BEAUMONT, Texas — In Duncan, Oklahoma Monday, a gunman killed two people and himself in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart. A spokesperson says it was an isolated incident in the parking lot, and not an active shooter situation.
These shootings can raise red flags across the nation. Many may be wondering as we head into the holiday season, how safe are we when we shop? 12News spoke with Beaumont Police to put things into perspective.
Public information officer Haley Morrow says they see an increase in crimes like auto-burglaries and purse snatching during the holidays. Their goal is to increase police presence in heavy shopping areas to help decrease crime.
The department's special assignment unit is assigned to places like Parkdale Mall, Dowlen Rd., Eastex Freeway and the Target shopping center. Morrow says they do that to let people know they're there.
"That area is very congested during the holiday shopping season, so of course, anytime that there is a large amount of people, criminals try to look for the opportunity to prey on victims," Morrow said.
To avoid becoming a victim, Morrow says one of the most important things people can do is always be aware of their surroundings. Criminals look for easy targets. If you're a more vigilant person and see someone that looks suspicious, Morrow encourages you to give them a call. This can be someone who's loitering in parking lots, walking in between vehicles not going in and out of a store, or wearing clothing that masks their features.
Morrow says it's also important to eliminate distractions. Always hide anything you purchase. She suggests bringing blankets to cover up your items, locking your doors, and go shopping with a few people. There is safety in numbers.
"Almost in all cases where a criminal is about to commit a crime they give off behavioral cues," she said.
Morrow says to always report this activity. She says it's their job to go out and investigate. Sometimes when they're called, it ends up being nothing, but a lot of times there is something going on.
"It's a much bigger picture, and sometimes people are very helpful when that happens," Morrow said.
Anytime there are holidays, Morrow says they see an increase in general calls for service. They want to remind everyone to use common sense these last few months.
"We say the same things every year around the same times, but we want to get through the rest of the year without anymore fatalities, anymore homicides, and that's a collective effort between the community, and the police department," she said.
Morrow says while they hope the training never has to come into play--- they're prepared to handle active shooter situations.
"Unfortunately the world that we live in has active shooter situations what seems like every day in those types of situations our advice is run hide fight," she said.
As soon as you realize there's an active shooter situation going on, Morrow says their best advice is to run. Get away if you can. If you're not able to get away, hide somewhere where you can add security, like a barricaded door. Finally, as a last resort, worst case scenario, Morrow says it's a personal decision you have to make, but if you have to, fight back. As soon as you're able, call the police.
"People do need to have a plan, you need to think about what you would do if you were ever out shopping, at a bank, at church, at school, and the dreaded active shooter situation occurs," she said.
Their officers train within the department, as well as cross-training with agencies close by. Morrow wants people to know their department is prepared.