I'm a resident of Kansas City, MO and last August a local girl, Kelsey Smith, was abducted from a Target parking lot in broad daylight and murdered. The weird thing about this terrible tragedy is this wasn't late at night or at a bad time during the day. I have devised some tips for shopping safely during this Holiday season, I'm not saying that these tips could've prevented it, I'm just trying to share some knowledge I have from working for years in retail.
- Shop in pairs
Come on, shopping is more fun with a friend anyway! If you're going to a big mall or to somewhere you're not familiar with take a friend! You can both get your shopping done at the same time and keep each other company.
- Shop during daylight hours
This is the best way to avoid late-night parking lot encounters with strangers.
- When in the parking lot
Only unlock the drivers side of the car if you're alone. Do not spend a bunch of time fiddling around in a parking lot, put your bags in the trunk, get in and leave. It's the best way to keep safe!
-Finally, always be aware of your surroundings
Pay attention while shopping! If someone is following you, making you nervous, or giving you an overall bad feeling do not be afraid to alert security, especially in malls. That is what they are there for, to keep you SAFE!
As an older kiwiboxer, I've worked in retail for many years. I just wanted to share these holiday tips with you so that you remember that even though you're having fun, you need to keep safe too!
- Shop in pairsCome on, shopping is more fun with a friend anyway! If you're going to a big mall or to somewhere you're not familiar with take a friend! You can both get your shopping done at the same time and keep each other company.
- Shop during daylight hours
This is the best way to avoid late-night parking lot encounters with strangers.
- When in the parking lot
Only unlock the drivers side of the car if you're alone. Do not spend a bunch of time fiddling around in a parking lot, put your bags in the trunk, get in and leave. It's the best way to keep safe!
-Finally, always be aware of your surroundings
Pay attention while shopping! If someone is following you, making you nervous, or giving you an overall bad feeling do not be afraid to alert security, especially in malls. That is what they are there for, to keep you SAFE!
As an older kiwiboxer, I've worked in retail for many years. I just wanted to share these holiday tips with you so that you remember that even though you're having fun, you need to keep safe too!
