Police respond to fight inside Walmart

My friend Cindy was kidnapped from a busy mall parking lot at 2 o'clock in the afternoon on a bright sunny day. Cindy was a wonderful, loving, giving, caring person. She was a successful bisinesswoman, the owner of an upscale women's boutique. She had many friends. She was reported missing less than twenty-four hours after she was snatched. Her car sat in the mall parking lot with the keys in it for two weeks before police discovered it. Her decomposing body was discovered two weeks after that in a roadside ditch by a jogger. Parking lot camera footage shows her abduction taking place but was inadequate to help identify her kidnapper. Cindy's killer has never been found. She was grabbed in 1985, not a day goes by I do not think of Cindy. Her friends and family speak of her often and we feel the pain and anger as if it were yesterday. Her killer is still out there somewhere and is probably still killing.

Candiceanne is right with her tips. You, your children, spuse, a frine or family member can become the victim of a crime at any time. The police can not protect you; you must protect yourself. Learn how to protect yourself, be ware and teach your children dont take the chance you or they end up like my friend Cindy, a decomposing body laying in a ditch for weeks who's killer is never found.

I'd say be aware and careful, but don't freak out about it so much that you see danger lurking around every corner. I'd also say that the Maine economy has sucked for decades, and Mainers have left for greener pastures for decades, so why panic now. Just deal with it in a reasonable way like you would in any situation. If all you see around you is doom and gloom, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Lots of people have bad times but not everyone lets it defeat them. Try to have a positive thought and at least enjoy Christmas! It's not all about buying stuff, you know.

with the depression there are even more people and they are even more desperate. what depression ? stores filled with shoppers. and not for food to fill thier hungery familys,like in a real depression .

good points candiceanne. I too have turned city slicker. People dont realize that the same things can happen to them in the Good Ole State of Maine.

I was at Wal-Mart and the "big crowds" weren't that big. K Mart was far more packed then Wal Mart.

.........always make sure your concealed weapon is within reach and carry a spare clip!

Yet another good reason to shop online, personal safety. This is always a dangerous time of year, people are desperate to give their families a good Christmas and with the depression there are even more people and they are even more desperate. In addition people tend to be walking around with more cash, are distracted with shopping, planning and the freinds and family they are with, they are often carrying bags as well, all of this makes for an attractive setup for theives and a dangerous set for victims.

Having spent the last 11 years in a major metropolitan area that I really loved, I did learn a lot about personal safety that is very useful all the time but especially during the holidays, things that are just automatically taught elsewhere that Maine people have missed out on which is unfortunate because if Maine people practiced these things, alot of crime would be prevented.

1) Never park next to a van or vehicle with dark tinted windows. You can never be sure what is going on inside, if someone is waiting to snatch you or a child, rob you or carjack you.

2) Pick parking spots in well lit high traffic areas of the parking lot. Theives, muggers, etc. do not want an audience. Many parking lots have cameras with secutiry watching, well lit areas have the best view foe security as well.

3) Take your keys out and have them ready in your hand before you leave the store. Avoid loading down with packages that make it difficult to open your vehicle or react to a problem.

4) Lock packages in your trunk or keep a bin with a lid inside a van, suv or truck to stow packages out of sight.

5) Always roll up all windows and lock your vehicle including in your driveway. Keep the doors loocked when driving. Look around before you unlock the doors and get out. You do not want to find someone waiting for you hiding in your car or taking advantage of an distractions when you arrive.

6) Very Important! LOAD KIDS LAST. Put packages in the car trunk first keeping your kids with you. Unlock the doors strapping in the kids. Do not open the drivers door and leave it open while you do this. Keep your keys tightly in your hand. If you must turn your back for any reason such as moving a shopping cart to get out, lock the car doors. Do not take any chances on a thief grabbing your car with your kids inside.

7) When you go to your car, stay alert. Pay attention to what is going on around you. Do not be distracted or become engrossed in loading. This is not the time to be hunting through bags, for gum, a toy for the kids or check on...Theives a waiting for these opportunities to get an advantage.

8) Beware of being bumped into, be courteous but also realize that this could be one person setting up the distraction for taking your purse, child, packages, car...

From this Maine Native turned city slicker I hope these few tips will help you and yours have a safe and happy holiday season and whole year through.

Some people were very nice, but there were also some very rude inconsiderate losers too!