Emirates Mall
Malls are a unique place. Malls are a target rich environment for criminals because they attract lots of people and money. Everyone from terrorists to car thieves enjoy malls. Despite the attraction to criminals I still enjoy going to the mall with my wife, but am even more vigilant then normal.
Here are a couple tricks I use to help the mall be a safer place:
I always park in the same area. I know that’s a pattern and normally I would discourage it, but a mall is designed to get you lost so you wonder for hours spending money. It works on me every time; I always get lost. Even when I worked for an armored car company and was in the mall everyday, I would have to pay attention to not take a wrong turn. If you park in the same spot it gives you a good reference.
Wonder around a mall with a system. It keeps me from getting lost. I normally just follow the wall to the right, like the long way to solve a maze. When I need to get back, just back track.
In the parking lot hide, lock, take. Hide your stuff (before you get to the mall), lock your car, and take your keys. Look around for anyone that is watching you or that is out of place. When you return to your car, don’t walk straight to it (drives parking spot stockers crazy). Take an indirect path so you can look around your car first. Keep in mind if you see something weird, the safest place may not be your car.
When you are walking around, try to keep your personal space. It can keep you from losing your wallet or purse. Try to go with a buddy or date, safety in numbers. Keep your eyes open for large groups up to no good, criminals like safety in numbers too.
If there is a Christmas sized crowd, stay against a wall. You can move faster and have less chance of someone trying rob you. But keep in mind, that if something happens and the crowd surges, it could crush you against the wall. Chances of this happening are small to none. I use this trick all the time.
If the worst happens and a bomb goes off, or someone starts shooting, go the other way. Duck into the closest store and head to the back. Go through the doors that say employees only (but not the one with a key pad lock). There is always an emergency exit in the back of every store. Once through the door you will find yourself in a hallway or outside. I use to use these hallways all the time. Keep going away from the sound of gunfire or the bomb. Find an outside door and just keep going, over a block and up a block. Leave your car, the parking lot will be jammed and you’ll get stuck. Call a friend for a ride and come back for your car later.
Hopefully you’ll never have to use that last tip.
Stay Safe,
Ben