Safety Tips for Shopping at the Mall: Killer Still on the Loose in Florida Mall Murders

This article is written in memory of Nancy Bocchiccio and her daughter Joey, and Randi Gorenberg. In separate incidents, the two women and the 7 year-old-girl, Joey, were murdered after being carjacked at the Town Center Mall in Boca Raton, Fla. Their killer has not been captured. A prior car jack victim at the mall, who was not killed, has described the killer as wearing a floppy hat and wraparound sunglasses. He has a small ponytail and his skin is a golden tint.

Stay Safe at the Mall

Does your mall have security cameras focused on the parking lot? If it doesn't do not shop there again. Mall parking lots are dangerous places. Many thousands of people pass through them everyday ; too often there are psychopaths among them, awaiting a victim. Do not shop at a mall or indeed any store that does not have security cameras in the parking lot.

The killer at the Boca Raton mall was in the victim's cars when they came out from the mall. So, before you get in your car look inside. Do not leave blankets or anything else a criminal could hide under in your car or SUV. If the lock on your car is broken when you arrive back at your car do not get in the vehicle. Go back in the mall and alert police.

When you are heading out to the mall turn your cell phone on so you may use it quickly in an emergency. Leave it in a pocket or somewhere else you may access easily.

Alert someone when you are going to the mall. Let someone know your schedule.

Do not go to the mall alone. Bring another adult to the mall with you. There is safety in numbers. Never go to the mall alone after dark.

When you are going into and coming out of the mall keep your hands free. Do not carry so much stuff you could never react quickly in an emergency.

If another vehicle has parked very close to yours on the side where you will enter the car do not approach your car. Someone could be hiding in the other vehicle about to jump out and kidnap you. Go back in the mall and ask security to come out and escort you to your car; have them check the car before you get in it or call the police.

Park as close to the entrance of the mall as possible. Take your time to find a safe parking space.