From Niesha Lofing:
Two robberies of women in grocery story parking lots in less than a week has put a spotlight on how people can stay safe while maintaining their day-to-day routines.
The most recent robbery was Saturday afternoon in the parking lot of the Safeway at 2220 Sunset Boulevard in Rocklin.
A woman was loading her groceries into her car when a man and woman pulled up in a four-door vehicle. The armed woman got out of the vehicle and robbed the victim of her purse before driving away with her accomplice, a Rocklin police news release states.
Another woman was robbed Wednesday night while walking through the parking lot of the WinCo at 8412 Sheldon Road in Elk Grove.
An unarmed man stole the woman's purse and ran away, an Elk Grove police news release states.
There are several things people can do to keep themselves safe, Elk Grove police Officer Christopher Trim said in an e-mail to The Bee.
Here are some of the general safety tips Trim provided:
• Be aware of your surroundings. Know the area you are walking in and be aware of who is near or approaching you.
• Watch for suspicious people or vehicles, such as people wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather (for example, a large puffy coat in the middle of summer) and people loitering.
• Show confidence, walk at a steady pace, keep your head up and avoid carrying lots of packages, which can give the appearance of being defenseless.
• If carrying a purse or personal bag, keep it close to your body. Do not leave purses in the shopping cart. Keep cash in a separate money clip or pouch that will allow you to surrender it without handing over your credit cards, identification or personal papers.
• If you are attacked for your money or other property and your welfare is at risk, surrender the items demanded.
• Avoid poorly lit, deserted areas such as alleys, parks and parking lots at night. Walk with a companion if possible. "There is safety in numbers," Trim wrote.
If you are robbed, stay calm and avoid sudden movements, he said.
"Follow the robber's directions and don't be a hero," he wrote.
Victims should try to get a good look at the robber so they can provide descriptions to police.
Make a mental note of race, age, sex, height, weight, hair and eye color, build and clothing. Note anything unusual about the robber, such as scars, tattoos or speech patterns, Trim wrote.
Victims should try to remember license plate numbers or vehicle descriptions and the direction of travel and call 911 after the incident takes place.
Trim also suggested checking with local law enforcement agencies' Web sites for tips on staying safe.
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