Keep alert to stay safe during holidays

Even during the season of goodwill and joy, crime still occurs. Here are tips on staying safe.

There are three reasons people are easy targets for random acts of violence:

Lack of awareness: Know where you are, what's going on around you, and pay attention.

Body Language: Keep your head up, walk with confidence, swing your arms and be assertive.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time: Never walk alone in unfamiliar areas or drive alone in known bad areas.

When parking the car, drivers should always park in a well-lit area closest to the door. Look for a security booth or station. If possible, never park next to a van with a sliding side door.

Before getting back into the car, have the keys ready before exiting the building. Never stand at the car, fumbling the keys.

While walking to the car, place the keys between your fingers and make a fist for a very effective weapon. Be aware and look around the parking lot before and during walking to the car.

Before getting into the car, look into the back seat. If a van has parked next to the car, enter the vehicle car from the passenger side. Many abductions have occurred by pulling the victim into the sliding side door. Look at the cars parked nearby. If someone is sitting in a car, go back and have someone walk you to the car.

As soon as you get into the car, lock the doors, start the engine and leave. Try not to sit and make a call or go over receipts, giving an attacker the opportunity to attack.

It is always better to be safe than sorry and okay to be a little paranoid.

Always take an elevator. A staircase is a prime location for a violent crime.

Say "no" to perfume sprayers in parking lots. There have been crimes committed when they were actually spraying ether and rendering the victim unconscious.

Don't be sympathetic. If someone asks to help him or her into their car, go get someone else to help. Serial killer Ted Bundy used this trick to abduct his victims by limping or using a cane and asking women to help him.

If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, remain calm and kick out the taillights. Stick your arm through the hole and wave. The driver will not see this but others will.

This story is provided by Peter Carrube's Street Smart Self Defense of Simi Valley. For more information, call (805) 890-9191 or visit www.getstreetsmart.net.