Minimize the risk of abduction

Gary Jacobsen
Published: September 22, 2008

On Sept. 13, two 19-year-old thugs from Woodbridge decided they needed some pocket money and the best way to get it would be to abduct a defenseless woman who in all likelihood would have an
ATM card. So they went to Springfield Mall, where they spotted a 60-year-old woman who was returning alone to her car in a covered parking garage. They produced a fake gun and threatened the woman
with harm if she did not accompany them to get beer and money. So the woman complied. Ultimately, and tragically, the woman was killed shortly thereafter when one of the thugs lost control of the car
he had commandeered and it crashed. One of the abductors also later died from injuries he suffered in the car crash.

Prince William County residents know the rest of the story, including details of at least one missed escape opportunity and one rescue attempt that, unfortunately, made matters worse, not better.

Most county residents read newspaper accounts of this abduction with a sense of fear and dread. After all, most of us have shopped at the Springfield Mall at one time or another; thus, you or I could’ve
been the victim as easily as this woman. But are there measures we can take to minimize the risk? Well, a few come to mind:

• Always park in well-lit areas frequented by others. Also, the parking space should be close to the stores you intend to visit. If no good parking spaces are available, return at another time.

• Be aware of your surroundings. If you notice young men walking about aimlessly in the parking area, return to the store. Arrange for mall security to escort you to your car.

• Know how to use your car’s remote alarm system. When walking from stores to parking areas, keep you keys in your hand. That way you will not have to fumble for them in your purse later at your car.
Also, be prepared to push the red alarm button on the remote door lock device if someone accosts you.

• Don’t get in the car with the abductor, even though he has threatened to harm you if you resist. Thugs do not wish to draw attention to their activities; therefore it is unlikely he will carry out his threats in
an area where someone else might be a witness. He would prefer to take you to a secluded area where he can rob you or assault you with impunity. If you get into a car with him, it may be the last car
ride you will ever take.

• Surrender your valuables. Give up your purse, wallet and car keys, but that’s it. These material things can be replaced. Your life cannot be replaced.

• Avoid the temptation to carry a gun. Some women think that if they carry a gun in their purse they can protect themselves. Statistics do not bear that out. Reason: the abductor has surprise, distance,
physical strength and familiarity with firearms on his side. He will easily disarm you as you fumble for the weapon in your purse. He may then shoot you with your own gun.

• Finally, rehearse the above actions so that your defensive measures become automatic should you find yourself in a threatening situation. Carry your car keys in your right hand when you walk from
your house to your car just for practice. Also, get accustomed to pressing the red alarm button on your car’s remote locking device. The horn may sound for a few moments, but your neighbors won’t
mind.

Note: Last week’s column (Wasilla High School) had a headline that implied a straight news story followed. It was merely an opinion piece; I apologize if anyone was misled.

Gary Jacobsen lives in Woodbridge. Contact him at .