You're correct, Tim, people need to develop "swivel heads," which means to the readers--scan in front of you, to each side, up and down. You already where in the mall you want to go, you've been there before, but the same people and items have not been.
People need to make it a habit to observe everything around them. On their street--was that U-Haul there this morning when you got your newspaper off your porch? Is anyone moving in or out in that immediate area?
When you drop your kids off at school, do you see anyone on foot or in a vehicle that appears to be casing the area? Same for your grocery stores.
Look up, down, and all around--that's one of the keys to situational awareness. You already know that, Tim, I'm talking to those who don't know yet.
Mo