In wake of abduction attempts, how can shoppers protect themselves?

By Darla Hernandez (darlah@wsbt.com)

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Protect yourself from abduction attempts

In the wake of recent abduction attempts — in broad daylight in crowded parking lots — police urge women especially to always be aware of their surroundings. If you are approached, screaming draws attention and most attackers will run away. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Feb 27, 2009 at 5:57 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 3, 2009 at 12:10 AM EST

MISHAWAKA — In addition to the abduction of a 19-year-old girl on Tuesday, police want to know if Michael Lindsey is connected to two other attempted abductions earlier in the day. All three of incidents happened in broad daylight, in parking lots.

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So we headed to Meijer with Mishawaka police Lt. Tim Williams to see what women were doing right and wrong.

One woman was watching at all times and had her purse by her side.

"It's next to her, so she has it ... she's not worried about her cart, where it's going; but she has her purse on her, she's keeping her purse with her ... when she came out she was looking around," Lt. Williams observed.

"Don't roll your window down," he continued. "If you’re not in your car try and get in your car as quick as possible.

"If you are going to your car, you want to carry your keys [between your knuckles] so if something does happen, and it's a stranger, they try to abduct you, you do have something that you can try to defend yourself with."

Time after time we saw shoppers who couldn't find their vehicle, which could make them easy targets.

"You are really distracted because you are really just focused on your car and not what's around you," Williams explained.

During this time of year when it's cold, many women wear their hoods up. Police say you should always have your hood down so you have better peripheral vision and can pay close attention to your surroundings.

When it comes to mothers, Lt Williams says be sure to watch what is going on around you even while putting kids in the car.

"It's really hard by yourself," said mother Heather Ellis. "I try not to come to the story by myself very often, actually. We usually try to wait until weekends when my husband is off."

Remember, it just takes seconds for your child — or anyone — to disappear.

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