HOUSTON – Patrol officers have been keeping a close eye on shoppers at West Oaks Mall after a woman was robbed at gunpoint Monday afternoon.
Miroslav Eror said his mom is still in shock. She pulled into the middle of the parking lot and stopped. She took a couple of steps out of her car and the suspect was staring at her with a gun demanding her keys and her purse.
According to her son, she wasn't hurt, but the thief took her car. Officers believe it was a crime of opportunity.
She didn't have time to react, but there are some ways you can help avoid being a target in any parking lot situation whether it's a mall or a grocery store.
"I always look out for my surroundings," said one shopper.
Experts also say to keep your purse tight under your arm, stay off your phone to avoid distractions and don't get money out of a mall ATM, since it may attract unwanted attention.
And don't forget to lock your car even for the brief time it takes to return the shopping cart.
The woman's car is still missing. Police say she was driving a burgundy Mazda M3I.
If you see the car or know anything about the crime, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.