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It was later than I had hoped as I left the store. I guess I lost time as I perused the winter markdown bargains. However, it was dark now and winter storm clouds were brewing up something.
I pulled my scarf around my neck to ward off the chilly wind as I made my way to my car. Now I was questioning why I didn't park closer to the door. It wasn't so much the cold I dreaded. It was the not-so-crowded parking lot and the growing darkness that had me worried.
Clutching my packages closer, I picked up my pace to the car. Hitting the key fob, I chucked my bags in the front seat, closed my door and hit the door locks. I didn't bother to open the back door and carefully insert my bags. I was in a hurry. But why, you might ask?
Maybe I am like you and every other citizen of the Ohio Valley. We pretty much take for granted that we are safe when we go to the mall or grocery store or anywhere for that matter. We tell ourselves those crimes we see on the evening news don't happen here.
There are no gangs of thieves lying in wait in the alleys. I have not seen evidence of evil kidnappers lurking in the Walmart parking lot. But it's what I did see on TV recently that has made me start rethinking my actions during routine visits to the grocery store, The Highlands, the Ohio Valley Mall, and especially in places outside of the immediate area.
While watching a news program whose background includes outside shots of the streets of New York City, I noticed a trend among people walking there. It was not a fashion trend, although some may think so. It was the fact that every woman -- and sometimes a man -- was clutching their purses and other bags securely across their chests instead of hanging from their shoulders.
Now you might say, well, it's New York and crime is rampant there. Yet it made me think that it would behoove us all to take extra precautions so we don't become victims of even petty crimes.
We are lucky that we have police officers and deputies, U.S. Marshals and even FBI officials ready and willing to keep us safe. It's just up to us to take those extra steps to make their jobs easier.
Think before you park in a dark lot. Don't go alone at night if you can help it.
Don't flash your cash in public or sit in your car too long after leaving a store. Mind your children's every move wherever you go.
I don't ever want you or me to experience what residents and visitors of the big cities are enduring right now with rampant crime. If it means a new purse, well so be it. Take care out there.
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.