On Friday I stopped by my bank to get some weekend cash. My LCR .357 was in my coat pocket. As I pulled into the parking lot I noted a tall black male, probably in his 20s, wearing a gray hoodie pulled snug around his face, and leaning on the corner of the building next to an exit door.
Inside I got in line and looked through that door to see that the guy was no longer there. After getting my cash I walked over to the exit door (which was in the corner of the bank lobby overlooking the drive through area.) Sure enough Mr. Hoodie was loitering by the drive up ATM. I summoned the bank manager and pointed him out to her and she expressed some alarm. I told her he looked like a mugging getting ready to happen, likely targeting someone pulling in to get ATM cash.
At that point I noted that he looked in my direction. Since it was a glass door I was clearly visible, along with the branch manager. I gave him a hard stare and pointed at him, as if I was pointing him out to the manager. At that point Mr. Hoodie made rapid tracks across the parking lot, disappearing into a nearby apartment complex.
Was he up to no good? I think so. Did his awareness that someone was watching him closely cause some quick mental calculus that today's mugging might best be delayed? I'd bet on it. Of course neither he no the manager knew I was carrying, but I expect he at least knew he was being observed by two potential witnesses.
Sometimes it's enough just to send the message that you are aware of your surroundings and not oblivious.
Inside I got in line and looked through that door to see that the guy was no longer there. After getting my cash I walked over to the exit door (which was in the corner of the bank lobby overlooking the drive through area.) Sure enough Mr. Hoodie was loitering by the drive up ATM. I summoned the bank manager and pointed him out to her and she expressed some alarm. I told her he looked like a mugging getting ready to happen, likely targeting someone pulling in to get ATM cash.
At that point I noted that he looked in my direction. Since it was a glass door I was clearly visible, along with the branch manager. I gave him a hard stare and pointed at him, as if I was pointing him out to the manager. At that point Mr. Hoodie made rapid tracks across the parking lot, disappearing into a nearby apartment complex.
Was he up to no good? I think so. Did his awareness that someone was watching him closely cause some quick mental calculus that today's mugging might best be delayed? I'd bet on it. Of course neither he no the manager knew I was carrying, but I expect he at least knew he was being observed by two potential witnesses.
Sometimes it's enough just to send the message that you are aware of your surroundings and not oblivious.