TULSA, OKLA (KTUL) — What do you do to keep yourself safe while Christmas shopping?

That’s what we’re asking people after a video surfaced of an elderly woman being robbed inside Woodland Hills Mall last week.

While speaking with consumers, NewsChannel 8 was surprised at how many people had seen the video of the Woodland Hills Mall theft.

“It’s unfortunate that she was taken advantage of in that kind of way, and there was nobody that really could stop but bystanders who were now putting their lives at risk also,” said Anna Keller.

“Yeah, it’s all the other people helping her, but it’s just sad that it actually happened to an elderly person,” said Cody Halcom, a Bartlesville resident visiting Tulsa.

Tulsa police say security footage caught 20-year-old Karmelo Shannon grabbing an elderly woman’s arm, slamming her to the ground, and taking all her cash.

TPD says the elderly woman reportedly suffered a broken arm and substantial injuries to her face.

Greg Douglass with Citadel Intelligence Corporation says when you’re shopping, be aware of your surroundings.

“Property can be replaced, right? It sucks, it costs money, and it’s frustrating, upsetting, and no one wants to be a victim, but most importantly, protect your physical body, protect yourself, be alert,” said Greg Douglass, the CEO of Citadel Intelligence Corporation.

Because of the holidays, Douglass says that there’s going to be an increase in physical attacks.

When you’re walking out to your car, he says to hang up your phone, know where you’re parked, and have your key in hand.

Halcom says he’s always keeping his head on a swivel, but he says he’s even more cautious when his kids are with him.

“Normally I keep them within arm’s length apart, always see them, and I always keep a 360-degree visual around us,” said Halcom.

Anna Keller and Sarah Owens have a different approach.

“I carry protection, I don’t bring my kids with me, and I go out during daylight hours. I never leave at dark,” said Owens.

“I always go with a group or with one of my friends, my sister, parents, something like that. I’m never alone at any point in time. Same thing, my kid’s always at home, and I also carry protection,” said Keller.

Douglass says a frequent crime that shoppers should protect themselves from is the burglary of vehicles.

“What I always recommended as a police officer working burglary from vehicles is your vehicle needs to look like it’s sitting on the showroom floor, absolutely nothing in view,” said Douglass.

He says to put your valuables, your gifts, and shopping bags in the trunk of your vehicle, and to hide them out of sight.

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