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Seeings how we "had" a good discussion going on in the "Ladies Only" thread...It had been suggested we get one going at the "big table"...

I figure this may want to be more of a "mindset building" discussion, and not so much on hardware, ammo, holsters, and other sundry/general equipment issues...

But...Maybe we can steer it more towards a general/specific safety discussion about how to keep yourself (both men, women and kids) aware of your surroundings, work on a plan if you are in a group, communications, etc etc...

Make it to where it is not a burden to worry about, yet an idea that is always in the back of your mind, but ready to implement at a moments notice...

Since the "silly season" is upon us, maybe we need to review a few things, talk it out and see if we are missing anything...Who knows...I always say there is something to learn form other peoples experiences...

We might even want to create an "alert" list of places that might be having some problems that we may want to be aware of...Nothing negative or spite-ful towards the facility or organization, but built more upon a report style notice that gives us information to make personal decisions on our patronage of those places...

Just an idea...Might as well get it going and see how it goes...

I predict that there will be more car break ins in Texas now since the BG's know that many people carry (and leave) a gun in their car.

So, do not leave anything visible inside your car (such as a shopping bag, camera, radar detector, gps unit, etc....) that would be an easy smash & grab for the would be thief who may also get "lucky" and take your gun.

Best to not leave any guns in cars if at all possible. If not possible, get yourself a good gun safe that you can bolt to the bottom of the trunk of the car.
Not some flimsy breadbox with a cable wrapped around your seat rack!

Ohhh, and you were doing sooooo well before the "breadbox" comment...

I think any measure you take or do in your vehicle to "slow" down the inevitable is a good move...But you're right...If a cabled down breadbox doesn't seem secure enough, then I say go out and get a better deal that works for you...No worries...

Good points all around though...

Question for those willing to take on a challenge...

"What do you think is the most vulnerable time to a person out shopping, and one a criminal "could" exploit?"

stevie_d_64 wrote: "What do you think is the most vulnerable time to a person out shopping, and one a criminal "could" exploit?"

Returning to the car in a darkened parking lot with hands full of shopping bags.

Looking/acting like a Sheeple.....day or night!

This may not apply to the "out shopping" criteria, however, its very easy to let your guard down when you pull into the driveway/garage, especially if you are tired from a long day of shopping.

Mom & I hit the malls/shopping centers early on the day after Thanksgiving each year. It's sort of an athletic event for us.

I think the fact that we're preoccupied with what to buy for who makes us vulnerable. Watch surroundings.

Since carrying my weapon, I've been even more careful; I realize now that if the BG has me, he also has a weapon.
I don't let people too close to me. The stores are crowded, but be watchful at all times, and try to maintain distance.

One thing that I tend to do when shopping is to wear a backpack purse. (Men may wish to use a simple backpack, fanny pack, or just use pockets.) Mom does this too.
We keep our bottled water, lists, wallets, make-up, etc. in our back packs, with the straps on both shoulders. We don't let anyone too close behind us. (We also keep money on our bodies.) This keeps both hands free both for shopping and for taking care of any criminal behavior.

How about laying down in the back of your SUV and have your wife cover you with empty boxes for computers, big screen TV ect. while she goes in to shop. It could turn out to be more exciting than trudging mindlessly thru the mall.
I'ld ask her to get me one of the brownies from the cookie place. That's the only thing I would miss from not going inside!
OE

one thing that makes an unaware person more vulnerable in the darkened parking lot is walking too close to the vehicles on one side of the drive way. I learned about this one 40 years ago from someone doing self defense training.... walk in the middle of the driving lane, and only move to the side to get out of the path of moving vehicles. Also, if you are waaayyy out in the parking area and away from other folks, take a quick glance under your vehicle while approaching from the driving lane.

These are mainly tips for the ladies, but are a good practice for everyone.

Keep it coming folks...

This is good stuff...

I always recommend learning this thinking process. But this is a good time to try and implement it.

We nearly all notice people sitting in cars, and should try to be aware. Especially shady types waiting in cars in parking lots. So, we generally look through windows and at cars.
One step further...


Knowing that nearly all approaches are going to come from planned "surprise avenues" mostly from behind, there is a technique that can help.

If you look at a car window and are looking through it, then switch your gaze so that it works as a mirror to see behind you. With just a little awareness, one can normally situate themselves as to have a forward and back view, even when between cars unloading a cart.
I would go so far as to advocate window film, just for this reason alone. Window film really turns a window into a great mirror.

Walk to/from the stores with your head up, likeit's on a swivel. MAKE EYE CONTACT with anyone & everyone. If anyone acts suspicious, make hard eye contact. If you feel uncomfortable in returning to your car, ask for the store to provide an escort to your car. Have your keys ready so you don't stand there & fish around for them. Once in your car, immediately lock the doors--and if you feel really ill at ease, put it in gear with foot on the brake. A moving car is your best solution--just drive away.

* the above assumes you ARE carrying.

One thing that I get mad at my fiance about is that she always disables her overhead Light in her car. I tell her to keep it on because when you unlock the car the lights come on and you can see inside.

I don't like getting inside a dark car.

OverEasy wrote:How about laying down in the back of your SUV and have your wife cover you with empty boxes for computers, big screen TV ect. while she goes in to shop. It could turn out to be more exciting than trudging mindlessly thru the mall.

Are you allowed to hunt over bait in Texas?

cbr600 wrote:

OverEasy wrote:How about laying down in the back of your SUV and have your wife cover you with empty boxes for computers, big screen TV ect. while she goes in to shop. It could turn out to be more exciting than trudging mindlessly thru the mall.

Are you allowed to hunt over bait in Texas?

Actually yes :) It is the preferred method of hunting in Texas :)