Experts in law enforcement say that hundreds of people every day get mugged or attacked in public places because they are talking on cell phones and are unaware of what is happening around them. Stop and think about it. How many people do you see in parking lots, on sidewalks, at street corners, leaving buildings or their homes all over town who are busy talking on their cell phones and are totally unaware of what is behind them, around them or lurking behind cars, bushes or buildings ready to grab them? I see probably a hundred a day.
We hear that we shouldn't talk while driving, but what about while walking across a parking lot? Law enforcement practitioners will tell you that there are many bad people who are looking for just such instances where they can find someone engulfed in their conversation so that they are oblivious to their surroundings. These "walkie-talkies," as I call them, are sitting ducks for anyone who wants to catch them off guard and grab them or their money.
Please! Put down those phones long enough to protect yourself by watching who is around you.
Since not paying attention to your surroundings is the most common reason people find themselves in dangerous situations, there are other things you should do to protect yourself. A speaker at our South Metro Denver Realtor Association meeting referred to it as the "2 second rule." Here's what you need to do with those seconds:
Before you leave a building or place of business, check out any people or suspicious activity in the parking area especially in the area of your car. Any group of people in the parking area who don't seem to belong there should send up a red flag in your mind. Any person sitting in a car who seems out of place should do the same. Red flags should mean that you delay leaving, ask someone to walk with you or even call security.
While you are walking across a parking lot to your car, stop and look behind you. If it is a very large lot, stop more than once. Is someone you have never seen before or someone in unusual dress walking your way? If you are close to your car, get there quickly, unless this person can get there just about as quickly. You don't want to get to your car and have this person shove you in it. The safest place to be if someone is going to attack you is in the open. Run as fast as you can towards the most lit or most populated area near you. If it is apparent this person means you harm, maybe he starts running also, use your key fob and set off your car alarm. And scream at the top of your lungs. If you have on heels, ditch them. If you have bags or a heavy load, ditch them, also. Your life is worth more than anything that might be in those bags.
When arriving at a destination, take 2 seconds to scour the area. Are you in a safe spot? Is it well lit? Realtors should never park in driveways as they can be blocked in. Is anyone loitering in the area? If the area is not safe, go somewhere else to park.
When you arrive home, be aware of anyone who might be following you. For example, a car drives slowly by as you pull into your garage. Take note of the make and color of the car and watch to see if it drives on. If it does, quickly get into your house, lock all doors and wait a couple of minutes in the dark with cell phone in hand to see if the car returns. If, while you are still in your car the other car stops and you do not recognize it, try to leave and call 911 as you leave. Never get out of your car until you are very sure it is safe. Another thing you can do when you think you are in danger, after you call 911, is to call your neighbor who can watch out for you from their window.
Some would say I am being over cautious. However, those who have already been attacked would never say that. They will always say "Take your "2 seconds" to keep yourself safe."
Let me tell you my personal experience. I stopped by the grocery store on the way home from work one night. After driving up my alley to my garage, I parked just behind my garage and was getting my things together. My garage door was broken and I would need to walk outside my house to the front door to get in. I then noticed an SUV type vehicle very slowly passing behind me in the alley. I watched as it went on down the alley and turned onto the street. I thought no more about it and started walking towards the front of my house. About half way to the front, the same vehicle pulled up to the curb, stopped and killed the lights. This scared me to death because I knew it was the same car that had slowly passed me in the alley while I was still in my car. Instantly I knew this was not good. As quickly as I could, I got to my front door, unlocked it and, as I was closing the door saw a man get out of the car and start to walk to towards my house. I froze! I grabbed my phone, left all the lights out and peeked out the peep hole just as he rang my doorbell. I did not know this person, I never had visitors and it was 9 pm. I was new to the neighborhood and did not know any neighbors. I immediately realized that he must have followed me from the grocery store. I got a really good look at him through the peep hole.
After a couple of rings on the doorbell, he left, got back in his car and drove off. As I was calling 911, I quickly ran out the door to watch and make sure he didn't come back. I then went back inside, locked the door and kept the lights off while talking with the dispatcher who kindly stayed on the line until the police arrived. It was very clear to me and to the officers that I was an extremely lucky person.
It made me realize that no one can be completely safe from the chances of being singled out by that evil person who wants to do bad things. We can, however, use our heads and increase our odds of not being hurt. I did not use my head after observing this car driving slowly behind me and then walking around my house in the dark by myself. I was just lucky. It doesn't always happen that way.
Barbara Salisbury,
Broker Associate
Kenna Real Estate
Highlands Ranch, CO
720-884-6040
www.barbarasellshighlandsranch.com
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