It's crazy out there! In Houston during 2008, there was three times the chance of getting robbed than the national average. I haven't found the 2009 statistics yet, but I can't imagine that they are any better. In fact, during 2008 there was not a single crime category that was below the national average. Categories include personal crime, murder, rape, robbery, assault, property crime, burglary, larceny, and finally motor vehicle theft.

Complete stats are here: http://www.clrsearch.com/RSS/Demographics/TX/Houston/Crime_Statistics

Why are predators so successful? Because they are paying attention and most people are not. I see it all the time, people talking on the phone, getting their kids together, etc - any distractions, and you can find yourself in a bad situation. Predators count on the fact that they are invisible, and you are distracted. It is very simple to take the opportunity away from these people.

Before you turn off your car, take a look all around, it only takes a couple of seconds. If you see something strange, like a person(s) hovering around a car nearby not really doing anything, or someone sitting in a parked car; there are several things you can do.

Park somewhere else, wait for other people to be nearby walking toward the store and join them, or leave and shop some other time.

Same with leaving the store, take a second to look out before you leave the store. If you can't see out, then exit the store but stay as near the doors as possible so that you can scan the parking lot, good time to have your keys in your hand as well. I'll tell you why further down. Most stores will even provide an escort if you ask for someone to walk you out.

If you do notice something strange, there are several things to do. If you feel somewhat secure, stop and take a good look at the person(s) and make sure they see you looking at them. Well that sounds kind of dumb, why should you do that?

If it is someone up to no good, now they are thinking they are no longer so invisible. Since most people have a camera in their cell phone these days, you can even snap a quick picture. If it is innocent, like an employee taking a break or someone waiting for another that is in the store then no big deal. However, if not, then you just made the predator uncomfortable and will probably leave.

That is only if you feel secure, the best thing to do is once inside the store tell an employee to call a manager and tell them that there might be some suspicious activity outside. For every store, it is in their best interest to make sure that there is a safe environment. I have never seen a store manager ignore a report of suspicious loitering or activity.

Also, help look out for other people, if you did see something possibly suspicious and you see people walking toward that area, just give a shout or a heads up for them to be aware. I have done this several times and have always received a thank you.

I don't know the details of what all transpired, but I did see something once and mentioned to a woman with her young children to just be aware of a parked car with some people inside. Could be totally innocent or could be something, better safe than sorry. This woman went back into the store and asked for a manager. Most stores will escort you out if you feel something is wrong. Well, when I came out of the store, the car I noticed now had three guys bent over on the hood and cops arresting them.

Coincidence, or not, you be the judge - my main point is be aware!! If you don't act like prey you will have a better chance of avoiding becoming a victim. If we all pull together and watch out for one another, then the predators don't have a chance. All it takes is a little observation.

Now for the keys. I tell you to make sure you have your keys tightly in your hand before leaving the car and when leaving the store. I'm sure most people have seen this trick on TV or something, but it still works. Have at least one key protruding from your closed hand. If someone, hopefully you will never know the horror; grabs you and/or gets in your way, and you feel threatened then a quick slash across the face does wonders. It could buy you the time to get away from your attacker.

Now you don't want an assault charge so don't go running up to anyone and scratching their eyes out with your keys. This is a last resort for if someone tries to assault you. They have to either grab you, or make you feel threatened and not leave when asked.

Still better to avoid a bad situation then to get out of one. Nothing I've said here hasn't already been said at least a hundred times, nor is it anything more than common sense. However, you would be surprised at how many people just do not pay attention. That's why predators are so successful.

So let's all help ourselves and each other by taking a few seconds and be aware of our surroundings. We can cause a change. So let's shake it up America and let these predators know that we will not be their victims anymore!