Self Defense- Crime Wave in Phoenix and Washington DC

Recently on the Fox News Network, one of the stories was about a crime wave in Washington DC. What's new you ask? Washington DC has a history of crime waves. These statistics are particularly startling when you consider that Washington DC has so many different levels of police. In the first twelve days of July 14 people have been killed and in the last 30 days robberies are up 14% and armed assaults are up 18%.

The crime wave comes at the height of the tourist season in our nation's capitol. This is the third such crime emergency in the last four years. Tax paying, law abiding citizens are prohibited by city law from carrying lethal weapons to defend themselves because of a thirty year old ban on guns in Washington DC. Apparently only criminals can have guns. Does this show how effective such bans are?

Then came a story of two thugs terrorizing the city of Phoenix. One is called the "Baseline Rapist" because he hangs out in the southern part of Phoenix near Baseline Rd. He started his spree in August of 2005. He is believed to be responsible for 6 murders, and many robberies and sexual assaults. The other "Serial Shooter" has at least 5 murders. Sixteen of his victims have survived since he started his spree in May 2005.

Both killers have put the city in a state of terror. Citizens are rightfully afraid to go out alone after dark. Fear and paranoia are rampant.

Phoenix police are frustrated because after all this time and so many victims they don't have a good description-so they are looking for two people in a city of three plus million.

There is only so much the police can do and they are stretched thin as it is. Citizens across the country would be well advised to start taking more responsibility for their own self defense. They should investigate carrying some form of non lethal self defense weapon such as a stun gun or pepper spray. Personal alarms such as sirens and whistles act as a good deterrent too

Self defense is called that because the responsibility for defending yourself lies with the individual. Police do a wonderful job but cannot be everywhere.

Self Defense-Parking Lot Safety

There is nothing more impressive than shopping in a mega mall with more stores than you can visit in a year. The malls get bigger and bigger every year. With more square footage and more stores comes bigger parking lots. Bigger parking lots mean more and more customers have to park what seems like forever away from the final destination. It is good exercise for sure to make that trek however it is fraught with potential risks among them are theft, vandalism, rape, assault, robbery and even kidnapping.

Unfortunately, predators salivate at the thought of seeing a woman by herself late at night in a near empty parking lot. It is just too much of a temptation. A woman in those circumstances is virtually helpless.

Here are some tips to avoid potential trouble for women's self defense and parking lot safety.

1. Lock your car on arrival. Keyless entry is best for time savings.
2. Park as close to your destination as possible.
3. If help is available, make sure you take advantage of it. Most grocery stores still offer his service.
4. Try making most shopping trips during the day.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Is the parking lot well lit? Are there areas where a predator could hide?
6. Listen to that inner voice. It is better and wiser to be safe than sorry. If you don’t feel comfortable get a manager or security guard to go with you.
7. Upon approaching your car, look around, in, underneath and next to your car. Last week I heard of a woman who had her foot licked by a pervert as she was trying to get into her car. Be suspicious of a van next to your car.
8. Once inside the car, quickly lock all doors. Most people let their guard down once inside their car.
9. If you are alone wait until others walk by and join them.
10. Sorry to say but avoid strangers.
11. Carry some non lethal self defense weapons like a stun gun or pepper spray or some type of personal alarm.

Distractions are plentiful when shopping. It is so easy to become engaged in something else and not be aware of your surroundings. Especially with children, the possibilities of harm seem to grow the further away you are from the store. Be prepared and carry some non lethal self defense weapons like a stun gun or pepper spray. Self defense personal alarms can be useful as well. It is too easy to believe nothing will happen to you.
Remember to trust your judgment-you can’t ever be too cautious.