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 Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
 
| The stories on Facebook about women with or without children being followed in either Target or Walmart... I'll admit I never use to be too aware of my surroundings when shopping.. I don't let my kids out of my sight but I never made them stick to my side either ... that's changed dramatically now though. I don't shop at Target but the last incident I read about happened at the Target near me. I need to start being more aware if someone is following me because I get so caught up in grocery shopping and keeping kids in line. I'm planning on taking a concealed class very soon. This world has gotten so scary! I remember being approached in the parking lot a few years ago by a man asking me if I liked perfume and I could come over to his car where he had lots of samples for me to smell. I was downright rude and told him to get away from me or I'd call the cops, he laughed it off but left me alone. . I called the store that I had been in and told them but I'm not sure if they did anything. Scares me to death for my kids. |
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Posts: 1718
 
Location: Southeast Louisiana | There's so much fake news on faceboook, I don't know what to believe. Seems like it would be on at least a few local news stations if there was any merit to some of these stories. Wal mart has pretty good surveillance, I can't believe with this many reports that they don't have videos. |
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Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| Nita - 2017-06-29 10:12 PM
There's so much fake news on faceboook, I don't know what to believe. Seems like it would be on at least a few local news stations if there was any merit to some of these stories. Wal mart has pretty good surveillance, I can't believe with this many reports that they don't have videos.
That's very true! I can't imagine why anyone would make up a fake story like that.. even a few with pics snapped from a cell phone. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383
Location: Sweet Home Alabama | Happened to a girl I go to church with. She was grocery shopping last Sunday afternoon with her year old daughter and noticed 2 men following her down every aisle. Luckily, her husband was in the store too so she text him to come to her. I don't believe every story I read on social media either, but It is wise to keep your children close by and/or carry. My farrier was out yesterday and he showed me a picture of his wife's 22 pistol. It was smaller than her hand! He told me I need to look into getting one. I agree. |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| I have posted this on facebook about 3 times. We have to go to meetings at the beginning of school each year. We call them "butt nummers" because that is usually what we get out of them. Two years ago, there was a guy that came to speak on human trafficking. He said that human trafficking was the second largest illegal money making scheme in the US just second to drug sales. Usually, they target people (any age ) who appear to be vulnerable. They make friends with them and ask them if they would like to make some extra money. I think they are getting bolder and snatching people who they actually sell overseas. In March of this year, there was a news report on human trafficking on a Shreveport LA TV channel. The person in charge was a detective out of Ft Worth. They are trying to get hte town along I 20 to work together to get this cornered. They gave statistics on the report of ages girls that had been rescued from these traffickers and 18 of them were UNDER TWELVE YEARS OLD! Everything I have seen on facebook seemed to happen along I20. (but that is where I live) You need to be aware that boys are involved. There are a lot of women who like little boys and there are men who like boys.
I will add that I called 911 to report a little girl in an 18 wheeler who appeared to be signaling for help and the dispatcher said "Thanks, because nowadays you just do not know. "
I am sure there are very few people who will read this but yes you do need to be aware of your surroundings and really watch who you talk to. |
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Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| streakysox - 2017-06-29 10:36 PM
I have posted this on facebook about 3 times. We have to go to meetings at the beginning of school each year. We call them "butt nummers" because that is usually what we get out of them. Two years ago, there was a guy that came to speak on human trafficking. He said that human trafficking was the second largest illegal money making scheme in the US just second to drug sales. Usually, they target people (any age ) who appear to be vulnerable. They make friends with them and ask them if they would like to make some extra money. I think they are getting bolder and snatching people who they actually sell overseas. In March of this year, there was a news report on human trafficking on a Shreveport LA TV channel. The person in charge was a detective out of Ft Worth. They are trying to get hte town along I 20 to work together to get this cornered. They gave statistics on the report of ages girls that had been rescued from these traffickers and 18 of them were UNDER TWELVE YEARS OLD! Everything I have seen on facebook seemed to happen along I20. (but that is where I live) You need to be aware that boys are involved. There are a lot of women who like little boys and there are men who like boys.
I will add that I called 911 to report a little girl in an 18 wheeler who appeared to be signaling for help and the dispatcher said "Thanks, because nowadays you just do not know. "
I am sure there are very few people who will read this but yes you do need to be aware of your surroundings and really watch who you talk to.
Very sad and scary. I have a 12 yr old daughter (who thinks she's chuck norris) she's very aware of things when we go out together... probably because I've lectured her a million times not to talk to strangers or get in strangers vehicles etc etc... in fact today we were at Walmart and when we got to my pickup she said mom didn't you notice that man staring at you in the checkout line.. I said nope.. she said don't worry I stared him down till he looked away. I honestly get a little nervous when my mom wants to take my two little boys out with her... she's older and couldn't do much in the ways of protecting them if needed but I sure don't want to deny her or them spending time together at the park or splash pads. |
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 Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | This is going to be long but please read:
Having the past that I have had I am very aware of my surroundings. I keep one hand on my shopping cart at all times. Never do I ever turn my back to my cart. I always have my daughter in front of me. I use the seat belt in the shopping cart for my youngest (2yrs) and make sure that when I get to my car, she is the first thing I take out of the cart, the second thing I take out is my wallet. I lay it in front of me in the back of the car because anyone can open your doors in a split second and take anything they want while you're at the back of your car. My daughter stays on my hip and I carry her with me to the shopping cart return. I even relock my car while I'm taking the cart back. I get into the front seat with her and immedietly lock the doors and start the car. I usually adjust the radio station or give my little one a snack while the car cools off. I usually scoot my seat back and get into her own seat without getting out of the car. Is it a pain? you bet. But I'm not risking someone taking her out of the car while I'm loading groceries.
If your car door is unlocked or your car is running or both anyone can help themselves to whatever is in your car. Sure, it's summer here in TX and it's hot. But I would much rather my car be hot when I get into it than leave it running and have someone steal something I worked hard to get.
If we are at an event she stands or sits between my husband and myself. She isn't allowed to walk in a large crowd even while holding my hand. She can either sit with her dad until I get back from the restroom/concessions/truck or she can be carried on my hip. If we take her stroller anywhere I always seat belt her in and have her face me. I never let go of the stroller.
We don't go to parks much. But when we do her uncles are always with her and I'm sitting on the bench watching what's going on in the big picture. I leave my phone in the car so I'm not tempted to look away. Both uncles carry, as do I. They both open carry here in TX and are well over 6 foot and covered in tattoos. Sweetest men in the world, but scary looking if you don't know them. Many people don't even look at my daughter when we are at the park. 
The problem with the smaller pistols is, yes they are easily carried and concealed, but they kick like a mule on steroids. They will literally jump right out of your hand. So you go from having a 6 to 8 shot to having one shot. That smaller gun is more likely to jump right out of your hand. And when it does, you'll miss.
I carry my gun on my hip. People know I carry. I don't conceal very well, but I conceal. I cover it with a shirt but for the most part you can see the outline of a gun under my shirt. I have practiced multiple times at the range with my Dad. He has made me practice drawing and firing at something from the side, front, and back. He makes me cover the gun back up and put the safety on just like I would have it while in a store. He has even made me shoot from the side, back and front while I was running and the target was still and then made me do it while running with the target following. I've made myself more confident by doing this. I carry a Glock 9mm most days and always have it on my hip. It has custom made grips for my small hands and I can hang on to it pretty well.
I'm not taking the chance of getting seperated from my purse, having to dig for a gun, or having an attacker get a hold of my gun.
My point: Practice. Take extra steps to keep your kids safe. Take 5 extra minutes while getting into the car to keep them safe. Don't be intimidated by a gun range. Most of the time the men who run these ranges are more than happy to educate you on how to keep your family safe. The range we go to is run by an ex British Secret Service member. He LOVES when I come to shoot. He teaches me something new each time I go there. I sign up for ever long range, close range, survival, and family calss they offer. Me feeling confident and well educated about my pistol during different scenarios keeps me from being afraid.
My dad even called his friend who is a retired full bird Colonel for the Marines and he helped me go through the scenario of someone being inside my house. We went through what to do in order to clear rooms to get to my baby's room, we worked on how to get out of my house safely if someone is intruding and we went through the scenario of someone breaking and entering. Is that scary to think of? Yes. But at least I know what to do if the situation ever presented itself. My dad always says: Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail. |
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Location: Not Where I Want to Be | Nita - 2017-06-29 11:12 PM There's so much fake news on faceboook, I don't know what to believe. Seems like it would be on at least a few local news stations if there was any merit to some of these stories. Wal mart has pretty good surveillance, I can't believe with this many reports that they don't have videos.
^^^^This^^^^^
I don't believe that the world is inherently more dangerous than it was years ago. But the dissemination of information and the "look at me" stories make it appear so.
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 Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | Nita - 2017-06-29 11:12 PM There's so much fake news on faceboook, I don't know what to believe. Seems like it would be on at least a few local news stations if there was any merit to some of these stories. Wal mart has pretty good surveillance, I can't believe with this many reports that they don't have videos.
Then you might live in lala land. It has happened to us so many times here at our Walmart. We always call and report it. And, they say okay. That is all. And when I say we, the girls here at work who used to go there at lunch to get groceries. We would stop going and then go again and bam, there they are. Panhandling, wanting gas money, money for food.
We don't go anymore at all. Our city was voted in the top 10 of the worse crime ridden cities in America.
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Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| IRunOnFaith - 2017-06-30 9:24 AM
This is going to be long but please read:
Having the past that I have had I am very aware of my surroundings. I keep one hand on my shopping cart at all times. Never do I ever turn my back to my cart. I always have my daughter in front of me. I use the seat belt in the shopping cart for my youngest (2yrs) and make sure that when I get to my car, she is the first thing I take out of the cart, the second thing I take out is my wallet. I lay it in front of me in the back of the car because anyone can open your doors in a split second and take anything they want while you're at the back of your car. My daughter stays on my hip and I carry her with me to the shopping cart return. I even relock my car while I'm taking the cart back. I get into the front seat with her and immedietly lock the doors and start the car. I usually adjust the radio station or give my little one a snack while the car cools off. I usually scoot my seat back and get into her own seat without getting out of the car. Is it a pain? you bet. But I'm not risking someone taking her out of the car while I'm loading groceries.
If your car door is unlocked or your car is running or both anyone can help themselves to whatever is in your car. Sure, it's summer here in TX and it's hot. But I would much rather my car be hot when I get into it than leave it running and have someone steal something I worked hard to get.
If we are at an event she stands or sits between my husband and myself. She isn't allowed to walk in a large crowd even while holding my hand. She can either sit with her dad until I get back from the restroom/concessions/truck or she can be carried on my hip. If we take her stroller anywhere I always seat belt her in and have her face me. I never let go of the stroller.
We don't go to parks much. But when we do her uncles are always with her and I'm sitting on the bench watching what's going on in the big picture. I leave my phone in the car so I'm not tempted to look away. Both uncles carry, as do I. They both open carry here in TX and are well over 6 foot and covered in tattoos. Sweetest men in the world, but scary looking if you don't know them. Many people don't even look at my daughter when we are at the park. The problem with the smaller pistols is, yes they are easily carried and concealed, but they kick like a mule on steroids. They will literally jump right out of your hand. So you go from having a 6 to 8 shot to having one shot. That smaller gun is more likely to jump right out of your hand. And when it does, you'll miss.
I carry my gun on my hip. People know I carry. I don't conceal very well, but I conceal. I cover it with a shirt but for the most part you can see the outline of a gun under my shirt. I have practiced multiple times at the range with my Dad. He has made me practice drawing and firing at something from the side, front, and back. He makes me cover the gun back up and put the safety on just like I would have it while in a store. He has even made me shoot from the side, back and front while I was running and the target was still and then made me do it while running with the target following. I've made myself more confident by doing this. I carry a Glock 9mm most days and always have it on my hip. It has custom made grips for my small hands and I can hang on to it pretty well.
I'm not taking the chance of getting seperated from my purse, having to dig for a gun, or having an attacker get a hold of my gun.
My point: Practice. Take extra steps to keep your kids safe. Take 5 extra minutes while getting into the car to keep them safe. Don't be intimidated by a gun range. Most of the time the men who run these ranges are more than happy to educate you on how to keep your family safe. The range we go to is run by an ex British Secret Service member. He LOVES when I come to shoot. He teaches me something new each time I go there. I sign up for ever long range, close range, survival, and family calss they offer. Me feeling confident and well educated about my pistol during different scenarios keeps me from being afraid.
My dad even called his friend who is a retired full bird Colonel for the Marines and he helped me go through the scenario of someone being inside my house. We went through what to do in order to clear rooms to get to my baby's room, we worked on how to get out of my house safely if someone is intruding and we went through the scenario of someone breaking and entering. Is that scary to think of? Yes. But at least I know what to do if the situation ever presented itself. My dad always says: Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail.
I enjoyed reading this... thank you. No shortage of guns at my house my husband has his concealed but he's not always with me... I promised him I'd get it done. We practice alot at our house but I really need to hit up a range and take a class. I have home protection covered. First line of defense is my dogs... they are very protective of our home and I keep them inside at night.. they usually sleep in the living room or by the kids rooms.. I've got my protection beside my headboard. You can't ever be too prepared or too careful or paranoid as some may say... I say better safe than sorry! |
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Veteran
Posts: 233
| Facebook is awful for fear mongering. Statistically, you are much safer in the us than you were in previous decades. The wide dissemination of information allows people to pick and choose what information they share, and everybody loves a good adrenalin rush, even if it comes from a half truth. Especially if it supports our prejudices. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 618
| I think we've just become easier targets bc we are not only shopping and managing kids most of us are distracted by our phones. Don't be scared, educate yourself and your children. Start by freaking putting down your phones and paying attention to your surroundings. Stranger danger is still a pretty dang good rule of thumb. |
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 Just a Yankee
Posts: 1239
Location: Some where I haven't left yet | As someone who ran "over-the-road" I can tell you there are cities that I will not go to as a woman by myself. Memphis/West Memphis, Atlanta, and I'm super careful in certain truckstops in Dallas. I truly am safer in Laredo Texas vs West Memphis. I'm not big enough, I recognize it, and watch out. I know where to safely park, and where not too. There are several programs out there to educate Drivers to recognize Human Trafficking. There have been many reports of drivers reporting/stopping it. |
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| IRunOnFaith - 2017-06-30 9:24 AM
This is going to be long but please read:
Having the past that I have had I am very aware of my surroundings. I keep one hand on my shopping cart at all times. Never do I ever turn my back to my cart. I always have my daughter in front of me. I use the seat belt in the shopping cart for my youngest (2yrs) and make sure that when I get to my car, she is the first thing I take out of the cart, the second thing I take out is my wallet. I lay it in front of me in the back of the car because anyone can open your doors in a split second and take anything they want while you're at the back of your car. My daughter stays on my hip and I carry her with me to the shopping cart return. I even relock my car while I'm taking the cart back. I get into the front seat with her and immedietly lock the doors and start the car. I usually adjust the radio station or give my little one a snack while the car cools off. I usually scoot my seat back and get into her own seat without getting out of the car. Is it a pain? you bet. But I'm not risking someone taking her out of the car while I'm loading groceries.
If your car door is unlocked or your car is running or both anyone can help themselves to whatever is in your car. Sure, it's summer here in TX and it's hot. But I would much rather my car be hot when I get into it than leave it running and have someone steal something I worked hard to get.
If we are at an event she stands or sits between my husband and myself. She isn't allowed to walk in a large crowd even while holding my hand. She can either sit with her dad until I get back from the restroom/concessions/truck or she can be carried on my hip. If we take her stroller anywhere I always seat belt her in and have her face me. I never let go of the stroller.
We don't go to parks much. But when we do her uncles are always with her and I'm sitting on the bench watching what's going on in the big picture. I leave my phone in the car so I'm not tempted to look away. Both uncles carry, as do I. They both open carry here in TX and are well over 6 foot and covered in tattoos. Sweetest men in the world, but scary looking if you don't know them. Many people don't even look at my daughter when we are at the park. The problem with the smaller pistols is, yes they are easily carried and concealed, but they kick like a mule on steroids. They will literally jump right out of your hand. So you go from having a 6 to 8 shot to having one shot. That smaller gun is more likely to jump right out of your hand. And when it does, you'll miss.
I carry my gun on my hip. People know I carry. I don't conceal very well, but I conceal. I cover it with a shirt but for the most part you can see the outline of a gun under my shirt. I have practiced multiple times at the range with my Dad. He has made me practice drawing and firing at something from the side, front, and back. He makes me cover the gun back up and put the safety on just like I would have it while in a store. He has even made me shoot from the side, back and front while I was running and the target was still and then made me do it while running with the target following. I've made myself more confident by doing this. I carry a Glock 9mm most days and always have it on my hip. It has custom made grips for my small hands and I can hang on to it pretty well.
I'm not taking the chance of getting seperated from my purse, having to dig for a gun, or having an attacker get a hold of my gun.
My point: Practice. Take extra steps to keep your kids safe. Take 5 extra minutes while getting into the car to keep them safe. Don't be intimidated by a gun range. Most of the time the men who run these ranges are more than happy to educate you on how to keep your family safe. The range we go to is run by an ex British Secret Service member. He LOVES when I come to shoot. He teaches me something new each time I go there. I sign up for ever long range, close range, survival, and family calss they offer. Me feeling confident and well educated about my pistol during different scenarios keeps me from being afraid.
My dad even called his friend who is a retired full bird Colonel for the Marines and he helped me go through the scenario of someone being inside my house. We went through what to do in order to clear rooms to get to my baby's room, we worked on how to get out of my house safely if someone is intruding and we went through the scenario of someone breaking and entering. Is that scary to think of? Yes. But at least I know what to do if the situation ever presented itself. My dad always says: Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail.
Nowadays you almost need to handcuff your child to you. Unfortunately we are the ones at fault. When juries just do not feel there is enough evidence to convict people carry on with what they are doing then others join in. |
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| 1DSoon - 2017-06-30 9:40 AM
Nita - 2017-06-29 11:12 PM There's so much fake news on faceboook, I don't know what to believe. Seems like it would be on at least a few local news stations if there was any merit to some of these stories. Wal mart has pretty good surveillance, I can't believe with this many reports that they don't have videos.
^^^^This^^^^^
I don't believe that the world is inherently more dangerous than it was years ago. But the dissemination of information and the "look at me" stories make it appear so.
What about Ariel Castro in Cleveland Ohio that kidnapped those three girls. Well, that was only once. Just my opinion but one time is one too many. I don't think this even made Facebook |
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Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | streakysox - 2017-06-30 6:16 PM
1DSoon - 2017-06-30 9:40 AM
Nita - 2017-06-29 11:12 PM There's so much fake news on faceboook, I don't know what to believe. Seems like it would be on at least a few local news stations if there was any merit to some of these stories. Wal mart has pretty good surveillance, I can't believe with this many reports that they don't have videos.
^^^^This^^^^^
I don't believe that the world is inherently more dangerous than it was years ago. But the dissemination of information and the "look at me" stories make it appear so.
What about Ariel Castro in Cleveland Ohio that kidnapped those three girls. Well, that was only once. Just my opinion but one time is one too many. I don't think this even made Facebook
Oh, I agree that it happens. And every report of a suspicious person should be taken seriously. I just don't believe every story posted on Facebook about this is true. If people are reporting it to police, I can't imagine a few news stations haven't covered it.
I also believe we should always be careful and keep our kids in sight always, regardless of what we read on facebook.
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Expert
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Location: Southeast Louisiana | 3canstorun - 2017-06-30 10:05 AM
Nita - 2017-06-29 11:12 PM There's so much fake news on faceboook, I don't know what to believe. Seems like it would be on at least a few local news stations if there was any merit to some of these stories. Wal mart has pretty good surveillance, I can't believe with this many reports that they don't have videos.
Then you might live in lala land. It has happened to us so many times here at our Walmart. We always call and report it. And, they say okay. That is all. And when I say we, the girls here at work who used to go there at lunch to get groceries. We would stop going and then go again and bam, there they are. Panhandling, wanting gas money, money for food.
We don't go anymore at all. Our city was voted in the top 10 of the worse crime ridden cities in America.
You called an reported it to the police and they just said "ok"? |
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 To the Left
Posts: 1865
Location: Florida | I no longer carry a purse when I shop. I have a metal credit card carrier and put my drivers license in that. I go in with that in one pocket and my keys in the other. I disabled the electric locks on my truck so it takes the key to get in. That whey when I put it in park the doors do not unlock by themselves. I also turned off the automatic dome light so when I open the door I don't become a beacon of light in a dark parking lot that anyone can see.
Maybe I was too careful doing all this years ago, but not so much anymore. |
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Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | Nita - 2017-07-01 4:46 AM 3canstorun - 2017-06-30 10:05 AM Nita - 2017-06-29 11:12 PM There's so much fake news on faceboook, I don't know what to believe. Seems like it would be on at least a few local news stations if there was any merit to some of these stories. Wal mart has pretty good surveillance, I can't believe with this many reports that they don't have videos. Then you might live in lala land. It has happened to us so many times here at our Walmart. We always call and report it. And, they say okay. That is all. And when I say we, the girls here at work who used to go there at lunch to get groceries. We would stop going and then go again and bam, there they are. Panhandling, wanting gas money, money for food.
We don't go anymore at all. Our city was voted in the top 10 of the worse crime ridden cities in America.
You called an reported it to the police and they just said "ok"?
No Walmart says okay. The police take 2 hours to get there. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
Location: Canada | Okay I believe it happens I also think that some people have become paranoid. I shop at a local Walmart and I'm a creature of habit. I start at one end and go to the other. So if someone in front of me does the same thing sure I'm following them. Not because I'm stalking them but because I follow the same route.
If you are shopping and you are worried or have little ones ask for help out. It gives you peace of mind someone else is there with you. It also means you can get yourself and your kids in safely while putting your groceries away.
Most stores are willing to send out someone to help you so don't be afraid to ask. Same with malls if it's dark or you're late leaving and it's dark out ask for an escort. A lot of time the security enjoy walking people out and feeling like they've made you feel safe.
I find as women were too afraid to ask for help so go ahead and ask!!!
Edited by RunNitroRun 2017-07-01 6:34 PM
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