Once you've spent a period of time in an environment that requires you to be alert at all times, and to observe what is going on around you, it's something you never forget or stop doing. I've been retired since 2003, and have never got out of that heightened state of observation and security. I'm a female, and in the early days of my retirement, I used to approach women in the grocery store who had left their open purses sitting in the grocery cart, while they were 6-12 feet away from the cart, checking out an item. I'd tell them they are opening themselves up to being a victim, because not all the criminals are behind bars. Some were grateful for the advice. Others looked at me like I was the criminal, so I stopped saying anything to people.
As far as helping someone with a security issue, I have had similar experiences. They have no idea what they have opened themselves up for then wonder why they are a victim.