Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS:

I went to college in Newark NJ. I learned some things that I have always carried with me. With the car jacking at Short Hills last night I wanted to share some of the things I do. Add anything if you have it.


1. Whenever I am at the mall I NEVER park in the parking deck. Never. I want to be outside and in plain site. I want to be able to see what's going on around me. This works for me.

2. As I approach the car I always look. Does it look like people are around? Are people following me? If I think for one second that things are not right I do NOT walk to MY car.

3. Be aware. Be VERY aware. Not only in the mall, but the parking lot. Be aware of what's going on around you.

4. And with that, be aware on the street. In general. DONT walk and text. Don't walk and look at your phone. DONT walk and TALK on your cell. Don't be distracted. If I have to look at my phone when I am walking I stop, put my back to a building and then pull out my phone. At best your cell can be stolen. At worst? You don't pay attention and walk into a car and die. It happens. It happens all the time.

5. Anytime I approach my car I ALWAYS look to see if anyone might be in the car.

6. If I am driving in a place I am unsure of I ALWAYS leave room between me and a car stopped at a red light. This way I have room to get out if I have to, and yes, if that means the sidewalk so be it.

7. Don't EVER EVER be afraid to ask mall security to walk you to your car.

8. DONT load up your car with purchases and go back into the mall. That's advertisement for crooks to break into your car, and they do.

9. And as for purse snatching. I always seat belt my bag into a grocery cart. Even if I turn around for a second (as we ALL do) my bag isn't going anywhere if someone reaches.

10. I never leave my bag open in the grocery store.

11. When putting grocery's in the car, my bag goes in first.

12. Purse snatchings DO happen, right from your arm. So be aware. Just be aware. When I walk in the city I ALWAYS have my bag close to me and have a firm grip. Purse snatching happens ALL the time in the city. Especially in the tourist spots.

So just be aware of your surrounding.

Re: Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS:

Re: Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS:

Re: Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS:

Re: Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS:

i wanted to add: i now wear my crossbody bag UNDER my coat. not the most comfy, but safer as it is hidden.

Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS:

P.S. The hijacked car? Found in Newark........

Re: Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS:

I want to add always lock your car after you put your bag in and while you load groceries in the trunk. I always lock after I put the kids in, always making sure the key is in my pocket or hand.

And don't sit in your car without locking your doors.

Re: Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS:

Re: Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS:

Also, I keep my key or keys between my fingers in a fist as I walk to my car...if, God forbid, I had to fight an attacker, this would make my punch more damaging...aim for the eyes!

I grew up in BKLYN and when I moved to LI at 15, we were literally the only family on the block to lock our doors during the day. My friends still laugh at me bc I'm always locking house/car doors...I'd rather be safe than sorry!

Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS:

Also, don't fight it. Just give them what they want. Your belongings can be replaced, and it's less likely to get violent if you just let them take it

Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS:

I always check the back seat and trunk(SUV) when I get in. Also, I remember on oprah years ago she said people were hiding under your car, slashing your ankles so you fall and then stealing your car. All of this has made me neurotic but super aware.

Thanks for posting all of that.

Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS:

Remember that most car key fobs have a panic button.
If you feel scared, set off the panic button - it makes a loud enough noise to attract attention.
I learned to approach my car from the passenger side, then walk around the front to the driver's side. Look inside the windows as you walk - you have a good view of the interior from the front windshield.
I also used to carry a mini-mag flashlight in my purse. Comes in handy when areas are darker than expected, and g-d forbid, can be used as a weapon.
Hold it in your fist, with one end sticking out of the butt of your hand. Whack that into someone's face or crack it across their nose.

Re: Ladies- with the shooting at the mall, be VERY smart-ALWAYS: