12/10/2022
Had an unusual experience at our Ocean County Mall and I feel it important to share. Most of you may have seen posts shared of suspected human trafficking incidents at the mall. As I walked through the mall earlier this week (on a very dark and dreary day), my attention was drawn to a man sitting in one of the recliner chairs set up throughout the mall. What caught my attention was the very dark glasses he was wearing as he sat with his cell phone about a foot from his face. My instincts were telling me something was not right. I kept my focus on him as I got closer, I would be walking within a few feet of him. As I got closer, he noticed me-noticing him and his head turned slightly in my direction. I kept my eyes on him as I walked past. Less than 10 minutes later I came back through and he was gone. As I reviewed the incident in my mind a few details have occurred to me. 1- the dark sunglasses in a comfortably lit mall 2 - he noticed me noticing him. Had he truly been looking at the phone in front of him he most likely would not have paid any attention to me. The dark glasses were so he could check out anyone walking by. Additionally, he did not glance up and look back down at his phone he kept his head in my direction till I walked by as my eyes were on him. 3 - the seat he chose gave him a view of all three walk ways, to his left, right and a third right in front of him. 4 - he left when I noticed him, coincidence...maybe but I don't believe that.
I cannot express the importance of paying attention to your surroundings...you need to notice who may be watching you. I don't want you to be afraid, I want you to be aware and know what to do to stay safe. This can happen anywhere!
I am now developing a program for this and will be for teens and adults how to identify human traffickers and what to do.
Live, love, be safe and God bless ~ Momma Bear
