Editor’s note: On July 10, Betty Stone’s column in the Lifestyles section shared insights on personal safety by criminologist Dr. Selden Lambert of Columbus. As promised, this is part II.
Truly, our world is a vastly different one as compared to the world our parents and grandparents knew. Once upon a time, having a policeman come to your door was a disgrace, and the entire neighborhood was aghast (and also very curious). Now, we are anxious and glad to see our law enforcement. We appreciate their determined efforts to keep us safe, and we must do our part to help them help us.
At your vehicle
Wherever your vehicles are parked be sure there are no enticing articles (purse, cell phone, tools, etc) visible. If you are someone who keeps their purse in plain view, you should know that criminals will not hesitate to smash car windows with a brick. In the words of some of our law enforcement officers, if you feel you must keep valuables in plain view in your vehicle, you might as well leave your windows down.
When approaching your vehicle, if you see that a van is parked next to you, the safest move is to enter your vehicle from the other side and quickly lock your door. Or, you might go back into the store, restaurant, etc. and ask that a staff person accompany you to your car.
Avoid an area where several people appear to be arguing, pushing, drunk or otherwise creating a distraction. Their goal may be to grab a purse, package or whatever you have. Also, there have been incidences of purse grabbing by a passenger in a car waiting nearby when someone is leaving a store.
The main point of all of these possibilities is to remain alert to your surroundings.
Kidnap caution
Before going to the entrance of your home, scan the area. Look at the door, windows and any bushes, especially at night. Predators have been known to slip by and unscrew outside light bulbs. Inside, if something is out of place or just doesn’t look right, don’t proceed. If your normally “laid back” pets are cowering under a table or barking furiously, back out quickly and call for help.
You should know that even if someone else is with you there’s no guarantee that both of you won’t be attacked. On your own property or in a commercial area be aware of the danger of a kidnap attempt.
An experienced law enforcement person commented, “It might be safe to decide that whatever is going to happen, it’s going to happen right here.” This is because, once a victim has been tied up or duct taped and thrown into the back of a car or stuffed into her trunk, she has lost nearly all control over the situation.
Some people actually keep several identifying objects (books, clothing, etc) in the trunk. Possibly some items would have to be thrown out to make space for the victim. Should that happen, there are a few other possibilities for attracting the notice of outsiders, and/or escape. Some vehicles have a release device in the trunk which will release the lid. Make sure you know where it is located. Also, a victim could attempt to break out one of the taillights — preferably both of them — in order to attract law enforcement officers on patrol.
Evolution of crime
One of the reasons why special security measures are so essential in today’s world is that the characteristics of the perpetrators have changed drastically in the last few decades. Types of crime have also changed. For example, centuries ago, kidnapping babies and young children was very rare. Child pornography was less prevalent. Years ago, when the Mafia considered kiddie porn as a lucrative possibility, their plans were brought to a halt by wives and girlfriends who would not tolerate such inhuman treatment of babies and older children.
Perhaps the most devastating changes are the many brain-damaging chemicals the felon can access. The would-be rapist, robber, burglar, murderer or sex offender may have chemical distortions in his brain due to alcohol and drug use. The attacker may be using something that not only inhibits any moral code but also can help him withstand pain and the effects of mace, Tasers and other types of defense.
As stated last week, the purpose of this writing is to provide information on the changing face of crime and provide suggestions and possible techniques for prevention and protection. There are no guaranteed solutions, but with education there are choices. Whatever the threatening situation, one must make choices as to the best possible way to avoid harm and/or protect loved ones. Each situation is different, so the person in danger must do what seems right for them at that time and place.
Our growing neighborhood watch groups keep us in touch and aware of what’s happening close to home and can provide education about possible ways to cope with criminal activities. Responsibility for our personal safety begins with us.
Dr. Selden Lambert had a long career in counseling and vocational rehabilitation for the court systems. She holds a degree in psychology from Mississippi University for Women and earned a master’s at Mississippi State University as well as a doctoral degree in criminology and counseling.
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