(And female-presenting individuals.)
If youโre out running errands by yourself, please be super, super aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.
Halfway through my trip to the market tonight, I noticed a couple of guys following me around the store. I cut my shopping short, paid for my things, and headed out, only to see the two of them exit the store just a few yards behind me.
I got to my car and loaded things in. One of the guys went to a silver sedan a few spaces over from my car and started the engine. His buddy loitered a few steps behind my car, pretending to check something on his phone. Just as I got into the driverโs seat, he took several fast steps toward me. I slammed the door and locked it, then grabbed my phone, flicked to dial, and stared him down.
He stood there for a few seconds, then high-tailed it to his buddyโs car and they peeled out of the parking lot. I waited until they were out of sight before I left, and I took a roundabout way going home. Unfortunately, I didnโt see their plates, but both guys were of Indian descent, probably in their mid 20s to early 30s. If I had more information than that, Iโd probably be at a police station right now.
I donโt know what the hell they wanted with me, but Iโm pretty sure it was nothing remotely good. This particular incident happened in Williamsburg, VA on Sept 25, 2015, but it can happen anywhere at any time.
So justโฆbe really careful, girls. Watch your backs, travel in pairs if you can, and if you even THINK someone around you is following you or acting suspiciously, alert the store staff. You should also be able to request that someone walk you to your car.
