News Tagged ‘theft’

Protecting Our Little Girl Attending Urban College

Saturday, July 2nd, 2011

Continued violence in the streets of  St. Louis is a valid concern to more and more parents sending their daughter off to college in our urban community. Freshman orientation at our urban universities better include personal security when traveling throughout St. Louis as stated in this observation from one worried parent…

It seems like just yesterday we were sending our little girl off to kindergarten on the school bus.  Those years of primary school field trips, middle school dances, and high school football games passed by so quickly.  When al the talk of going off to college became a reality, I just couldn’t believe how quickly we had come to this point in our lives.  As an only child, our daughter was doted upon and treated like the princess that she is.  The thought of her going off to college where she didn’t know anyone was a concern.  Thinking about her being there without us for the first time in her life was downright frightening to me.  She was thrilled to start this new adventure.  She’s a beautiful easy going, fun, down-to-earth young woman, and she had every right to be excited about this new journey she was about to begin.  As her mother, I was also excited for her, but I had the normal fears that every parent experiences when they send their children out into the world for the first time.  I was anxious and worried, not only about her being happy in this new place, but I was seriously worried about her safety.

The community that she is going to school in is a safe, closed-knit college town, but I still knew that anything could happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time, regardless of the location.  With news reports practically every week about the atrocities that go on, even in the safest, most respected cities and towns in our country, I knew that we had to make sure she was educated and prepared for anything that may have threatened her safety.  She had taken self-protection classes in high school, and those offered some self defense techniques, but it wasn’t an extensive course.  I didn’t feel confident that if something, or more specifically someone, threatened her safety, that she would be able to defend her self against an attack of any kind.  After a little research to find things that she could use safely and efficiently against an attacker, it became apparent to me that there were not only hundreds and hundreds of products on the market, but those products can be very expensive.  One can not put a price tag on safety, especially your children’s safety, but it didn’t have to outrageously expensive either.

A great and wonderful family friend told me about a site that she’d found quite by accident and had made a recent purchase for a niece after her graduation.  She told me that if I took a look at this site, I would not have to go any further that that to find everything I needed for my daughter.  i pulled up the urban self protection website that very evening, and as often is the case, my friend was exactly right.  It was like a parent’s dream come true in regard to their child’s  safety needs.  Everything, and I do mean everything, that my daughter could possibly need to protect herself in every way was offered by this company.  From room alarms to pepper sprays are available.  And what’s even more outstanding is that you can get all of the necessary products together, along with reports on safety and safety issues especially related to college students.

The urban self protection package is amazing.  The particular package that I chose was even designed with college girls in mind.  The package contained 4 different kinds of pepper spray, one of which is a lipstick pepper spray.  How brilliant is that! It also included 2 different alarms and a safe, along with an instructional DVD.  it is just simply perfect and has given us a lot more peace of mind.  Sending our daughter off to college still wasn’t an easy thing to do, but at least it wasn’t nearly as scary as I first imagined it to be.  Protecting our little girl has always been our number one priority, and it is so wonderful to see that there is a company who also has our daughter, and every one else’s college-bound son or daughter, as their number one priority too.  This outstanding urban self protection kit certainly allows me to sleep a little easier at night, and to a parent, that means the world.

Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!

 

 

 

 


College Self Defense Kit For These Dangerous Times

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

 

So you’re sending your son or daughter off to college, but should you send them equipped with a college student self defense kit?  Say again? Self defense? That’s not the first things that comes to mind when most people think about heading off to college.  Rather, this is an exciting time of meeting new people starting a new career, expanding ones horizons, and maybe getting into some really decent partying – but crime?  Well, statistic show that college campus actually are safer on average than off-campus venues, but all kinds of crimes, from petty theft, to horrible crimes like rape, murder and muggings happen on college campuses every day.

Some are worse than others.  Many college campuses are getting an especially bad reputation for rape, and its often a well-deserved charge.  The dark lanes of a college campus, where there tend to be high numbers of young attractive women, are sometimes targeted by attackers.  But there is also a lot of student-on-student sexual assault, often in the form of date rape.  Now take into account that most college and university campuses prohibit the possession of firearms on the school grounds.  So you can’t carry a loaded pistol.  What can you equip yourself with to foil possible attacks against you?  A college student self defense kit may cover at least most of the bases, and provides some peace of mind.  Here, for example, is what is included in such kits: *Tasers or stun guns*pepper spray*Personal door alarms*hidden safes for dorm rooms*Spy cameras*Pen knives.  Many college student self defense kits contain all or some of the above, assembled in one neat package for you to buy all at once.

Tasers or electronic stun devices for college students can be configured to look exactly like cell phones.  Thus, bypass such a regulation.  A cell phone stun gun has the advantage of letting the user carry it along in hand while they are walking in a potentially dangerous area.  That might be some outdoor campus location at night, or in the isolated hallway of a dorm room or classroom where a predator may be lurking.  It looks natural to be carrying a cell phone in one’s hand, but it is an at-the-ready defensive device that could save a life, prevent a rape, mugging or worse.

Pepper spray is another handy non-lethal defensive weapon, and in many college kits, they are shaped to look like lipstick tubes.  Again, a perfect way to discretely carry a defensive device without attracting undue attention.  One of the most common crimes on college campuses does not involve violence.  Rather, its theft.  Dorm rooms are extremely easy prey to a skilled or experienced thief.

Today, many college students have big ticket items in their dorm rooms – flat screen TVs, DVDs, laptops, cash, credit cards, jewelry – all tasty items for the hungry thief.  And a thief could be anyone, even ones own roommate.  Thus, it only makes sense to take some normal precautions.  That means installing some kind of door alarm that will alert you to when someone enters your room without your permission.  High tech devices can both sound an alarm, or alert the student via cell phone when security has been breeched.

For smaller valuables, a hidden safe is a terrific way to protect valuables.  Many college student self defense kits offer hidden book safes.  They look like an ordinary book, but inside is a space to lock up small items of high value.  Even if a thief finds it, they’ll have a hard time breaking into it.  Door alarms are important for another reason.  Imagine if an intruder attempts to gain access to your college dorm room while you are sleeping at night.  For female students, this can be especially frightening.  A door alarm can save the day.  A sounding alarm can scare off an intruder, while also giving the resident a chance to grab a taser or pepper spray.

The best college student self defense kits not only provide key items like the ones we described above, but also offer instruction and training.  Thus, some kits come complete with training videos and manuals, and also describe strategies for how to act and react in situations of danger.  There are other items we have not talked about – such as telescopic steel batons, safety lights, even infidelity detectors – and maybe you don’t need everything.  But having the basics, such as a taser or pepper spray, and a simple alarm on the door, is just good basic common sense.  Equipping a student with a college self defense kit should not mean that one is adopting an attitude of fear and paranoia.  Rather, its a candid and stark recognition that crime happens, even on the most serene of college campuses.  There is nothing wrong and everything right, with being prepared.

Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!

 


Complete Home Surveillance Equipment

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

Being a executive assistant to a successful entrepreneur,  I don’t only perform administrative duties in the workplace, but I also carry out special projects that he can’t handle anymore but wouldn’t entrust to just anyone.

Recently, he acquired a piece of property in a quite well-off area.  The houses within this secluded neighborhood are few and far between, so he needed a total security solution to safeguard his newly bought residence.  When I was asked to look into the Complete Home Surveillance Equipment, I made the decision that it could be the quickest to start on the web.

I assumed that a 16 Channel Wireless DVR Complete System would surely fit his requirements.  This system makes use of 16 cameras that consist of 12 wired and 4 wireless cameras.  It supplies a digital video recorder with a complete networking capacity, which allows him to view live on the internet any activity in or around his home.

This total bundle is perfect for vast locations including warehouses or luxury homes.  It includes a stand-alone 16 channel DVR, 12 units of day/night color wired bullet cameras, 4 units of color wireless bullet cameras, 12 pieces of one hundred food video cables, four models of 2.4 GHz video clip receivers and a 17 inch LCD monitor.

Among Home Surveillance Equipment, the 8 Channel Wireless DVR Complete System is ideal for mid-sized offices and residences.  Together with a stand-alone eight channel DVR, it includes four color wired bullet cameras for day/night use, four color wireless bullet cameras for day/night use, four pieces of a hundred foot video clip cables, 4 units of 2.4 GHz video receivers and a 17 inch LCD monitor.

I didn’t wish to second-guess his option of Home Surveillance Equipment so I’m suggesting the 4 Channel Wireless DVR Complete System although it is much more suited to small-scale businesses and homes.  Inside the package is a stand-alone four channel DVR, four day/night bullet cameras that are wireless color cameras, four models of 2.4 GHz video receivers and a 17 inch LCD monitor.

The 4 Channel DVR Complete System – Deluxe would be the very best for outside uses because it includes cameras with dome housings.  The set constitutes a stand-alone four channel DVR, two day/night weatherproof dome cameras, 2 days/night weatherproof bullet cameras, 1 remote control, 4 pieces of 50 foot cables and four units of power supply.

In case he prefers the most economical of Home Surveillance Equipment, that would need to be the 4 Channel Wired USB DVR Complete System.  This program might be setup in a mere five minutes.  A USB digital video recorder, four day/night color wired bullet cameras and 4 pieces of a hundred food video clip cables comprise the bundle.

Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!

Gerald Urban


St. Louis the Most Dangerous City in America

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

Anyone who has driven to a St. Louis Cardinal’s baseball game, know that parts of St. Louis, MO look like a war zone. Abandoned homes, warehouses and buildings are crumbling throughout the city. Though the suburban population has ballooned to approximately 3 million, the frequently quoted population of St. Louis city is roughly 356,000.
Believe it or not, car thefts and break-ins are so common in many parts of the community that the city actually post signs in public parking areas warning city visitors not to leave valuables visible in their vehicles or better yet not at all.
Sadly, in the most dangerous city in America. Murders have become common on local television news channels. St. Louis residents can expect a murder to be reported every few days in the most dangerous city in America. The murder rate in St. Louis is about 4 times higher than the murder rate in New York. Again, St. Louis City has a population of only about 356,000. As of this writing, there have been 130 homicides in St. Louis City so far this year and as recently as this past weekend there was a man and woman shot and murdered in 2 unrelated crimes. There was also a police officer shot in the face while sitting in an unmarked car in North County. The above video is another example of the senseless violence that fearful law abiding residents must endure living in Murder City USA. These are dangerous times in St. Louis, The Most Dangerous City in America.

Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!

Gerald Urban


Purchase Intruder Alarm Devices Like the Auto Dialer with Security Alarm

Friday, November 26th, 2010

It is a constant concern for my neighbor to monitor his small print shop located in the neighborhood because he also has a full-time job.  They entrust the day to day operation of the store to two employees because his wife is working as well.

I told him to purchase intruder alarm products to help ease his anxiety.  He agreed to that idea.  I told him to use his online connection at his office to do some research on inexpensive security alarm products.

Since he had no previous knowledge of how to purchase intruder alarm tools, he started by getting information about these devices.  He spent a lot of time online because the first ones he saw were for big applications.

He discovered more about the Auto Dialer with Security Alarm while learning online where to purchase intruder alarm devices that will fit his immediate needs.  The Auto Dialer with Security Alarm is just what he needed for his business.

Even with its small size of 6″ in height, 3 1/4 in width, and 1 1/2″ in thickness, the Auto Dialer with Security Alarm has the features of a standard unit.  Any area that you select will be monitored by its passive infrared system.

When armed, the motion detector of the Auto Dialer with Security Alarm scans the selected area.  The moment motion is detected, a 105 dB security alarm will sound and its auto dialer will dial the 5 preset phone numbers that you selected.

Once in the shop, he can choose the Chime mode, and a chime will alert him when motion is detected. The Auto Dialer is easy to set-up and is powered by 9 volt battery.  It has an AC adaptor and a phone line.  He has to put the dialer into the desired location 5 to 6 feet above the floor.

After learning about alarm and security products, he and his wife are considering installing an IP camera that will provide additional peace of mind.

Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!

Gerald Urban


Commercial (Business) Burglary: Most Dangerous City

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

Ninety percent of burglary prevention is physical security.  If your complex is locked up and unauthorized entry is made difficult, time consuming, noisy and visible, chances of a successful burglary are kept to a minimum.  The burglar will pass up your business and look for an easier target.

Prevention

LOCKS on all outside entrances and inside security doors should be double cylinder deadbolts with moveable collars.  The deadbolt should have at least one inch throw containing a hardened steel insert and protected by a latch guard.

PADLOCKS should be of hardened steel, mounted on bolted hasps and always locked to prevent exchange.  Serial numbers should be filed off to prevent new keys from being made.

DOORS (all outside or security doors) should be of solid construction, metal lined and secured with heavy metal crossbars.  Jams around doors must be solid.  All exposed hinges should be pinned to prevent removal.

WINDOWS should have secure locks.  Burglar-resistant glass treatments are also recommended.  An example would be the installation of polyester security film.  However, this must be used in conjunction with the alarm’s glass break sensor.  Heavy metal grates may be used on windows of high vulnerability (such as rear windows).  Check with the Fire Marshall for safety requirements.

LIGHTS must provide optimum visibility, both inside and out, with those outside having vandal-proof covers over the lights and power source.  Entire perimeter must be well lit, especially the area around doors and other possible entry points.

alarm system should be supplied by a licensed alarm company with a central monitoring station.  Check the alarm system on a daily basis, and advertise its presence to deter break-ins.

CASH REGISTER should be kept in plain view from outside the building so it can be easily monitored and should be left open when empty and not in use.

SAFE should be fire proof, burglar resistant, anchored securely and in plain view.  Leave it open when it is empty, and use it to lock up valuables when business is closed.  Change the combination whenever someone with access to it leaves your employment.

BUILDING EXTERIOR should be checked including the roof, cellar and walls.  Secure all openings.

MAINTAIN GOOD VISIBILITY by not allowing landscaping, boxes, trash bins, vehicles or equipment near building where they might provide concealment or access to the roof.

PERIMETER FENCES need to be adequate enough to keep intruders out, and at the same time allow good visibility of your business  by neighbors and police (i.e. vertical iron bar fence or 1/8 inch mesh vinyl coated chain link).

KEY CONTROL should be done in a responsible manner.  A master key system where one key opens all locks may be convenient, but it may not be the best for security.  Code all keys, keep them locked up when not in use, and do not allow employees to leave them lying around or make duplicates.  Change locks whenever you suspect key security has been jeopardized.

ID NUMBERS should be marked on all equipment and stickers (such as Operation ID) should be displayed to make this plainly evident to would-be thieves.  The best number to use is your personal Missouri driver’s license number. Also, keeping a record of serial numbers on all equipment may help in recovery of stolen property.

Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!

Gerald Urban


Holdup Prevention: Most Dangerous City

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
  • Use the measures outlined in this page.
  • Call the police at once if you notice suspicious strangers loitering near or in your place of business.
  • Never block the view into your store by crowding display windows.  It is important to maintain visibility into your business establishment at all times.
  • Secure your teller and cashier operations.  Install barriers to keep unauthorized persons out of these areas.
  • If practical, mark doorways at varying heights to allow proper identification of robber’s height.
  • Install a holdup alarm system.
  • Install a timed delay switch to turn off exterior lights after your employees have gone for the night.
  • Use two people to open and close your business.  Establish a system of prearranged signals.  One person should stay outside until the other gives the all clear signal.
  • Keep cash on the premises to a minimum.  Make frequent pickups of money from registers and make regular bank deposits.
  • Do not establish a habitual routine when making bank deposits.  Robbers will soon learn it.
  • Keep the safe in your place of business locked at all times.
  • Check the references of job applicants before you hire them.
  • In the event you are contacted about an emergency at your business, and the call is of questionable validity, please verify the call with the police dispatcher, before going to your business.
  • Have frequent meetings with your employees in order to familiarize them with holdup prevention measures which you have initiated.

If You Are Held Up:

  • Remain calm.
  • Do not resist.
  • Be identification conscious.  Observe the holdup suspect carefully for future identification.
  • Report the robbery immediately-dial 911 and don’t hang up.
  • If possible, protect the crime scene: do not let anyone disturb it.  Wait for police.
  • Cooperate with police.  By doing as they request you will help solve the crime.
  • Reduce Criminal Opportunity and Protect Your Business!

Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!

Gerald Urban


    Staying Safe During the Holidays: How to Stay Safe During the Holidays

    Saturday, November 20th, 2010
    • Even though you are rushing and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.  If possible, park your car in an area or high pedestrian activity.  Avoid remote areas.
    • Lock your care and close the windows, even if you are only gone for a few minutes.
    • Loose change is a meal for a street person; they will break your window for small change.
    • Your cell phone can  be sold and reprogrammed and is a sought item of theft.
    • A laptop computer will keep a drug user in a high state, at your expense.
    • Lock your packages out -of -sight in the trunk.  Place your valuables in the trunk before you get to your destination, not after, the thief may be watching.
    • Be sure and lock your car, many opportunists simply look for unlocked cars.
    • If waiting for a ride from a friend or public transportation, do so in busy, well-lit places.
    • Consider security film for automobile’s windows.
    • Always report a theft to the police.
    • Teach your children to go to the store clerk and ask for help if you become separated while shopping.  They should never go to the parking lot or the car alone.
    • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.  Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible and notify issuers immediately if a credit/debit card is lost, stolen, or misused.
    • Be extra careful with purses and wallets.  They may become targets for crime in crowded shopping areas, at bus stops, and on public transportation.
    • Avoid overloading yourself with packages.  It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
    • At home, be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.  Leave lights and a radio or television on so the house looks occupied.  Do not put large displays of holiday gifts in view of your windows or doors.
    • If you go away for the holidays, try to keep your home appearing “living in”; Get an automatic timer for your lights.  Have a neighbor watch your home and pick-up your newspapers and mail.
    • If you use lights on your tree, make sure that they are in good working order.
    • Immediately mark your new gifts with your driver’s license number, and note all serial numbers, keeping records in a safe place.
    • Remember to be a good friend and neighbor this holiday season:  Share these tips with others in your familiy and neighborhood.  Also, why not get your neighborhood together and go caroling.  Do not forget the elderly and other people who might be especially lonely during the holidays.  Soon, you may wish to form a neighborhood watch group.  People helping people, that’s what it is all about!
    • Always be aware of your surroundings and young men loitering in parking lots or parking garages.
    • Women should always carry at least pepper spray as self defense against an attack or abduction.
    • And lastly, when hosting a party, find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests: and when going out drinking, please remember: D0n’t Drink and Drive.

    Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!

    Gerald Urban


      Charity Fraud: How to Protect Yourself Against Charity Fraud

      Saturday, November 20th, 2010

      Charity fraud does a lot of harm.  The con artist takes advantage of people’s good will and takes their cash – money that was meant for people in need.  You can make sure that any money you give gets into the right hands.  Just remember these tips when somebody asks you for a donation.

      • Ask for identification – the organization AND the solicitor.  Find out what the purpose of the charity is and how funds are used.
      • Ask if contributions are tax deductible.
      • If your’re not satisfied with the answers – don’t give.
      • Give to charities that you know.
      • Check out the ones you’ve never heard of before, or others whose names are similar to a well-known charity.
      • Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics.  If solicitors won’t take no for an answer, tell them NO anyway – BUT DON’T GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY.
      • Be suspicious of charities that only accept cash.
      • Always send a check made out to the charity and not the individual requesting the donation.

      The Pigeon Drop

      A person approaches you and says that he just found a large amount of money.  What should he do with it?  Maybe his “boss” can suggest something.  He then leaves to check with his “boss” and comes back a few minutes later.  His boss said to divide the money, but first, each of you must put up some, “good faith money”.  Once you hand over your share, you’ll never see it or the con artist again.

      The Bank Examiner

      A con artist will contact you and tell you he is a bank official or police officer and that he needs your help to catch a dishonest bank teller.  All you have to do is withdraw your savings and give the money to him so he can check the serial numbers.  If you do, you’ve been “stung”.  A real bank official would NEVER ask you to withdraw your money.

      Is it hard to believe that people fall for such tricks?  Con artists may be the greatest actors you’ll ever meet.  The pigeon drop and the bank examiner schemes are two of the most successful con games around.  Don’t be fooled.  CALL THEIR BLUFF BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.

      Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!

      Gerald Urban


      Holiday Shopping Self Defense: What Is Holiday Shopping Self Defense?

      Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

      I’m often asked what is Holiday Shopping Self Defense?  Well, Holiday Shopping Self Defense incompasses everything from being aware of your surroundings to employing self-defense weapons if attacked by an assailant.  The holiday season is a busy time of the year for everyone including criminals.  Remember, holiday shoppers are bouncing from  store to store often carrying large amounts of cash and carrying multiple packages.

      The FBI crime reports confirm that criminals are more active and crimes such as burglaries, robberies, car jackings, car thefts and muggings increase during the month of December.  Holiday Shopping Self Defense means being vigilant about your personal safety during the holiday season.

      These are dangerous times and criminals are looking for someone they can catch off guard.  As you already know, the day after Thanksgiving is the official start of the winter holiday shopping season.  The following Holiday Shopping self defense tips will minimize your chances of being targeted and victimized by a criminal.  Remember, Black Friday is on November 26, 2010 which officially launches the holiday shopping season.

      Your safety and security while shopping and enjoying the holiday festivities should be high on your list of priorities.  Again, with the number of carjackings, robberies, personal assaults, burglaries and home invasions increasing at this time of year, it is imperative that you implement these Holiday Shopping Self Defense tips…

      1.  Be fully aware of your surroundings at all times and be totally alert as your walk to your car.   Take notice of anybody loitering around the parking lot or garage especially at night.

      2.  As you walk to your car, have your car keys ready in your hand and be prepared to use them as a weapon if assaulted or attacked.  It is strongly recommended that women carry a wildfire pepper spray keychain as a non-lethal form of self-defense.

      3.  If your car has a remote, only unlock the driver’s side door with your remote and wait until you are fairly close to the car before doing so.

      4.  Before getting into your car, check to make sure there is not someone hiding inside.  Many people have a dangerous habit of not locking their car doors.

      5.  Women, wear comfortable shoes rather than high heels when shopping.  If you are attacked in the parking lot or garage, comfortable shoes with no heels can help you escape.

      6.  Avoid parking near large vehicles or shrubbery, especially if shopping alone.  Also, be leery of vans with sliding doors parked next to the driver’s side of your car.  Above all, trust your intuition and return to the mall to request a security escort if you don’t feel safe or you feel that something looks suspicious.

      7.  Finally, don’t leave valuables such as iPod’s, wallets, laptops, purses, cash or packages in plain view inside your car. You are just inviting a thief to break into your car.

      Crime Is Real, Don’t Be a Victim!

      Gerald Urban