Pepper Shot Spray Helps subdue Thieves

I have been security guard in a major department store for over 20 years and have always carried Pepper Shot spray. One of my primary duties is to watch for shoplifters and to detain them once they go outside the store. You never know how a person is going to react when they are being detained for shoplifting. Some people are flustered and come back quietly, while others attempt to run or even attack you. I am not a large lady, but I carry Pepper Shot spray as one way to protect myself against shoplifters who would rather fight than surrender.

Every year on my birthday, family members would give me new cans of Pepper Shot spray—it got to be a family joke about mom taking down the bad guys. Sometimes I grew tired of this joke, but never again!

I usually detain several shoplifters everyday. It is amazing the number of people who think they can walk into a store and steal merchandise. Even if I do not spot them, the surveillance cameras throughout the store are monitored constantly by other employees. When someone is seen putting items under their clothes or into bags, the floor guards are alerted to the situation. We put ourselves into positions where we can watch the potential shoplifter and the exits.

On this particular day, there were three men stealing merchandise. They were spotted on the surveillance cameras working a scam on the sale person in the jewelry department. They would keep her moving back and forth between them asking to see different pieces of jewelry, then; they would pocket items when she was busy with the other person.

I saw the men working their scam from a distance and was momentarily stunned that they were all so big. I had a gut feeling that they were not going to be willing to stop when we approached them outside of the store. There were 2 fresh cans of Pepper Shot spray in leatherette holsters with belt clips attached to my uniform—birthday gifts from my family that were meant to be a joke. Carefully, I handed a can of Pepper Shot spray to my partner and also put a can in my hand and unlocked it.

We were standing by an exit door and were ready to stop the shoplifters as soon as they exited the store. Once the three men left the jewelry counter, they split up and each headed for a different exit. The man coming toward us was extremely large and muscular. All I could think of was 'how in the world' were we going to stop him. He was moving quickly and was through the door in a flash with the two of us behind him.

Once challenged, he did stop immediately, but he turned and came charging back at us. The Pepper Shot spray that hit his face immediately caused swelling in his eyes and difficulty in breathing. He went down quickly—never expecting a female security guard to stop him.

Guard America
10657 San Sicily Street, Las Vegas, NV 89141
Phone/Fax: (702) 914-3722
info@guardamericaselfdefense.com

Personal Protection - Our Right - Our Duty

Our country's foundation is based on its people having "certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". Our government, "deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed", provides for our national, state, local and individual safety and security. It provides our armed forces, police forces and fire departments. The government cannot protect us from everything however. Therefore, we also have the right, and the duty, to personally protect ourselves and property. There are passive and active ways to do this.

Passively we stay vigilant about our surroundings. We stay away from dangerous situations and do not leave our belonging in places where they may be taken. We are careful about fire and electricity. We obey speed limits. There are other things as well, but you get the picture.

The simplest active option, used by most people, is locking doors and windows. What are some other active options? We can use weapons, both lethal and non-lethal, alarms and surveillance devices.

Most people are uncomfortable using lethal weapons such as guns and knives. Too many bad things can happen with them. Alternatives include mace/pepper spray, stun guns/tazers, whistles and martial arts. The idea with these alternatives is to stall the attacker for enough time to get away or bring help. Alarms and surveillance devises are used to protect our property and to make sure the babysitter is behaving.