We all know the potential dangers inherent with the holiday shopping season. Shoppers are often targeted in dark parking lots while going to their cars with their wares, making them extremely vulnerable to criminals just waiting to prey on them. The Gorilla even heard a story about a group of thugs, who would hide in the women’s bathroom, surprise and rob the women who came in, and then make the women strip down to nothing so that they (the criminals) would have time to get away. It is a dangerous prospect to be sure, and now is the time when we all must be vigilant about our own safety and the safety of our children.
The most tragic story occurred just recently in Boca Raton, Florida. The Gorilla learned of a crime in which a woman and her eight-year-old daughter were bound, shot and killed, while attempting to leave an area shopping mall. The bodies of the two were found inside the family’s SUV, still parked (and running) in the mall parking lot. It is believed the motive for this heinous crime was robbery. It is not yet known whether the assailant was already hiding inside the women’s car prior to her arrival, or whether she and her daughter were possibly targeted, and followed out to the parking lot.
The Gorilla has been to the same mall many times himself, and surprisingly, the parking area is well lit, so it is unbelievable that a crime like this can occur without anyone being detected. The killer is still out there and police are fervently investigating this crime since the community of Boca Raton is shocked and outraged that someone could take the life of a child, and seemingly get away with it. But authorities say that the holiday shopping season brings out more criminals than usual, and these guys get brave around the holidays. These criminals are looking to prey on unwary shoppers, who may be in a hurry, laden down with bags, and potentially walking to their cars in darkened parking lots. While this crime is not the only one of it’s kind (this happens much more than we know), authorities say it may have been prevented through taking some extra precautions. Here are a few tips police say may prevent you from becoming a victim:-Never walk out to your car alone-even if it means waiting in a well lit busy area for others to exit, or asking someone to accompany you.
-If possible, park in parking garages instead of the normally dimly lit parking lots.
-As you approach your vehicle, look around avidly, even stooping down to see if anyone is hiding under or around your car. Check the back seat before getting in.
-Never leave packages out in sight in your car. (This is just too tempting for would- be robbers.)
-Make sure your car doors are locked when you go into the shopping area. Manually check them before proceeding.
These are just a few things to remember this holiday shopping season. The Gorilla would like to remind you to have fun, don’t forget the spirit of giving, and most importantly, BE SAFE! For further holiday safety tips go to McGruff.org.