I have talked about this before, but we need to remind each other of the dangers out there… even in our quiet community. As summer and nice weather arrives, so does the chance of being the victim of a crime. Sexual assaults, murder, robbery, theft and burglary go on the rise in nicer weather.
Here are some thoughts and suggestions that can prevent you from becoming a victim. You can also check with your local police or crime-stoppers and they usually have some brochures and tips for you too.
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 CRAZY IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back taillights 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.
Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON’T DO THIS!) Look around when you approach your vehicle. 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 or knife 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.
If you are parked next to a 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.
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 zigzag pattern!
If you are assaulted, even if you have no training, remember… you have good weapons. Your hands and fingers can scratch out eyes, your elbow is hard as a rock and a foot or knee is disabling to the groin area.
If your car breaks down, raise the hood and lock yourself in. If someone stops and offers you help, remain in your car and ask them to phone for help. Do not worry about seeming rude.
Weapons? Is it better to have a gun, knife, mace, pepper spray, tazer, stun gun or no weapon at all? Think about this… the thief, rapist or robber may have pondered the same thing before he or she goes out to commit a crime. I could fill 100 pages with pros and cons on this, and you could still make the wrong decision under certain circumstances. (Karate is great, but bad guys can have black belts too).
If you have nothing… you are easy prey. If you have a knife, they might have a gun, if you pepper spray, they may have a tazer or you may have a tazer that malfunctions and they have the pepper spray. This can go on and on.
How about a well-trained dog or RUNNING the opposite direction? That can sometimes be the best option… but sometimes you may have to stand your ground to protect a loved one.
My best advice on weapons is this: If you are going to have a gun, ya better know when you can use it and how. Knife fighting is an art; usually the street fighter knows more about how to handle a knife than you, tazers and stun guns can fail. Some people on drugs can walk right through pepper spray and Mace. (It too can malfunction or blow back in your face) So, if you choose a weapon… make sure you are extremely proficient with it. If you are going to run, better be good at it, if they have a gun, knife or tazer… you better be good… AND FAST!