Safety First

Before I get into the topic of what this post is about, I just want everyone to know that it is always important to feel like you are safe in any environment, don't be afraid to speak up if you're scared or uncomfortable.


Today at the store I work in (name will not be mentioned due to safety and legal issues) I was picking up clothing off the floor and doing my job when these two men approached me, I'd say they were in their early 20's. Now when I mean approach I don't mean casually standing 1 metre or more away from me, I mean they were literally about 1 cm from me, my first reaction of course was to take a step back, and my *spidey* senses kicked in and I felt a bit insecure even though there was about 10 other people in the store including my manager in the back room.

Guy 1 : "Sorry did me make a mess for you?"
Me : "No it's okay" *smile politely*
Guy 1 : "Are you married?"

(Not only is that a bit inappropriate but I was already feeling pretty creeped out, especially after my next response because he moved closer again)

Me : "No"
Guy 1 "Do you live around here, we live around here, are you working weekend, are you free then?"
Me : "I work weekdays"

And  I walked away, now this might not seem threatening, but wait. There's more.

I continued cleaning and tiding the store and when I come back the same shirts were on the floor, and the 2 guys were standing near them again. So once again I picked them up and hung them up while they watched and laughed before exiting the store to my relief.

I went to the back and let my manager know about the guys and how uncomfortable I felt before going and serving a few more customers, and to my surprise when I looked up, the two guys were there outside the store loitering and pointing their phones at me, by now I was getting quite paranoid and creeped out again.
When they saw me looking they put their phones away and right after that my manager came out as it was 10 minutes util closing time and she was surprised to find out they were outside after I explained the situation further, she closed and locked the door as we served the last few customers.
As she served the last customer however, she noticed the guys were back and were walking back and forwards in front of the store on the opposite side walk which she informed me of.

Here's the important part, I let her know I didn't feel comfortable going home and leaving the store through the front, even though I live about 4 shops away a literally 2 minute walk. So my manager being kind and sweet as she is, unlocked the back of the store and watched me walk home for my safety.

I've learnt from this that you should always be careful, and always let someone know what's going on so they can help or give you an alternative option, don't be afraid to speak up. If you notice something suspicious, even between two customers, just tell someone, keep an eye out.
It might just save your life, or someone else's.

xS