‘Choose not to be a victim’: Ogden mom takes precautions after reported attacks

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — It’s been the talk of New Hanover County, especially on social media. You may have seen a number of reports of attacks or attempted break-ins throughout the Ogden area.

Christina Fulford, who lives in the area, does not take these reports lightly. With three young kids, she’s making sure she is doing everything she can to keep her family safe.

“My kids need their mom,” she said. “We can’t help what happens to us, but we can help how to respond.”

Fulford is taking her family’s safety into her own hands.

Over the last few weeks, there have been several reports of attempted break-ins and women being attacked in their own backyard throughout the Ogden area.

“If I can protect myself in the immediate situation, that’s what I’m looking to do,” Fulford said.

She says they have the cameras and the other security measures, but she’s taking it a step further.

“Choose not to be a victim,” she said. ‘That doesn’t mean you’re prevented from an attack, but it means that you’re going to do everything in your power to fight back.”

After seeing these reports, Fulford signed up for self-defense classes, and is getting her concealed carry permit.

It’s been something she’s always wanted to do, and this time, things are just too close for comfort.

“You don’t ever want to not feel safe in your home,” she said.

The reports have left neighbors all over the area unsettled. In the midst of the concern though, Fulford is staying level-headed.

“It’s okay to have fear for a little bit, but what are you going to do with that?” she said. “Are you going to put that fear into something productive, or are you just going to sit around and freak a out the whole time? Because I don’t want to live my life like that.”

With three kids under the age of seven, Fulford is making it her priority to be alert and prepared, no matter where she lives.

“This can happen anywhere,” she said. “I do not want to say, ‘I could’ve done better. I should’ve known better.'”

WWAY has spoken with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. They have been investigating every call they’ve received.

Lt. Jerry Brewer says they have not found a lot of evidence so far. But as always, he urges residents to stay vigilant and call if you see something.