Here is some excellent advice in these difficult times from Huntley’s Police Department’s Sergeant Kevin Keane. Seniors are especially popular targets of con artists who may pose as charity solicitors, grandchildren, home improvement providers and repair workers, romantic imposters, or internet scammers (just to name a few). It behooves us to learn how to protect ourselves and our loved ones. The police officer adds the below warnings “have good value in the correct position. It is recommended to cooperate with a robbery (when possible).” Immediately (below (2)) is another example of a possible robbery diversion that may be able to be safely used.
1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on the body. If you are close enough under an attack, please do use it.
2. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM! Toss it away from you. Chances are that he is more interested in your money, and he will go for your wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole (created) and start waving like crazy. The driver won’t see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives!
4. Women have a tendency to get into their autos after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit there while doing their checkbook or making a list, etc., DON’T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. Instead, AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE! If someone is in your auto with a gun in this position, DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your airbag will save you! If the person is in the back seat, they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes, bail out and run! It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
5. Here are a few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot or a parking garage: (a. Be aware: Look around you, look into your auto at the passenger side floor and in the back seat. (b. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their vehicles. (c. Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle and on the passenger’s side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest you, you may want to walk back into the mall or work place, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY (and better to be paranoid than dead).
6. Always take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit a moving target 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, preferably in a zig-zag pattern!
8. Women are always trying to be sympathetic and to help someone: STOP THIS BEHAVIOR! It may get you raped or killed! Psychopaths often prey upon unsuspecting females using a cane or a limp and asking “for help.”
9. One recent scam used is the sound of a crying baby heard outside of a house, especially at night. Whatever you do, DO NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR. The police think it is a recorded baby’s cry to lure a woman (or a man) outside of their safe shelter. Instead, call the police at once.
10. Here is a water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all of your taps outside running water or what you think may be a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! This is yet another way for scam artists to draw you outside your house.
Sgt. Keane admonishes us seniors “Stay alert, keep safe, and lookout for your neighbors!” He recommends that we send this info to any person that may need to be reminded “that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it…Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one’s life.” Always CALL A POLICE OFFICER ASAP!
