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Shopping alone not always good idea

On a recent night at around 6 p.m., I went shopping at a mall with my teen and pre-teen daughters, and friends.

As we entered, two grungy-looking guys were hanging out at the entrance, puffing on cigarettes. They eyed the girls as they entered (with me following) and sauntered in behind them, following them until they entered a store. They continued to linger outside the store, as the girls innocently tried on all kinds of fun jewelry and dresses. I wondered how bold these guys would have been if I hadn't been there.

Before we got to the mall, the girls had wanted to go shopping without me. I was still going to be in the mall, but not right with them. Once we had passed the creeps at the entrance, I suggested that maybe that wasn't such a good idea. No one argued with me.

We continued on our shopping extravaganza. I noticed many other shoppers that were quite eclectic -- a few families, some singles hanging out, and groups of kids, without parents, exploring the mall. The girls stopped to take silly photos at the photo booth. Several people walked by as they were goofing off inside the booth. The girls were totally oblivious to anything but their own fun. Again, I wondered about their safety, if I had not decided to stay with them.

The final stop was to drop coins in the gumball machines. The machines were a level below us -- the girls ran off to get their gumballs. They were still within my eyesight. Within minutes, a single 30-ish man chatting on his cell phone came very close to them. He continued chatting (and eyeing them) while leaning against a wall. Why was he hanging out so close to them? After a few minutes, I decided I'd better join them. Sure enough, as soon as I joined their group, the guy conveniently disappeared. Coincidence? Maybe ... but why take a chance?

Isn't crime most often about opportunity? I don't know about you, but I don't need to give any would-be teen thugs or pedophiles, extra chances to harm my children. Yeah -- I gave up my Friday night to accompany them. But, I'm really glad I did. And, by the way, I saw no security personnel anywhere.

It's in vogue right now for teens (and younger) to go shopping alone. Call me old-fashioned. But, my city instincts say that my girls are too naive and inexperienced, if they run into trouble. What they need right now is me.

I hope you'll think twice the next time your young teens want to shop alone. Provide the safety net your kids need until they're old enough to really pay attention to their surroundings. Be their parent. Whether they want you there or not, you can help ward off predators by supervising them when they shop. It's a chance you -- and they -- don't need to take.

Roberta McNamara

St. Charles

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