For over a year a serial rapist has been targeting elderly women in central Texas. A total of twelve victims have been assaulted by the unknown suspect, and investigators have been hampered by an elusive criminal for whom they have only a vague description. Most of the attacks have occurred in rural towns with small populations but crimes of this nature can obviously happen anywhere. One woman was even attacked twice by the assailant. Police believe that the rapes are planned in advance. He cuts the phone lines to the house and unscrews the outside porch lights prior to entering the home. All of the women lived alone and one victim had over $10,000 in cash stolen. Several of the women had very predictable routines which made them easier to target. While DNA evidence has been left behind in the attacks, police have been unable to match it to anyone in the database indicating that this rapist has never been arrested for any serious type of crime in the past.
Rape is one of the most despicable crimes, especially when it is committed against at risk victims such as the elderly or children. While some rapes may be technically unavoidable there are some lessons to be learned from these crimes that may help you avoid being victimized. Most crimes can be avoided simply by being observant and cautious, especially when you live alone.
- Vary your routine. Having the same routine every day (or days of the week) make you easier to monitor. For example, don't go to the gym at the same time everyday. If the suspect sees you all the time he may begin to fixate on you.
- Maintain your awareness. Police officers can usually detect a criminal in the crowd based solely on observing their behavior. Watch for people that may be staring at you or following you. If you believe you're being followed in a store, ask an employee to contact the individual. If you are driving go to a public place or local police station.
- When driving home, vary your route. Take several minutes to go out of your way and watch for vehicles that may be following you.
- Always leave a porch light on at night and be suspicious if it is out. Consider installing motion detectors as well as they can alert you to movement outside your home. When approaching your door you should always be looking for anything out of place. Are there shoe impressions or tire impressions that weren't there before? Does the door appear to be damaged? Can you hear any noises in your home?
- Consider getting a dog and/or alarm system if you live alone or with children.
- Never, ever open your door to strangers. Your door provides a layer of security and protection you shouldn't compromise. If a stranger is at your door and won't leave, call the police.
- Get to know your neighbors and ask them to keep an eye out for you, especially if you are elderly.
- Of course it is always a good idea to take a self defense course or firearms training class. Ask your local police department for recommendations.
Comments
Another good suggestion. Invest in motion sensor lights & place them outside your home. You can purchase these lights at Home Depot, Lowes or ACE Hardware. That way when someone approaches your home the lights come on VERY brightly. This can be a great alert esp. for the elderly. And you save on your energy bill since the light only comes on when someone approaches.
it's time for the victims to take charge once they know a crime was already committed in their area. if you ask me, it's also time for anybody to decimate a would-be assailant and mess him or her up good so they look really bad on their way to court with cams everywhere shining on all their bruises and broken bones.
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