BANGOR, Maine — Trust your instincts, is the advice about self defense that Bangor police Lt. Cathy Rumsey emphasized to members of Tuesday Forum, a nonprofit business networking group for woman.
“We have a sixth sense,” the 26-year police veteran told the 50 or so women and two men who gathered for noontime fellowship and networking at the group’s new meeting place, the Hilton Garden Inn. “If you’re thinking, ‘Oh man, this is bad,’ then it’s bad, and you need to back away.
“Women are famous for talking themselves out of being scared,” Rumsey said. “If the hairs are standing up on the back of your neck — go with it.”
Rumsey was the guest speaker at the weekly Tuesday Forum meeting that is designed to bring together local businesswomen, said Kristen McNutt, a financial consultant who is also the group’s president.
“Tuesday Forum is the largest women’s networking group in Maine,” she said. “We’re here to promote everything in business and in life.”
Six women started Tuesday Forum in 1980 as a nonprofit networking group to exchange ideas, referrals and support and to provide a forum to develop business contacts and get resource information. The group is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
Be aware of your surroundings, take precautions such as locking doors, closing curtains at night, and looking in the back seat of vehicles to prevent crimes, Rumsey said.
If someone comes knocking on the door, don’t just say “come on in,” Rumsey said.
“Please check for identification,” the longtime officer said. “Even if it’s a police officer. It’s easy to go buy a uniform and a badge in a wallet.”
She suggested adding additional security to homes, even if it’s just a stick in the window that prevents it from opening the entire way. Oftentimes, burglars enter homes through windows, sometimes by pushing air conditioning units out of the way, the veteran officer said.
Preventative steps are known to stop up to 90 percent of crimes involving personal attacks, she said.
“Trust your instincts,” Rumsey said. “When your body tells you something is wrong, something is wrong.”
Tuesday Forum members gather every Tuesday for lunch, networking and speaker presentations. Those who want more information can visit tuesdayforum.com or contact President Kristen McNutt by email at kmcnutt@penobscotfa.com.