The new "victim zone"?

[LoboGunLeather]

Had to stop at WalMart recently. Bad day for my hip and lower back, parked in a handicapped space, hobbled into the store with my cane. When I came back to my truck (h-cap placard, Purple Heart license plates) and found Joe Bozo waiting for me. Big smile (looked like the "before" photo in a dental implant infomercial), asked if I could spare a few bucks for a fellow veteran.

When I politely declined he gave me a sample of trash-talk that I won't repeat here. Guy was almost within bad breath distance so I hit the alarm button on my key fob, started the horn blasting and lights flashing on the truck. Stepped back between my truck and the next vehicle and held the cane in a two-hand ready position. Bozo walked away cursing.

This incident has me thinking. Lots of ugly things happen in parking lots, and predators like to focus on the older, weaker, more vulnerable members of the herd. Maybe the handicapped parking areas aren't the best places to park? Maybe the walking cane sends messages to the wrong people?

Maybe worth thinking about. A beat-down strong-arm robbery only takes a few seconds, and most WalMart customers would walk right by while it happens in broad daylight, pasture-sized parking lot, dozens of cars coming and going all the time.

Con cuidado.

 

[Rudi]

Parking lots, "transitional areas". Spend minimum time there and keep your head on a swivel. Well done.

 

[jag312]

Were you packing?

 

[RobertJ.]

It sounds like you handled it perfectly. Consider it a learning experience!

 

[Fuch]

Had to stop at WalMart recently. Bad day for my hip and lower back, parked in a handicapped space, hobbled into the store with my cane. When I came back to my truck (h-cap placard, Purple Heart license plates) and found Joe Bozo waiting for me. Big smile (looked like the "before" photo in a dental implant infomercial), asked if I could spare a few bucks for a fellow veteran.

When I politely declined he gave me a sample of trash-talk that I won't repeat here. Guy was almost within bad breath distance so I hit the alarm button on my key fob, started the horn blasting and lights flashing on the truck. Stepped back between my truck and the next vehicle and held the cane in a two-hand ready position. Bozo walked away cursing.

This incident has me thinking. Lots of ugly things happen in parking lots, and predators like to focus on the older, weaker, more vulnerable members of the herd. Maybe the handicapped parking areas aren't the best places to park? Maybe the walking cane sends messages to the wrong people?

Maybe worth thinking about. A beat-down strong-arm robbery only takes a few seconds, and most WalMart customers would walk right by while it happens in broad daylight, pasture-sized parking lot, dozens of cars coming and going all the time.

Con cuidado.

this world seeming more and more at the jungle

 

[Absalom]

You have to weigh different factors.

Generally, the HC spots are front and center, closest to the entrance and with greatest visibility.

I‘d see my risk of falling or needing other assistance as MUCH greater than the idea that some predator might stalk those spots specifically to rob some guy with a limp.

 

[twodog max]

The only time i have ever thought I might have to draw my carry gun was in a Wal mart parking lot broad daylight from an encounter with a pushy panhandler. He would not take no as an answer and started getting aggressive.
Yes indeed keep your head on a swivel and aware of the surroundings.

 

[03hemi]

Had to stop at WalMart recently. Bad day for my hip and lower back, parked in a handicapped space, hobbled into the store with my cane. When I came back to my truck (h-cap placard, Purple Heart license plates) and found Joe Bozo waiting for me. Big smile (looked like the "before" photo in a dental implant infomercial), asked if I could spare a few bucks for a fellow veteran.

When I politely declined he gave me a sample of trash-talk that I won't repeat here. Guy was almost within bad breath distance so I hit the alarm button on my key fob, started the horn blasting and lights flashing on the truck. Stepped back between my truck and the next vehicle and held the cane in a two-hand ready position. Bozo walked away cursing.

This incident has me thinking. Lots of ugly things happen in parking lots, and predators like to focus on the older, weaker, more vulnerable members of the herd. Maybe the handicapped parking areas aren't the best places to park? Maybe the walking cane sends messages to the wrong people?

Maybe worth thinking about. A beat-down strong-arm robbery only takes a few seconds, and most WalMart customers would walk right by while it happens in broad daylight, pasture-sized parking lot, dozens of cars coming and going all the time.

Con cuidado.

Simple solution.
Never shop at Walmart. lol

 

[Greyman50]

Simply tell them I don’t carry cash just use credit/debit card.

 

[6518John]

Simply tell them I don’t carry cash just use credit/debit card.

I have a friend that says, “I don’t carry anything but a pistol!” He says that gets rid of them quickly.

Lobo—you need to speak to the management at the store. I can tell you for an absolute fact that the corporate legal department would have the fainting fantods over your story. The company does it’s best to protect it’s customers from bother on the company parking lots (thereby protecting the company from premises liability lawsuits).

Store security will do their best to run these miscreants off.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Were you packing?

Yes. Bozo displayed no weapon, only belligerent verbal and body language, so not quite time to escalate. If he had tried to approach between the vehicles I planned on relying on my old riot baton training, say "no" in a more convincing manner, maybe part his hair more neatly, adjust his kneecaps a little bit. Much easier to explain than bullet holes in a panhandler in a parking lot.

Setting off the truck alarm created a distraction, allowing me to move to a more easily defensible position. This time it worked.

Just sharing my thoughts about the possibilities of attracting criminal attention by projecting weakness (h-cap parking, walking cane). For what it may be worth.

 

[pharmer]

Miscreants are always scouting for an easy "score." Fortunately in a gambling world lots of things need to line up for a "jackpot." You did not present that 3rd "7" on his one arm bandit, today. Any WalMart parking lot is a "danger zone" even in my sleepy little St Cloud. Like has been said often: "Be courteous and kind to all you meet but have a ready plan to kill them." Joe

 

[Paul in Nevada]

Imagine shopping at Walmart in this the Year of Our Lord 2022.

 

[grover99]

While I always carry I also use a Cold Steel Axe Head Cane to help me walk. While the thing is a bit heavy it can do a lot of damage if you had to use it for defense. Also the few places I go that don't allow carrying I can take that cane. Midway USA has them. You will have to add a rubber tip and may have to cut a bit off the bottom depending on how long you need.

 

[Old_Cop]

Grey hair, cane, limp, alone, you are a potential victim. Mas Ayoob told a story about carrying a 5 dollar bill wrapped around a match book to throw toward such panhandlers. Better than shooting them or confronting them.

 

[stansdds]

Grey hair, cane, limp, alone, you are a potential victim. Mas Ayoob told a story about carrying a 5 dollar bill wrapped around a match book to throw toward such panhandlers. Better than shooting them or confronting them.

Not a bad idea to carry a throwaway wallet too. Cheap wallet with some fake credit cards and few $1 bills, no real loss if you have to give that up in order to prevent a fight.

 

[Beemerguy53]

I have a friend that says, “I don’t carry anything but a pistol!” He says that gets rid of them quickly...

I have a friend who says "You know, I haven't killed a man in a long time, but I haven't forgotten how to do it."

 

[jeffsmith]

SNIP
Maybe the handicapped parking areas aren't the best places to park? Maybe the walking cane sends messages to the wrong people?
SNIP

The Perfect Reason to carry if your less than Physically "Good"

 

[prairieviper]

You handled yourself and the situation well. I don't agree with the "toss the guy some money" solution as being a better choice than standing your ground. Lots of things can go wrong, not the least of which if the dirt bag figures there is more money to be had from you. In any event, if something works for bullies once, chances are they will use it again and I won't create a problem for the next person that some lowlife believes might be an easy mark.

I am still in good health and fit, so my response to people like that is GFY and no, I don't mean Good For You! Still, my reponse isn't for everybody, and each person has to make their own choices.

 

[Kevin J.]

Pepper spray in your front pocket. Just say sure let me see what I have as your reaching into your pocket.