RFP Staff
♦ It’s that time of the year again in a city getting drubbed by crime when Salisbury’s criminal element are out in force not only in Downtown Salisbury, but in its many communities to take advantage of seniors, women, the less physically able, and those alone on foot. It is during the Holiday season when a dramatic upswing in purse snatchings, street assaults, ATM stick ups, car jackings, and armed robberies rise.
Monday, a shopper at Big Lots, had her purse snatched out of her shopping cart before the thief took fled through the front doors. The purse snatcher was described as being a Black male in his late teens, having short dreads, and sporting a dark hoodie.
It is advised if you come Downtown, remain alert and aware of your surroundings, come armed, do not walk on side streets and avoid parking lots. Use a bank to withdraw cash and avoid banking at ATMs Downtown during the holidays. These are spots where people get held up. If you do banking never bank alone.
Car lots are especially prime targets for carjackers and armed robbers.
Large chain stores in Salisbury are problematic even though they have security and loss prevention. Rarely will they physically intercede if a crime is in progress. Local stores also offer little protection for a crime in progress.
Never tote a handbag in public during the holiday shopping season. Find some secure method for secreting your cash on your person.
Do not respond to male panhandlers as they might want something more than a handout. Most street muggings start with a seemingly innocent plea for money before a sucker punch connects hard with the target’s face followed by a stomping.
