That's straight out of a self defense guide, NEVER get in a car without looking in the back first.

They've been telling people that for years!

Wow...that's such a basic, I didn't even think to mention it. I always do that.

Thanks much. Sometimes I forget that when in a hurry. I don't feel like going to that mall alone at night now. I am scared.

You could always just look in the back seat to see if a fully grown man is there, unless you spent a lot of money tinting your windows.

Drive into a police station, literally, that's the best solution.

or a bank, the response time may be faster at a bank, and it'd look like you were headed for the ATM...till you end up in the lobby in front of cameras and security guards listening to the alarms go off.

That is a great idea gbob_north. I guess this would work at night too eh? The alarms would still go off. I am new here, I need to locate a police station soon. This mall is in such a good area. I wish guys like you could all get together and find such criminals and punch them down..With women's liberation comes this setback. My Mom said in her country of birth women never travelled alone ,only travelled in daylight, & in groups. Hmm were those times really that bad?? i wonder sometimes..

It'd also help to remember the really basic stuff that can help you avoid trouble in the first place.

I would never have driven them anywhere. Even if there were a gun, I'd risk the shot in hopes it wouldn't kill. I'd rather be in public than be taken away.

That's right on. Because in reality when they get you and there are people around they say don't say a word or i'll kill you....I'm going to scream my brains out...It would be my only chance Right?

I fear getting paralyzed and losing my voice from the sheer terror..thanks ceecee. I like your pic.

That is just crazy...But stuff goes on like that every day. I feel for her. And can't imagine the pain she suffers...Just like the little girl that was beaten to death 4yrs old by a man her mom had met on the internet She packed it up and went to texas. There that poor baby suffered at the hands of a brutal person...And you think what was going thru that baby's mind while being beaten to death. They put her body in an igloo like cooler and dumped her body In the water only to have it wash ashore. Both the mother and so called boyfriend are behind bars. The real father lives in ohio along w/the grandmother. It's a sick world out there. We have to keep our eyes open and watch for any signs of abuse to protect us better.

Yes I know about that sad incident. About Baby Grace..was it not?? Yes we need to keep our eyes open, avoid going out alone in the dark, parking too far away from the entrance, checking the car as stated above, not to park near a large van as someone could drag you into it. It is tedious to find a security guy to walk one to the car. They are not that readily available but I will certainly put in the effort. Thanks much for answering.

First, let's make sure the story is real and not an urban legend. That said, even if it were, it can serve as notice to all to be very careful when you are out.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially at Xmas.

All I know is this story came in yesterday's news paper and made headlines. I know this mall very well. That's where I shop. That's what scared me most. And yes you are right about these days. People may be desperate, feeling lonely, vindictive, angry. It is best to keep eyes open..thanks much.

2 words. Fight back. Be prepared to deal with those who wish to harm you. Like Gbob says, be aware of your surroundings. Arm yourself, not nessicarily with a gun, but something made to make someone regret going after you. The only one responsible for your safety is you. Criminals prey on the defenseless. And don't let the state take away your right to defend yourself, because despite what the government says, they cannot garuntee your safety, no matter what laws they pass, or wars they start.

Thanks much. Well said!!