The woman, who didn’t want her name published, returned to her car after mailing the letters, locked the car door and was about to put the key in the ignition when she noticed a shadow.
“A man came up on the passenger side of the car and threw a brick through my window and stole my purse,” she said. “I screamed as loud as I could.”
The woman said the man left on foot toward the back of the post office. It was a spur of the moment thing to follow him in her car.
It was there the woman met two postal workers who contacted the Temple Police Department.
“When we went around the side of the building we saw a light gray Cadillac that reversed out and went straight through a stop sign,” she said.
The woman said one of the employees was able to get the license plate and reported that to police.
The woman contacted the Telegram so that other people in the area know of the dangers.
“I did everything I thought I should do. It wasn’t late, I checked the area before returning to my car and I locked the car as soon as I got inside,” she said, explaining that it was about 6 in the evening. “I didn’t expect someone to put a brick through my window.”
Police reports indicate the robbery is under investigation.
Some safety tips:
n When out at night avoid shortcuts that are not well traveled or well lit.
n Know what reputable stores are open in your neighborhood late at night.
n If you suspect that you are being followed stay away from lonely quiet blocks and head for the store you know to be open.
n When walking to your car or on your way home, keep your keys in your hand until you are safely inside for added protection.
n If someone drops you off at home by car, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.
n Keep windows rolled up, except for a small ventilation space and keep your doors locked.
n If a stranger approaches you honk your horn - don’t stop - draw as much attention to yourself as possible.
n Report crimes to police immediately by calling 911 - they will get a patrol officer as soon as possible.
