Advertisement

Mall security needs to be part of your family security

A mall is a melting pot of different kinds and types of people. This blog talks about how to keep your family safe while at the mall.

May 18, 2010 at 5:33PM

Since our schools are getting out soon and our kids will be going in many different directions, many parents have shared with me their concern to learn more about the many venues their family will visit this summer. So, for the next few weeks, I will blog about a different public place each week and go over what families should know before they go there. I will begin with going to the mall. A mall is a melting pot of different kinds and types of people. Not only is it a great place to watch different kinds of people, but it can be a wonderful opportunity for criminals because of the lack of shoppers paying attention. Most people are shopping looking for deals or going to their favorite store. Some are walking for the exercise. No matter what your business is at the mall, we all must be aware and teach our children to be aware. Our kids need to understand that bad people do hang out at malls and they need to be cognizant of that. One frightening reality as parents that we have seen in the news the last couple of months is predators, attempting abductions happening around our communities. Predators, even in malls, may approach a potential vic­tim seeking directions or need or offer some kind of assistance. First remember the Cardinal Rule, "You need to communicate to your child, that an adult (stranger) has no business asking them a question or asking them directions? An adult needs to ask another adult for help! A predator, since many do not look like a monster, may very nicely ask, "I'm lost. Can you please help me?" or, "Can you please tell me how to find Jacks Candy Store?" Teach your child to ignore them and quickly resist their urge to want to help. Make sure you tell them to let you know if they are approached. And then make sure you both are not being followed. Remember, it is your life and if you are with your children, their safety depends on your decisions and actions. As we have discussed, a mall is not a place to let your guard down. Shoppers, espe­cially adults responsible for children, cannot as­sume that a mall is safe. When visiting malls, family members must understand and practice basic security protocols. Be alert and know what is going on around you. Watch your children and do not become preoccupied when in stores, walking or texting/talking on your high-tech devices. One last thing, if your child got separated from you at a mall, would he or she know how to ask a stranger for help or would your child wait to be approached? We need to teach them what to look for when seeking help from an adult. One recommendation is that children should be instructed to look for a family or a mother with children and ask them for help. In addition, we need to point out safe people and places at a mall including police officers, secu­rity guards and the information desk. I think you would agree, not all strangers are bad people; on the contrary, most strangers are generally good people and want to do the right thing. Teach children to go to a store clerk or secu­rity guard if you get separated. Discuss with them who is a safe, trusted person. When shopping with children, if possible, have another adult with you so you can take turns browsing and ensure someone is watching the children. Here are more tips: Children:

  • Escort your children to the bathroom. Do not let them go alone. Bathrooms are dark places and a risk.
    • Emphasize the importance to your child of staying close to you.
      • If you take packages out to your vehicle and then plan to return to the stores to do more shopping, it may be a good idea to move your car to another section of the parking lot or street.
        • At no time, should an adult stranger ask your child a question without a parent or responsible adult present with child. You need to explain this to your child so he/she understands that adults need to find other adults to ask their question.
          • Teach your children their full name....as well as yours.
            • Carry a current photo of your child with you.

              Teens:

              • Use the buddy system do and not let them go alone. Even going to the bathroom.
                • Make sure they stay aware of their surround­ings when they are in the mall and when they are entering and exiting a store. Avoid earphones or cellular phones distracting while at the mall.
                  • If using cash, try not to use the ATM at the mall, but get cash before going to mall.
                    • Don't flash cash or credit cards.
                      • Wear appropriate clothing.
                        • Know where to go for help if needed and keep cell phone charged up.
                          • Remember that drug selling goes on in malls and your child should never hold anything for anyone or deliver any bags or packages for anyone.
                            • Let your child know that under no circumstances should they ever leave the confines of the mall with a stranger. Just stepping out in the parking lot could be a big problem.

                              Parent:

                              • Talk to your local law enforcement in the area of the mall so you can find out what crimes are happening in the mall you frequent. This can be a great teaching aid to use for commu­nicating to your teenager the risks at the mall.
                                • If you think you are being followed to your car, do not go back to your car. Return to the safety of the occupied shopping area or office buildings and contact the authorities.
                                  • If you see an individual or group acting suspicious, get out of the area and if possible report suspicious behavior, trust your instincts.
                                    • Be aware and alert to predators in the parking lot.
                                      • Plan when to go and where to park.
                                        • Do not get out of the car if it doesn't appear safe to do so.
                                          • Watch the area around your car as you approach it.
                                            • Teach your family to enter and exit the car quickly.
                                              • When putting small children into their car seats, be aware of what is happening outside your car.
                                                • Have your keys with you when approaching your car and use your car alarm emergency button on remote or carry a whistle to use as an alarm if you feel threatened.
                                                  Advertisement
                                                  about the writer

                                                  about the writer

                                                  Neil Huotari

                                                  More from No Section (Assign Gallery and Videos here)

                                                  See More
                                                  Advertisement
                                                  Advertisement

                                                  To leave a comment, .

                                                  Advertisement