FIGHT BACK!  BY DAVID HOROWITZ

You Don't Have to be a Victim
        
        There are few things more frightening than being confronted by an armed  mugger. And 
when it happens, there's not much you can do but give the thief  what he wants. Nothing you are 
carrying is worth your life. The key is to avoid  becoming a victim in the first place.
        Thieves look for easy targets -- typically, women who are alone in a place  where they can 
be robbed without attracting too much attention. Parking lots are  favorite sites, especially at 
night. Here are some tips from police on avoiding  these situations.
        -- Be aware of your surroundings. Look before you walk. Watch for  anyone loitering around 
store entrances or cars in the parking lot.
        -- Don't carry more cash and credit cards than you will need for that  shopping trip.
        -- Don't wear expensive clothing or jewelry when you shop.
        -- If you see someone acting suspiciously, notify mall security or the store  manager.
        -- Watch where you park. Pick a well-lighted space, even during the day.  It may be dark by 
the time you return to your car.
        -- Avoid parking near landscaping or structures where thieves can hide  and wait. Be sure 
your parking spot is easily seen by other shoppers in the lot.
        -- If you're in a shopping mall, leave by the entrance nearest your car.  You want the 
shortest possible route from the door to your vehicle.
        -- Don't load yourself up with packages. This marks you as a target. If you  have more than 
you can carry in one hand, ask for someone to help you. If no  one is available, leave your 
packages with a clerk and drive your car to the  store entrance and load them there.
        -- Have your keys out and ready before you leave the store. You don't  want to waste time 
looking for them when you get to your car. That can be a  dangerous distraction.
        -- Look inside your car before you get in. Someone could be hiding  inside. It's not a bad 
idea to carry a pocket flashlight with you, either.
        -- If you are confronted by someone who wants to steal your car, drop the  keys and run.
        -- Even if you are threatened, don't get into the car with the carjacker. You  are far more 
vulnerable inside the car than outside.
        -- If you shop with your children, tell them what to do in an emergency.  They should know 
where to run for help and where to meet you afterwards.
        -- If you think you're being followed in your car, don't lead them to your  home. Head for the 
nearest police station, fire station or anywhere there are lots  of people around. Then, call the 
police.
        ATM robberies receive a lot of publicity. But in fact, your chances of being  robbed at a 
banking machine are relatively low. Still, it pays to be cautious.
        -- Be aware of your surroundings. Look the bank over before you get out  of your car.
        -- Don't use ATMs at night if you can avoid it.
        -- Use machines that are well lighted and easily seen from the street.
        -- Plan ahead. Keep a supply of deposit envelopes and do your  paperwork before you get 
to the ATM. That limits your exposure standing at the  machine filling out deposit slips and lets 
you keep an eye out for your own  safety.
        -- Limit the number of transactions at the ATM. The less time you spend at  the machine, 
the less vulnerable you are.
        If you have any questions or comments, please write to David  Horowitz in the Consumer 
Forum+ (go FIGHTBACK).

COPYRIGHT 1994 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.