News Tagged ‘protection’
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
Always be aware of surroundings when parking car and remove visible electronics such as; laptops, ipods, mp3 players and GPS devices. It may seem like common sense but I’m always amazed what I can see inside neighbors vehicles that are parked next to me on the street. Criminals are desperate for quick cash and leaving these type items visible is just asking to be a Smash-n-Grab for criminals. And students, please don’t walk the campus or near by park areas at night with your music blasting through the ear-buds of your Ipod or MP3. Your just asking to be mugged or worse. Finally, when living in an urban area. It’s always a good idea to carry non-lethal personal protection such as a Pretender 4.5 Million Volt cell phone stun gun or Taser.
Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!
Gerald Urban
Tags: 4.5 million volts, campus safety, college campus, college crime rankings, college dorms, college survival kit, common sense, crime prevention, de, delmar loop, demun, dorm, downtown, extreme college survival kit, freshman survival kit, Gerald Urban, home protection, loop, loop apartments, loop security, MetroLink, most dangerous college, most dangerous schools, mugging, off-campus safety, parking, parking lots, pepper spray, personal protection, protection, public parks, public transportation, Quadrangle, Quadrangle apartments, rape, rape prevention, runt stun gun, self protection, sexual assault, skinker, slu student, street crime, student, student apartment, student life, student residence, student safety, student survival kit, students housing, studlife, stun gun, taser, tazer, ultimate personal safety kit for women, umkc, umsl, umsl student, ur, urban commuter, urban core, urban crime, urban safety, victim, victimized, violent crime, violent student behavior, waldo, washington university st louis mo, wustl, wustl student
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
Sadly, violent crime is a reality of living in an urban community. Usually law enforcement doesn’t get involved until after the crime and you’ve become another statistic. Students need to take responsibility for their own personal safety and protection. There are many inexpensive non-lethal personal protection products available for purchase online. Most are cheaper than a beer tab at the Delmar Loop in University City, Missouri. The Stun Master 950,000 volt Rechargeable Lipstick stun gun is an effective inexpensive way to keep a college co-ed safe!
Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!
Gerald Urban
Tags: co-ed, coed, college, crime, daughter, daughter going to college, dorm, non lethal, non-lethal self defense, non-lethal self defense products, pepper spray, personal, personal safety, protection, rape, rape prevention, rechargeable lipstick stun gun, safety, self defense, sexual assault, street crime, student, stun gun, ultimate personal safety kit for women, urban, urban college, urban commuter, urban crime, urban safety, urban university, violent crime
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
Marking your property is one of the most simple and effective ways of protecting your possessions.
• For a start, property marking puts burglars off because it let’s others know that the item has been stolen, making it much more difficult to sell. The other big advantage is that it makes tracing and returning your stolen property a lot easier for police.
• The Metropolitan police say that there are two main types of property marking: the first is known as permanent marking, when you engrave or “punch” your property with your street number and postcode. Inexpensive permanent marketing kits can be bought from most DIY stores.
• Make sure you engrave with a fine drill or sharp-pointed tool, and use a template or stencil to keep it neat and tidy. Punching is a form of permanent marking that is done with a hammer and a set of punches bearing numbers and letters. This method is good for bicycles, mowers, engines, or other sturdy metal objects, but don’t use this on aluminum as it’s easily damaged. Of course, you could just improvise and scratch your postcode on it with a sharp object, depending on how happy you expect to be with the final appearance.
Invisible Protection
• Invisible marking is the other method of property marking. This is best for antiques or valuable property that would lose value if spoiled by permanent marking. Police usually check stolen property with a special ultra-violet (UV) marker pen should be used. Just as for permanent marking, use your postcode and mark again if you move. The police also say that it is important to remember that UV marking fades and will need to be renewed every so often.
• Most police forces run schemes that let you borrow an UV or ceramic marker, and you can buy them at most DIY stores. However, in some cases, chemicals can be used to remove invisible marking, and as it fades quickly, you should remember to regularly update your markings.
• Although you can’t see it with the naked eye, invisible marking can still be a deterrent to burglars, but you must let them know you’ve done it by using stickers from the police saying, “property in this home has been marked”. Contact your local police for more details about this.
• When it comes to deciding which items to mark, the answer is “up to you”. Think about what you value most and what might be attractive to thieves. The truth is almost anything can be a target for theft, so why not mark everything?
• It’s worth keeping a property list or inventory of all your household possessions, and be sure to mark the things that you own as you compile your list, including items kept in your shed or garage.
• Finally, where your property is marked is important, especially if engraving or punching. The chances are you’ll want to keep the mark out of site, so try marking underneath or around the back of the item. The most important thing to remember is to choose a surface that can’t be removed without spoiling the basic appearance or performance of the item. If thieves can’t remove your mark without breaking your property, then it’s worthless and they probably won’t want it.
Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!
Gerald Urban
Tags: burglary, coed, college, crime, dorm, home protection, property, protection, safety, student, theft, urban
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
ATM cash machines have been incorporated in our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the run but at the same time offer an element of risk. Using an ATM machine safely requires awareness and a little planning. Just because an ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn’t mean it is safe to use it. Most ATM robberies occur at night between 8:00 PM and midnight. ATM robbers are usually males under 25 years of age and most work alone. ATM robbers usually position themselves nearby waiting for a victim to approach and withdraw cash. Most ATM robbery victims are woman and were alone when robbed. Most claim that they never saw the robber coming. Most ATM robbers used a gun or claimed to have a concealed weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their cash.
If you or your family members use ATM cash machines on a regular basis, here are some tips that can make the process a little safer:
• Use only ATM machines in well-lighted, high-traffic areas. Don’t use ATM machines that are remote or hidden such as being located behind buildings, behind pillars, walls, or away from public view. Beware of obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown trees. ATM robbers like to have the element of surprise and no witnesses. Robbers like good escape routes like nearby freeway on-ramps or high speed thoroughfares.
• Choose an ATM that looks and ‘feels’ safer, even if it is a couple of miles out of the way. Try and limit your use to daylight hours. Take someone with you after hours, if you can. When you drive up to an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious persons. If you see anyone suspicious standing nearby or sitting in a car, drive away. When you approach an ATM on foot be prepared and have your access card ready. Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and speed the transaction. After inserting your card and your PIN number keep an eye out behind you. Never accept an offer to help or request for help from a suspicious make ahead of you at the machine. If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches terminate your transaction machine. First, tell the suspicious male in a loud, firm voice to “back-off” and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the person and give you time to flee, if appropriate. When you receive cash from the machine put it away immediately, extract your card, and walk away.
• If you use your car at a drive-thru ATM machine the same rules apply. Keep the car in gear, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Keep a close eye on your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction. Robbers almost always approach from the rear on the drivers side. If you see anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If you are confronted by an armed robber, just give up your money without argument. The cash is not worth serious injury or death. Get to a safe place and call the police immediately.
• If lights around the ATM are not working, don’t use that machine
• Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places
• Beware of offers for help from strangers during an ATM transaction
• Don’t fight with or attempt to follow the robber
• Drive or walk to a safe place and immediately call the police
Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!
Gerald Urban
Tags: atm, bank, cash, crime, protection, robbery, safety, security, theft, urban
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Saturday, January 9th, 2010
Wherever you are on the street, in an office building or shopping malls, driving, waiting for a bus or cab, stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings.
Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uncomfortable, avoid the person or leave.
Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, and restaurants, or stores that are open late.
On Foot-Day or Night
• Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys.
• Don’t flash money or other tempting targets like jewelry or clothing.
• Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not a back pocket. Carry only what is necessary and try not to keep currency and credit cards all in one place.
• Don’t wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements.
• Have your car or house key in hand before you reach the door.
• Try to use automated teller machines in the daytime. Have your card in hand and don’t approach the machine if you’re uneasy about people nearby. Better yet, only use the ATM machines inside of grocery stores, malls, or gas stations.
• If you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted house. If someone harasses you, don’t be embarrassed. Loudly say “Leave me alone! Someone call the police! Get away!”
vehicle safety
• Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there’s enough gas to get where you’re going and back.
• Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you’re coming right back. Check inside and out before getting in.
• Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in lots and underground parking garages.
• If you think someone is following you, don’t head home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, gas station, or other open business to get help.
• If someone tries to rob you don’t resist. Give up your property. Don’t risk your life.
• Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent others from being victims.
• Take a Stand!
• Make your neighborhood and working place safer by reporting broken street lights, cleaning up parks and vacant lots and lobbying local government for better lighting in public places.
• Initiate a block watch program in your neighborhood by contacting your local crime prevention unit.
Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!
Gerald Urban
Tags: coed, college, crime, dorm, protection, rape, robbery, safety, sexual assault, street, student, urban
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Theft and Vandalism
• Wherever possible, provide each dwelling with its own locked garage within the property boundaries. Locked garages outside the boundaries or well-lit and visible car parks are the next best thing.
• Where private garages are not feasible, a car-port or driveway parking is preferable to grouped parking away from dwellings.
• As a general rule, underground or multi-story car parks should be avoided, as they are breeding grounds for vandalism and crime. If they already exist, danger could be minimized by limiting entry points and providing them with sturdy locked gates. Alternatively, each resident could be provided with a lockable garage in their own space, with robust, vandal proof metal doors – garages within garages, so to speak. Or users can be provided with a secure lock or a plastic keycard, which operates electronic doors.
• Grouped car parks should be avoided in high-crime areas. If they cannot be avoided, they should be within view of some dwellings: they should be equipped with sturdy gates or tilt doors, and should never be sited near alleyways.
• Open car parks should be small and within view of dwellings and visitors’ car parks should be clearly identifiable, well lit, and visible from dwellings.
Rape, Assault, Robbery
• To make car parks safer, planners should provide direct access form parking areas to the entrance of dwellings.
• Car parks should be no further than 60 meters from dwellings, and the path should be well lit and free from shrubbery.
• Visitors’ car parks should be well lit, clearly identifiable, and visible from dwellings.
• Access to enclosed car parks should be limited to residents by some form of electronic entry control device if possible.
• If it is desirable to limit access to dwellings, make sure access via car parks is monitored as well.
• In high-crime areas, advanced technological surveillance methods may be needed in car parks. For example, an infrared unit is available which detects the presence of intruders – but not cats and dogs – by body heat, and automatically switches on all lights in the car park and turns them off after 15 to 20 minutes.
Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!
Gerald Urban
Tags: apartment, campus, carjacking, crime, dorm, parking, protection, robbery, safety, shopping, street, urban
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Saturday, December 26th, 2009
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible
• Walk confidently, directly, at a steady pace. A rapist looks for someone who appears vulnerable.
• Walk on the side of the street facing traffic
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where rapists can hide.
• If you think you are being followed, walk quickly to areas where there are people and lights. If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite direction or walk on the other side of the street.
• Be careful when people stop you for directions or money. Always reply from a distance and never get too close to the car.
• If you are in trouble or feel you are in danger, don’t be afraid to attract help any way you can. Scream, yell or run away to safety.
• Always lock your car. Keep your car locked when you are away from it to keep someone from hiding and waiting inside.
• When you are inside the car, lock the doors for safety.
• Look inside and around your car before you get in.
• Be aware of other people in parking areas, especially those close to your vehicle.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police station to get help. It’s a good idea to carry a cell phone and keep it charged.
• If your car breaks down, open the hood or attach a white cloth to the antenna. If someone stops to help, stay inside your locked vehicle and ask them to call the police.
• If you choose to carry any type of weapon for self-protection, give careful consideration to your ability and willingness to use it. Remember there is always the chance that it could be taken away and used against you.
Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!
Gerald Urban
Tags: apartments, coed, crime, dorms, parking, protection, rape, robbery, safety, self defense, sexual assault, street, students, urban, women
Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
If you are tired of being afraid because of rising crimes like rape and brutal assaults, arm yourself with a Taser C2 stun gun to protect you and your loved ones. Compact and easy to carry, they are self-defense electronic devices that will stop an attacker up to 15 feet away –that puts ample space between you and the assailant allowing you a safe distance to escape. Should a close encounter deem it necessary to use force, they also double as a contact stun gun to ward off an attack.
TASER technology provides one of the only non-lethal means of stopping an attacker dead in his tracks, even if that person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When you are dealing with an out-of-control aggressor, it’s not always possible to aim for the face. A TASER C2 stun gun can be conveniently discharged to work anywhere on the body of your attacker, so you don’t have to aim for one particular area. This makes the TASER® C2 a more effective self-defense option during an already stressful situation.
The TASER C2 stun gun works by adding a lot of electrical confusion to the nervous system: the electricity is delivered at a high voltage but low amperage, and can disable a human in seconds. Interfering with the body’s electrical signals, the initial effect is interpreted as pain; however, muscle spasms, confusion, and inability to control movement quickly follow. The brain becomes incapable of interpreting the nerve impulses it’s receiving and is unable to send out meaningful impulses to the rest of the body.
TASER devices have been used effectively in law enforcement encounters by over 10,000 police agencies in over 4 countries. Nearly 100% effective, the TASER® combines stun technology with a quantum leap in stopping power via Electro-Muscular Disruption or EMD technology.
Normal law-abiding citizens should have no problem acquiring this highly effective tool for self-protection purposes. However, to further promote responsible ownership, the TASER® C2 stun gun will only function after the owner completes a background check through the manufacturer to prevent misuse. As always, purchasers MUST be 18 years old or older.
TASER® C2 cartridges also have a unique serial number and are equipped with an Anti-Felon Identification system, which discharges 20-30 serialized paper tags when deployed. Law enforcement can later retrieve this confetti from the scene and contact TASER® International to get the name of the owner of the TASER® device, allowing police to track any potential misuse.
If the TASER® C2 stun gun is used in self defense, it can be deployed and left behind attached to and incapacitating the attacker while you get away. If you are forced to leave your TASER® behind, most companies will replace your unit free of charge. Check with your merchant to see if he offers this free replacement offer. More than likely, you’ll need to get a copy of the police report documenting the incident and send it to the company that you purchased it from.
Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!
Gerald Urban
Tags: abduction, alcohol, Anti-Felon Identification, apartments, attacker, brutal assaults, C2, campus, child, coed, college survival kit, compact, crime, date rape, daughter, delmar loop, dorms, drugs, effective tool, electronic devices, freshman orientation, freshman survival kit, Gerald Urban, most dangerous schools, non lethal, parent, parents, parking lots, pepper spray, protection, rape, safety, school crime, self defense, self defense for students, self defense for women, self protection, sexual assault, slu campus safety, slu student, slu student safety, st louis mo, street, student, students, stun gun, taser, tazer, thug, ucity, university city, university city mo, university crime, urban, urban crime, urban safety, washington university st louis mo, women, wupd, wustl student
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
