PSA: Be safe while shopping

[melziemom04]

I wanted to share this here because I know that there are a lot of Houston/Katy area couponers that frequent this board. I've gotten and read those forwarded e-mails about parking lot safety for women more times than I can count. I took it under advisement, but never thought it would happent to me, but this morning as I was in the parking lot at a local Kroger putting my groceries into my car, I was robbed. A car drove up behind my car, blocked me in, a man jumped out, pinned me against my car, and stole my purse. This was in broad daylight (around 9 a.m.). The police officers who responded to the call said that criminals in the area are become more desperate and willing to take risks.

Just a reminder to be safe and shop with a buddy when you can.

[wookin]

OMG, I'm glad you're OK. Take care out there.

[Kim1013]

I'm so glad that you were unharmed. I wonder what possess people to make them rob others or commit criminal acts?

[fourpaws]

That's scary! Glad you are ok.

[manders13]

omg im so sorry :( im glad your ok!

[jaws1]

glad you're okay ... and, it is approaching the Christmas season, when folks go nuts thinking everyone's got money.

Maybe the store at least had a WORKING security camera, and they can get a lead. Won't replace what was in your purse, but might deter THOSE people from repeating the act.

Not to discount your fear/anger/irritation with these folks, but I'm sitting here thinking what's in my purse (especially coming OUT of store) ... ... inconvenient to replace, but would rather they take it than my coupon binder OR groceries I just spent a couple hours getting ... either of those is worth a lot more than what's in my purse.

Sad thing is, if these folks were hungry, we've got plenty of FREE food to give them, just for the asking ... and TEACH them how to do it!

Speaking in general, not just to OP:
Don't know how great of an idea it is, but I use the reusable bags, and usually have 3-4 left unused after a grocery checkout. I keep the unused bags folded into ONE bag (so they're all together). Often times, after checkout, I toss my purse into this bag and tie it off like I do the others (my keys are either in my hand or pocket) ... it's the FIRST bag I unload into the car.
I don't know if doing something like this would work for those of you who have kids.

[melziemom04]

glad you're okay ... and, it is approaching the Christmas season, when folks go nuts thinking everyone's got money.

Maybe the store at least had a WORKING security camera, and they can get a lead. Won't replace what was in your purse, but might deter THOSE people from repeating the act.

Not to discount your fear/anger/irritation with these folks, but I'm sitting here thinking what's in my purse (especially coming OUT of store) ... ... inconvenient to replace, but would rather they take it than my coupon binder OR groceries I just spent a couple hours getting ... either of those is worth a lot more than what's in my purse.

Sad thing is, if these folks were hungry, we've got plenty of FREE food to give them, just for the asking ... and TEACH them how to do it!

Speaking in general, not just to OP:
Don't know how great of an idea it is, but I use the reusable bags, and usually have 3-4 left unused after a grocery checkout. I keep the unused bags folded into ONE bag (so they're all together). Often times, after checkout, I toss my purse into this bag and tie it off like I do the others (my keys are either in my hand or pocket) ... it's the FIRST bag I unload into the car.
I don't know if doing something like this would work for those of you who have kids.

The store had several working cameras, but unfortunately none of them face the parking lot. I did get the license plate # and the guy left a flip flop behind in the struggle, which they think they can get DNA off of, so I am hopeful that they will catch the guy that did this.

I wish that I had my coupons (including all of my RR and ECBs)/cell phone separated from my purse. That is a good idea. I think I am more upset about what I lost there than the rest of what was in my purse (even though I did have a decent amount of cash because we do Dave Ramsey and I was going to be running a bunch of errands today, so I had my envelopes in there). I just keep telling myself that things can be replaced. My sister in law jokingly said earlier that she would tell them to take her purse but please leave her coupons. I'm sure my coupons and cell phone are at the bottom of a dumpster right now anyway. :sad:

[Ggbwg]

Aww, that is so horrible. I sure hope they catch him! I'm glad your safe! People are crazy anymore.

[cens0rship]

That reminds me. I went to walmart the other day ( the one in my area is rather skeazy ( and I consider it to be in the country, Conroe, not really a big city place) SOme guy kept pacing behind cars. He started eyeing me funny. As I wen tto open my door he started walking really fast at me so I threw the shower rod and purse I had in my hand in the passenger seat and slammed the door. He turned away but was still pacing between cars as I hurried out. This was also in the morning. not the same but I think it pushes the point across that most posters make that people are crazy and desperate even if it is daytime.

I hope you are doing ok op. I truly feel for you!

[murphycoupons]

I am so sorry you had to go through that and thank goodness you are (physically) allright. I am very impressed you got the license plate. That shows such strength.

Thanks for the reminder to keep aware. I have noticed myself getting very lazy on that when I shop and I normally shop with my 3 yr old and 11 month DD's.

[LaLabrowneyes]

So sorry that happened to you, I don't even carry my big purse anymore because I know how desprate people are right now. It scares me to the point where I'm thinking of carrying a gun and taser with me(I already carry a knife). When I get out of my car and going back to my car I'm always looking everywhere(some people look at me crazy) I have 3 keys on my keychain and I put the keys in between my fingers(they can be used as a weapon to protect yourself, I forgot where I saw that). What Kroger was it?

[TxAngel3115]

I’m very glad that you are alright. It's always a good idea to keep an eye out in store parking lots. Especially in Houston and its surrounding areas, there is an awful lot of this happening these days. Thanks for the reminder to be cautious.

[wealthybarney]

I am glad you are physically OK. As a nurse, I think of the whole person. You may still be in shock. If you start having trouble sleeping,new onset headaches or back/neck pain, anxiety, nightmares or anger outbursts, this may mean you are having a delayed stress reaction, which is normal when you are threatened. If you do have these, be gentle with yourself, & think about talking it out with someone trained. They can introduce thought stopping, and ways to think about it, so the person doesn't view themself as a victim, and have reoccurring patterns. Also, these kind of stress points untreated can lead to a physical illness within 2 years.

Remember the "Stress Points List"? It is a list that gives a point value to life changes, predicting future illness. Anything over 300 points, and you will become ill.
The highest are: having a crime committed against you(270), losing a spouse(300), divorce(250), lose a job(225)move(190), problems with in-laws(150), getting married, having a baby, graduating from school, etc.

All events are totalled at the most stressful event, then going back a year. I can say I have ALWAYS seen it happen over 350 points for every patient.
Our brain is an organ like any other, & we forget to care for it like we would high blood pressure.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It makes me wonder if having my pepper spray handy would have even worked.

[MaMaHaHa]

Yikes! Am glad you are ok...many years ago a dear friend was robbed and beaten terribly at the Food Lion (long gone now)...but since then I have a "throw-down" purse...it has all my necessary, but replaceable stuff in it (brush, lipstick, kleenix etc...)---everything else goes in my pockets. I work with alot of juvenile offenders...and this time of year can be very dangerous. Please, take a minute to also listen to your "nerves" as you may experience some delayed emotional reactions...very normal---just breathe and find a friend! again-Thank God you were not hurt!

[cindyb1969]

I am so sorry! I would be so angry and upset as well. I've had several people lately who have made me nervous in stores or parking lots and wrote it off to complete paranoia! (not that I have that feeling often, but since it's been a couple of times in the past few weeks, I was starting to wonder if I had an anxiety problem!!!) Anyway, I think I'll go with my gut even if I'm wrong after reading your story. That is just PLAIN scary!!!

I hope you get some justice!!!

[puakinikini]

Oh how terrible - I am so glad that all you lost was your property, although that stinks about the cash. The one time my wallet was stollen I had my 500 rent money in cash! I was sick over it, but such is life!

[bugweena]

This is terrible. I go shopping by myself all the time and your story really hit home. Thanks for the warning and the wake-up call that it can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. GREAT for you that you had your wits about you to get the license plate AND the flip flop. What kind of goober makes his get away in flip flops, anyways?? (just trying to add some levity here!). I am glad your physically ok and hope that you have someone to talk to about it although it looks like PP have given you great encouragement and advice. Thank you for posting your experience.

[cintinative]

OP, I am so sorry that happened to you. I hope they catch the person that stole your purse. I have a friend that about 9 years ago got mugged in a Kroger parking lot in Atlanta. She was walking to her car and someone on foot grabbed her purse (she had it around her body) and dragged her by it for about 15 feet before the strap broke and he ran off with the purse. This was also in broad daylight. It's so scary.

I am pretty good about being self-aware at night but during the day I am less cautious. Thank you for the reminder.

[jaws1]

I've had several people lately who have made me nervous in stores or parking lots and wrote it off to complete paranoia! (not that I have that feeling often, but since it's been a couple of times in the past few weeks, I was starting to wonder if I had an anxiety problem!!!) Anyway, I think I'll go with my gut even if I'm wrong after reading your story. That is just PLAIN scary!!!

I hope you get some justice!!!

Reminds me of an old poster I had in the 70s: Just because you're paranoid, does NOT mean they Aren't out to get ya!
... a certain level of paranoia/gut-feeling is healthy ... keeps ya on your toes!

[jaws1]

A PP mentioned keys being a weapon ... may have heard it at rape prevention ...
position two keys, one between index and middle finger, other between middle finger and ring finger ... hold tight ... usually just the width of the bridge of a person's nose (meaning, if you get off a lucky shot, the keys are poking their eyes ... enough to get most people's attention!) ... also painful to other soft parts of the body (throat, ear, etc).

Have always been told by cops, no matter if it's theft, yell RAPE (not "help," or "stop that man") ... people tend to look, then. (My problem is, unless I'm "giving orders" in an emergency, I forget to yell.)

If you see someone "fishy" in parking lot, it's never a bad idea to call the cops and let them investigate ... people don't just "roam" parking lots for no reason, and most parking lots have a "no loitering" sign -- the cops can at least check the person out.

For the PP that jumped in her car ... if it happens again, might consider laying on your horn ... make people look and draw attention to the person!

The last thing these kind of people want is:
somebody that looks like they're ready to whup a--,
somebody that's going to hurt them,
somebody that's going to draw attention to them.

I've been known to walk out of stores justa fussin' out loud ... and be alone! it used to be more effective before cell phones, 'cuz now people think I'm on the phone -- before, they just thought I was nuts, and made a wide path around me!! ... very few people want to approach a crazy person!

When my mom was alive, and in wheelchair or on walker, I pretty much stayed paranoid about people considering she and I an easy target ... it takes time to get an elder person (or kids) into a vehicle and get a walker, wheelchair, stroller into a vehicle and you seldom have time to grab much to help you ... was always told:
1. look like you're in a really bad mood (and ready to whup the dog off somebody) ... appear UNapproachable
2. have your keys at the ready (between fingers), don't be fumbling for them AND be ready to use them as a weapon
3. use that loud mouth of yours and scream bloody murder ... make noise and plenty of it
4. get in, lock doors, turn on engine ... THEN worry about seatbelt

Those of you that don't know your neighbors (and/or you don't have any "nosey" neighbors that keep their eyes out) and/or live in complexes ... don't get "lazy" at home ... it's where we tend to let down our guards because it's home.