The report about the robbing of a motorist in today’s paper should be taken seriously. One such incident took place Saturday evening in Saunders, while the apparent would-be victim prevented a second one not far from there two hours later.
An unsettling aspect is that the culprits at least in one case were seemingly dressed the same, perhaps to give the false impression they had some type of authority. Law-abiding citizens have a natural tendency to respect uniforms, which can thus be used as an effective tool to commit offences.
In principle, only law enforcement officers such as the police, public transport inspectors for buses and taxis, or – in a state of emergency – military have the legal power to stop a vehicle on the public road. However, common sense dictates that when there are, for example, infrastructure works requiring detours, instructions from roadcrews must be followed.
The golden rule is to – unless already at gunpoint – try to drive away if in any doubt, even when at first glance it looks like an emergency. The desire to help others is a commendable human trait, but especially in today’s world one can’t be careful enough.
Don’t feel too bad for not stopping, but call the police instead and tell them you weren’t sure. That way the people involved may still get the assistance they really require or the necessary attention from authorities should they be up to no good.
Also giving unknown persons rides is not without risk. The most innocent-looking individual could turn out to be a criminal and quickly be joined by more as soon as the motorist stops.
It’s important to keep car doors locked and windows closed while driving too. As the police said, there is no need to panic, but everyone must be vigilant and stay aware of their surroundings all the time.
Don’t be scared; just get smart.
