Community Chat

[gidgetgh]

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@golding76 wrote:

As I do from time to time, I forgot to take my phone with me tonight.

I know it is not "right" to mention he was foreign-looking.  Heck!  I'm foreign-looking in my own way and come from people who were foreign-looking as well.

It's just that he had this "exotic" look.  Plus, he was an old man.  I think he was 68 - 70 something.

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@golding76 - I'm glad you're ok.  Please, please, please get in the habit of ALWAYS taking your phone with you.  That's why you have it.  It's a bad habit to not have it with you.

[Marp]

@golding76,  does your car have a fob that activates the horn when you push the button?  A blaring car horn always attracts attention.

[skatting44]

Good thing you trusted your " gut " feelings .  It's best to be prepared as other posters have given suggestions such as call on your phone,  be loud  , head to the store. Many stores have security cameras  so you can still report the incident .

[phoenixbrd]

@golding76. So grateful you are safe and you trusted your instinct.  I am concerned that more of these types of incidents will be happening.  We need to be proactive and consider what we would do if confronted.....many good suggestions.  Take care,  you are safe.

[LdyBugz]

@golding76  I started to do a "sanity check" on myself before I close and lock the door when leaving home.  I stop and check that I have everything I need before getting in the car. 

Phone?  ✔

Wallet?  ✔

Keys?  ✔

Work badge? ✔

Just doing this little step has saved me a trip back home a couple of times.

Make yourself a cup of tea and try to relax.  You are home safe now.

[golding76]

I called the local police station and spoke with the dispatcher.  I described to her what happened and she documented everything and put it in the system.  She asked if I wanted to speak with an officer, and I asked if I should.  Her reponse was that since it occurred so long ago (now, over an hour ago), the documentation should be sufficient.

She said I should have called right when it happened -- that that was the time to speak with a police officer.  There were no other reports similar to mine in the system. 

[moonandthestars]

@golding76 

I'm so glad to hear you're ok and that you're safe. That really does sound scary!  It's important to trust your instincts.  You handled it well, as best as could be handled I believe.  I'm sure your cortisol went way up!!!  Take care of yourself.  Take deep breaths, do what you can to relax and let it go.  You are safe and ok now. 

Maybe you might call and tell the store so they look out for their customers.  Just in case he's still there.  

[golding76]

Yes, I do have that, Marp.

[jannabelle1]

I'm so glad you're okay - what a horrible thing to go through. You asked what we would have done - here are my thoughts:

- I NEVER go out alone at night....I just don't feel safe.

- I always make sure I have my cell phone with me, and it is charged.

- I would have turned around immediately and gone back into the store, and said that I was being followed by a man in the parking lot. I also would have called the police and reported exactly the same thing. Parking lots, especially at night, are prime places for robberies and abductions. Wandering around the parking lot like you did just placed you farther away from the safety of your car where you could immediately lock the doors as soon as you were inside.

- I carry an alarm on my key chain....think about getting one (or a whistle).

- And last - always lock your car doors as soon as you are inside the car - day or night - no matter what. Don't wait for the locks to secure as you drive off.

Take care - relax now - you're safe at home.

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[pugvette74]

I am happy you are home and safe. Please take the good advice from some of the posters here.