Thieves targeting women who are alone, police say. After a series of muggings and car-jackings targeting women, police in Jackson, Mississippi, said Friday that women should arm themselves. "I wouldn't say packing, but I think they need some sort of weapon in order to protect themselves," Officer Colendula Green said. "A lot of friends of mine have tasers or (pepper) spray."

The Jackson Police Department is investigating six cases in the past month of carjacking, armed robbery and auto theft. The two to three thieves, who were either on foot or in a vehicle, are described as black men who are 16 to 20 years old, dressed in dark clothing and hooded shirts. At least one of them was armed during the incidents, police said.

A woman who lives at the Fondren Hills Apartments, where one of the attacks took place, said a friend sent her pepper spray so she could protect herself.

"I sent him the news, and he was worried, but he can't do anything because he's not from here. So he got me (pepper spray) from Amazon," she said.

Jackson police on Thursday issued an urgent warning to women who are alone to be aware of their surroundings when walking to or from their vehicle, along with the following advice:

• If you feel that you are being followed, call 911 immediately and report your location and description. Stay on the phone with the dispatcher in a well-illuminated area until an officer arrives.

• Avoid dark and isolated areas while alone. If possible, travel with others during nighttime hours.

• Report any suspicious activity.

• Avoid distractions, (e.g. cellphones and loud music) while traveling or walking to or away from your vehicle.

• Avoid the display of items that could be attractive to suspects.

"Also, if they have their keys in their hand, if they're approached by a perpetrator, or something like that, they can use their keys as a weapon," Green said.

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