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.