Have you ever looked in your rearview mirror and thought you were being followed? If so, your first instinct was probably to get home as quickly as possible. AS you gripped the steering wheel tighter and pressed down on the accelerator pedal, you began to panic. Thoughts of being car jacked, robbed or assaulted and possibly become the next rape victim raced thru your mind. As you turned into your subdivision, your vision was clouded by beads of sweat. Only when you pulled into your driveway, did a sense of relief come over you. To avoid victimization, you need to have a game plan in place before finding yourself in a threatening situation and that gut feeling should not be taken lightly. Good advice, especially when you think you’re being followed.
Several years ago, I received a late night call from a frantic female friend, She had just left her boyfriend’s and was headed back home she was leaving next to my home, While en route, she noted that she was being followed by a male subject driving a big pick-up truck. She stated that the vehicle had been tail-gating her and that she now couldn’t see anything in her mirrors due to the height and brightness of the headlights. When asked how long this had been going on, she replied, “Since I turned off of 1st and 2nd (remember this is Long Beach) Then I told her to make a quick right turn onto Ocean Boulevard and then a quick turn into the shopping center . I furthered informed her to continue driving until she reached the Shell station on the corner. After a couple of deep breaths, I could hear the calmness returning to her voice as she said, “Thanks Frankie he stopped following me.” I told her to wait there to wait there at the Shell station for a couple of minutes to make sure that he didn’t double back. In those couple of minutes, I put on a pair of sweats grab my Glock and headed out the door. She was just about to leave when I pulled into the Shell station area, and escorted her to the house. No harm –no foul!
Now a lot can be learned from the aforementioned scenario. My friend she had the presence of mind to be carrying her cell phone. While she may have initially panicked, she used speed dial function to call me – letting someone know of her situation. And prior to making that call, she did nothing to further put herself in harm’s way.
- Hitting the breaks being tail-gated
- Turning onto a poorly lighted side street
- Rolling down the window and shouting at the jerk
- Driving directly home and showing the clown where you live
When in doubt, don’t be afraid to act on your gut instincts! Expect the unexpected and have a plan in place, ahead of time.
Is there really a need for you to be distracted by taking the children and / or dog with you.
When driving to and from wherever, occasionally vary your route.
Check your mirrors frequently
Keep doors and windows locked
Make sure vehicle is always in good condition. Our extreme heat plays havoc with electrical and cooling systems, as well tires. Please don’t wait for something to break down. Don’t wait until the fuel gauge nears empty.
If you live in a gated community, don’t “piggy back” or allow others to do so. Wait for the gate to close before proceeding.
Thank you and be safe. One more thinking I still don’t know why she call me that night!!! And not her boyfriend? Wow the power of a badge and a gun I am sure !
Frank Crescentini
California, State Private Investigator
PI License 18368
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