For Shopping Women Only – How To Avoid Becoming Bait For A Fishing Predator

Shopping is a favorite pastime for many people, with women being the primary marathoners. Did you know that many women each year are attacked during or after a shopping expedition, whether at a mall, grocery store or shopping center? Many times, these women are not even clued into their surroundings, instead focusing on getting their packages to their car, talking on their cell phone or fumbling around for keys – all actions that are ripe for a criminal to insert them in.

Do you believe you are at risk whenever you go shopping? Do your actions invite possible confrontation? Here are some situations and solutions to read about to help better prepare a self defense for your next shopping trip:

After some time shopping, you approach your vehicle. Did you look around it first to see if there was anyone lingering around? Did you look in the back seat for any possible criminal stowaways? Casing the area around your car before you approach is very important because if you see someone just sitting in there car doing nothing, right next to yours, that is a red flag. If you see someone suspicious who seems to be lingering near his car a few slots away for no apparent reason that is another red flag which should not be ignored.

Are you carrying your shopping bags or using a cart to transport them to your car? Criminals like it when your hands are full because you have less opportunity to fight back. It is also easy for them to steal from you if that was what they were after. At shopping malls where there are no carts, make frequent stops to your car if necessary to avoid having your arms completely full, thus compromising yourself. And if you plan to shop till you drop after dark, never go alone. Plan a girl's night out or convince your significant other to be a companion.

When it is time to leaving after your shopping expedition, are you digging for your keys as you walk to the car or wait until you arrive? This maneuver also invites trouble from the criminal element. Always find your keys and have them ready, pointy side out before leaving the store. This could buy you a few precious seconds as well as provide a handy weapon if necessary.

Are you distracted by a cell phone, searching for a receipt or crossing off your shopping list while walking to your car? Any activity that draws attention away from potential trouble in the parking lot is a no-no. Keep your head held high with eyes always scanning the area for trouble and wait until you are safely locked in your car and driving away before placing or answering a cell phone call.

Do not sit in your car in the parking lot for an extended period of time. This gives a criminal time to scope you and your car out to find the most vulnerable spot of attack.

Park in a well-lit area. Criminals do not wish to be seen and identified easily. If you are shopping during the day but plan to take some time, seek out a parking spot right below or near a light post. This will guarantee you a brightly lit car to come back to. Plus you will readily be able to see any shadows or movement of someone trying to hide.

Whatever you do, do not accept help from strangers in the parking lot should you find yourself dropping something or trying to open your vehicle. Yes, there are plenty of decent people in the world who only want to help but the criminals walking among them look just as normal as the next guy. It is best to prevent yourself from even falling into any situation such as this.