The mysterious disappearance of Christina Morris has created a demand for information about personal security
PLANO — Many women in Plano are feeling anxious after the disappearance of Christina Morris from a Plano shopping center. So on Wednesday night, more than 300 packed a safety seminar that was conducted by Plano police.
Sitting in the crowd was the University of North Texas dance team; instructor Jennifer Cloutier told them the information being presented could save their lives.
"It gives them the opportunity to know, 'Oh yeah, I am not invisible; there are bad people, and there are bad things that can happen,'" Cloutier said.
Statistics show that females between 12-24 are most likely to be sexually assaulted.
"Honestly, when I heard the officer talk about college women being the biggest target for rape and assault it's really scary that anyone on my team or even me could be a victim of something as crazy at that," dance team member Marlanya Muckensturn said.
Plano police gave three crucial safety tips to stop from being attacked:
- You cannot tell if someone is dangerous or safe by just looking at him.
- "My safety first; his feelings last." Don't be afraid to be rude and walk away from someone who approaches you.
- Never leave crime scene No. 1, because crime scene No. 2 is going to be worse.
In other words, don't get in a car — even if someone is pointing a weapon.
"Thoughts go through your head... 'Maybe If I get in the car, maybe at some point I can jump out,'" said seminar attendee Cecilia Williams
But police say 85 percent of people who get in that car end up getting killed.
"It doesn't even cross my mind that this may not be the best thing for me, and I really need to watch out for myself and my friends around me," Muckensturn added.
Law enforcement personnel hope that by having seminars like this, people will be more cautious and aware when it comes to their safety.
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