I got this email awhile ago and have let it sit because I wasn't sure if I was going to use it or not.  But because of recent abductions of women in the tri-state area and the anniversary of the death of someone I know who was killed by someone who was never caught I decided to use this exactly as I received it.  Does it seem a little dramatic?  Maybe, but if it saves one person who reads it then it was worth the time I took to post it.  It never hurts to be over cautious and in this ever increasingly dangerous world (especially for women) you always want to be aware of something that might be a trick.  I myself was approached at a gas station not too long ago and luckily I wasn't as stupid as the men were hoping I was. And remember, being a male doesn't mean you are safe either.  Remember Jeffrey Dahmer? 


1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body; when you are close enough to
    use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide.  If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO 
    HIM.  Toss it away from you....Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than
    you, and he will go for the wallet/purse.  RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole
    and start waving like crazy..The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.  This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit
    (doing their check book, or making a list, etc.)  DON'T DO THIS!  The predator will be watching you, and
    this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell 
    you where to go.  AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR,  LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.. If someone
    is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! instead gun
    the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car.  Your Air Bag will save you.  If the person is in       
    the back seat they will get the worst of it .  As soon as the car crashes bail out and run.  It is better than
    having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:

A.) Be aware:  look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door.Most serial killers attack      
     their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side... If a male is sitting
     alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard   
     policeman to walk you back out.  IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs.  Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect
    crime spot.  This is especially true at NIGHT!

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control,  ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit
    you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ.
    RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP-It may get you raped, or killed.  Ted Bundy,
    the serial killer, was a good-looking,  well educated man, who ALWAYS played  on the sympathies of
    unsuspecting women.  He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with
    his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point:  Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night
    before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird.. The police told
    her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door..' The lady then said that it sounded like the baby
    had crawled near a window, and she was worried had crawled near a window, and she was worried
    The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'
    He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their
    homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several
    calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

10. Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you
      think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE!  These people turn on all your outside taps full
      blast so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.  Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your
      neighbors!

The crying baby was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana.

I saw this cute little guy when I ran to the Post Office the other day.  As I got out he called to me as cute dogs always do.  I hopped back in the car and took two quick shots before the owner returned.  It is through the car's dirty window but you can still see how adorable this tiny dog is.  He has some long nails on him too.  Sorry I couldn't resist!

Photos by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2010 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  This photo may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Minisink Valley Homes Real Estate in Slate Hill, NY.  Thank you for not plagiarizing!

Thanks to Al & Peggy for this great site!

Photos by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2010 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  This photo may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Minisink Valley Homes Real Estate in Slate Hill, NY.  Thank you for not plagiarizing!