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The Student News Website of Susquehannock High School,   Glen Rock, Pennsylvania.

SHS Courier

The Student News Website of Susquehannock High School,   Glen Rock, Pennsylvania.

SHS Courier

Be aware when walking to the car

Photo By: Gina Corey
Students should be aware when walking out to their cars, especially late at night.
Photo By: Gina Corey Students should be aware when walking out to their cars, especially late at night.
Photo By: Gina Corey
Students should be aware when walking out to their cars, especially late at night.

In light of recent kidnappings and sexual assaults in surrounding districts, it is important now more than ever for students to take precautions while walking out to their cars in public places.

An 18-year-old girl was abducted and  sexually assaulted at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) while gathering school supplies from her car on Monday, Dec. 3.

The suspect allegedly pushed the woman into the passenger side of her car and drove her at gunpoint to a wooded area, according to ABC News.

The girl luckily escaped unharmed after the suspect lowered his gun.

On Wednesday, Dec. 5, convicted sex offender Clarence Shaffer, 52, was arrested for the kidnapping after being released from jail just four days prior to abducting the HACC student, according to the York Daily Record’s website.

Students are encouraged to take precautions when walking out to their cars as to avoid a similar incident from happening to them.

When walking out to one’s car, one should always be aware of the surroundings. Look around at one’s surroundings: in the car, under the car, and at other cars in the area. If they look shady, go back inside and get someone such as a police officer to walk one to the car.

Senior Krystal Rose often practices this safety precaution.

“When walking out of work, especially if it’s late at night, I always look around me to make sure no one is around and that it’s safe,” said Rose.

As soon as one gets into their car, especially late at night, lock the doors and leave. Do not sit there on the phone or setting the radio. Predators will be watching and will take advantage of one’s lack of awareness.

“I keep my keys and my phone out when I walk to my car, so I can get in and leave quickly,” said Rose.

Driver’s Education teacher Doug Truscott can agree with this statement.

“Just be aware of your surroundings,” said Truscott. “If possible, don’t walk alone; walk with a friend or adult. If you ever feel a situation is not safe approaching your car, turn around and go back to where you came from and call someone.”

Many may be unaware of what to look for, so they don’t know when they are in danger.

‘Look to see who and what vehicles are beside or near your vehicle,” said Truscott. “Any vehicle or persons near your vehicle who look suspicious, like full sized vans and men just sitting in their vehicles, should throw up a red flag, and you should not get in your vehicle. Never stop and talk to people you don’t know; be careful. People might seem innocent, [but] don’t risk it!”

If someone comes at one with a gun and one is not under their control, run in a zig zag pattern back into the building one came out of and call the police.

“If someone came up to me, I would definitely scream and run away,” said Rose.

One can stay safe when walking alone in parking lots with these tips. For more safety tips, visit The NonProfits at http://www.thenonprofits.com/safety.htm.

 

 

Sources:

http://www.thenonprofits.com/safety.htm

http://www.abc27.com/story/20246662/police-woman

http://www.ydr.com/crime/ci_22127877/hacc-abduction-suspect-arrested

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/12/woman_abducted_at_haccs_wildwo.html

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Be aware when walking to the car