To beat a thief, you might have to think like one
Black Friday is just a few days away and many of you will pack the malls this weekend to get the best deal on holiday presents.
However, police say more shopping means more robberies. Dougherty County Sheriff's Captain Craig Dodd says thieves, robbers, and bad guys are after your stuff.
“They target women who are heavily burdened. Women who have a lot of kids they're trying to keep up with and senior citizens,” Dodd said.
Dodd says if someone is trying to rob you while you're doing holiday shopping, they're going to do it in the parking lot where there are fewer cameras and people. So Dodd says don't carry a lot of bags.
“What are you gonna do? You're gonna be trying to hold on to everything so you're not dropping it, right? You're a perfect target,” said Dodd.
If you are attacked Dodd says do whatever you can to get away and draw attention to yourself. If you can draw attention to yourself, Dodd says on-lookers need to step up and get the attention away from you.
'I'm calling the police, I'm calling the police! You over there! Let's go of her, I'm calling the police!' And if he moves toward you, you back away.”
Dodd says to make sure you get to your car safely, first check the back seat, then get in the car with your bags or child. Once inside, Dodd says to lock the door, turn on the car, put on the emergency brake, and then get organized to drive off.
“If all he wants is your purse. Give him the purse and back away. The purse is not worth your life, no matter what's in it.”
How do you stay safe while shopping? Share your tips in the comment section below!
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWFXL