Shopping Centers: Don't Let Your Gurad Down

The Ugly

Landress Shopping Center, Milpitas, California

My Car Stereo Stolen

My wife and I went shopping at a Target store. I had just purchased a new stereo receiver for my car. It had a removal front panel to discourage thieves. However, I neglected to remove the panel. Unfortunately the stereo unit was stolen, the rear storage compartment was ransacked and items went missing. The amazing part is that we were only in the store for 10 minutes. These thieves needed only a little time and I suspect they were watching us as we exited the car.

Tip: The following week I purchase a new car receiver with removal panel. Thereafter, I removed the panel whenever I left the vehicle. Lesson learned!

The Good

Sweet Tomato Restaurant, Sunnyvale, California

Attempted Thief of My Car's Stereo Receiver

I learned my lesson from the Target store episode and religiously remove the front panel from the stereo receiver. I also bought a burglary alarm system and applied the alarm decals to the car's windows. When my son and I returned from lunch we found a long scratch down the side of the car. As I pulled out on to the main road a truck went by with three young men laughing at us as we past them going in the opposite direction. We figured they scratched the car for spite, since they couldn't steal the receiver. So the next car a purchased I added a pressure alarm to the main system. Now if someone touched the car the alarm would sound.

Tip: Many people say car alarms don't work because people don't pay any attention to them. But I can attest that alarm do work and have scared off crooks from my home and my cars. It's a simple fact that crooks don't like to make noise to draw attention to themselves.

The Ugly

West Valley Shopping Center, Santa Clara, California

Woman Beaten

This is a newly renovated and expanded shopping mall with good security. The lighting is excellent with good parking. A woman was beaten and robbed here during Christmas 2003. Store employees chased the suspect, but he got away.

The reason I mention this assault is that people here feel safe and secure. So they don’t pay attention to other people. After the holidays I was shopping here and I was paying attention. Four guys were walking parallel to me and seem to be headed towards my red Porsche. I immediately slowed my pace and watched them. It was really nothing as they passed by the Porsche and towards their car.

Tip: Make it a habit to be aware of your surroundings.