What You Should Do:
Stop and Look Around: Before you touch the handle, look at your surroundings. If you see someone acting strangely nearby, trust your gut and walk back toward a store or a busy area.
Take a Picture: Use your phone to “document it” from a short distance. This can be helpful if you decide to tell security or the police later.
Remove it With a Tool: Instead of using your bare hands, use a key or a pen to flick the object off.
Check Your Car: Quickly look to see if there are any “scratches near the lock” or anything unusual near the tires.
Report the Incident: If you feel truly unsafe, tell a security guard or call the non-emergency police line.
What You Should Avoid:
Don’t Panic: Remember that most of the time, this is not a dangerous situation.
Don’t Start a Fight: Never confront a stranger yourself.
Don’t Spread Unverified Info: Avoid sharing scary warnings on social media unless they are confirmed by the police. “Sharing unverified warnings” can make people feel afraid for no reason.
Understanding the Influence of Social Media
