Staying Safe In the Mall Parking Lot

 Parking lots at malls are a place where people may be vulnerable to someone who wants to do harm to them. Make sure you are paying attention to your surroundings when you go to the mall, either during the day or night. Crimes increase in the busy days and weeks leading up to the holidays as thieves descend on shopping centers and malls to commit crimes against unsuspecting holiday shoppers. Below are some tips that you can apply next time you go and park at the mall.

• Criminals look for easy targets in parking lots and usually lone women or people who are preoccupied. If you are alone, refrain from using your cell phone, texting or looking at your shopping list while in the parking lot. 
• If you are with children, make sure you have their hand and are paying attention to cars in the parking lot. Drivers, especially during the holiday season, are many times not paying attention in the parking lot but just speeding off to their next destination. Never let your child walk by themselves in a parking lot!
• If you have to go out at night, bring a friend or family member. If you have to go out alone, try to walk to and from your vehicle when other groups of shoppers are in the parking lot. Predators do not want witnesses or potential heroes.
• Select a parking space that is under or near a light. Park as close to the shopping center or store as possible this will reduce your exposure to potential parking lot dangers. Be sure to lock your vehicle.
• If you see someone suspicious or just loitering around for no reason, stay in your vehicle or if coming out of the store, go back into the store and talk to the manager. Don't be afraid to ask for an escort to your vehicle. The store will be happy to assist.
• Do not park near vans, utility vehicles or other large vehicles, particularly if the windows have a dark tint or are blocked out completely. Attackers may attempt to pull you into the vehicle.
• Remember to walk confidently and act like you own the place.  Put your
  head up, your shoulders back and walk briskly. Remember, the bad guy is looking for an easy unsuspecting target. A person with a no-nonsense attitude and a sense of purpose who looks like they are a handful is less likely to be seen as an easy target.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and remain alert. Avoid approaching groups or individuals hanging out between vehicles or loitering.  
• As you approach your vehicle, ensure no large vehicles have parked near yours since you initially parked your car. Also, when you are walking to your vehicle, look under your vehicle, in the cargo area and the backseat before you get in.
• When you are safely in your vehicle, lock your doors and drive away. Don't spend a great deal of time organizing or talking on your phone, just drive away. This delay gives a predator a chance to break your window and grab you. 
• Before you leave the store, be prepared to react to an attack. Be sure you have at least one hand free for defending yourself, if needed. Carry your keys, flashlight or pepper spray in your free hand and ensure your cell phone is in your pocket and not in your purse, and make sure it is charged. You will be better able to defend yourself and call for help if something should happen.
• Do not let a stranger get close to you or grab you. Always be aware of the
  people around you, and be alert if anyone is approaching you quickly. Try to keep a cart or some other object between yourself and a stranger. If someone requests your help, immediately turn back to the store while stating you’re going to get some help. Predators often pose as someone needing help. Don't fall for this ploy.
• If someone does try to mug you or grab you…run. Start to yell, scream "fire" and draw as much attention to yourself as possible. If they are after your purse, don't be afraid to throw it away from you as you turn and run.  Everything in your purse can be replaced, but you can't. Keep yourself safe.