamiliar territory, arm yourself with a map. Google Maps, among others, will provide driving directions to anywhere you wish to go. Avoid trouble areas, especially in big cities. If you feel uncomfortable, there is probably a reason – go with your instincts.
3. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged. Ensure everyone in your shopping group has their cell phone, even children, if old enough. If you get separated in the crowd, stop at a “landmark” and direct your party to you. Teach your children to do the same. Instruct them to find a uniformed police officer or store manager to assist in finding a safe place to wait for you to retrieve them.
4. Park in well lit areas. Try to make sure there is no dark place for a potential rapist or car thief to hide. Carry a small flashlight with you and turn it on as you approach your vehicle, checking the parameter and underneath before you get close. If you see a suspicious person lurking BEFORE you get too close, alert the authorities. Many malls and major shopping outlets have security guards and police surveillance.
5. Be alert. Be aware of your surroundings. Body language is key – carry your self in a confident, self-assured manner, head held high. Make eye contact with those around you and make mental notes of their appearance and your location. If by chance you do have to identify a suspect, information such as clothing and an accurate description of body and facial features will be invaluable to police. Look for distinctive traits such as scars and/or tattoos.
6. Carry your purse close. Do not carry your purse open or in a position where a thief can reach in and grab your wallet. Carrying credit cards, drivers’ license and cash on your person recommended. An empty wallet means nothing to the thug who intends enjoy his holiday with your money.
7. Keep bank account and credit card numbers in a secure place. If your wallet is lost or stolen, most banks and credit card companies will put an immediate hold on your accounts, thus rendering them useless to a thief.
8. Arm yourself. Pepper spray is a deterrent and should be carried in a readily accessible pocket in your jacket. Pepper spray in your purse is useless if the thug grabs your purse. However, the best deterrent to crime is to arm yourself not with pepper spray, but with a concealed carry permit and a handgun you are comfortable carrying and using and an extra clip. Nothing says “I will not be a victim” to a thug like his or her being on the wrong side of a loaded weapon. This, however, is an option NOT to be taken lightly. The National Rifle Association and Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk are the authorities on gun laws and obtaining training for your individual state. Do not remove your weapon from its holster or your handbag unless you plan to use it. I have a standard rule – I do not fire warning shots, if I have to pull my gun to protect myself and my family, the criminal will be stopped, simply put.
Christmas is a time of fellowship and good cheer, a time of gift giving, overeating and celebrations. Enjoy the holiday and give the best gift to you and your family by refusing to become a headline and statistic this holiday season.
Family Security Matters Contributing Editor Renee E. Taylor is the editor/webmistress of American Truckers at War, a freelance writer, photographer, home schooling mom and publicist for Joey Holiday. Feedback: editor@familysecuritymatters.org.
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