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* Thieves can use even the most simple of personal details to help them “verify” that they are someone they are not. A thief intent on committing identity theft will likely use one of the most common ways of obtaining personal details, “Dumpster Diving”. This is surprisingly common in upper middle class and upper class neighborhoods and is spreading out cities into more rural areas; with 75% of local authorities now admitting it happens regularly in their area.
* An exercise carried out with the support of Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire Police analyzed the contents of hundreds of household garbage cans to see what people were throwing away. It found that 86% of domestic rubbish contained information helpful to criminal intent on identity theft.
* Three quarters of the trash cans that were checked contained the full name and address of at least one person from the household, while 20% of trash cans contained a bank account number and sorting code that could be linked to the name and address of a person from the house.
* So please stop throwing your junk mail, such as credit card solicitations, into the everyday trash. Invest in a good quality shredder NOW!. This is the number one way to protect yourself from identity theft. Shredders can be purchased today for less than fifty dollars. Don’t keep all of your bills, receipts and other personal documents in an obvious place, if you can lock it away. If you don’t have anywhere to lock it, try and keep it somewhere out of the way, or separate it out into different files and keep them in different cabinets.
*Another tactic is to cruise thru upscale neighborhoods and look for mailbox flags that are up, waiting for the Mailman to make a pick up. Thieves attempting identity theft will stop and raid your out-going mail, hoping that you slipped a check in one of your envelopes. Now they have your name, address, bank account numbers to the correct bank you use and… your signature. Don’t do it. Take a few extra minutes and drop your bills in a US Postal Service mailbox on the corner or in front of the post office itself. Most office buildings now have a secure mail drop in a lobby alcove that you can deposit your outgoing mail in.
* Identity thieves will also try to dupe you into giving personal information either in person, over the phone or by using official sounding e-mails. And of course, personal computers can hold plenty of information useful to fraudsters. Don’t let your PDA’s or Blackberrys out of your sight. If you use any blue-tooth enabled devises, you should take extra caution as to not keep important personal information, bank account numbers, passwords or banking information on them. Identity thieves have become experts at walking into a Starbucks, scanning the signals with a blue-tooth enabled device. When they lock on to a signal, they simply download your data and continue about their day. Later, they are free to access any personal information you had stored on your devise, hoping your were ignorant enough to place any of this information within their reach.
* Be wary. Be suspicious of anyone seeking too much personal information, and don’t be afraid to challenge them by asking “why do you need those details?” - A legitimate enquirer won’t mind you asking, and will be able to explain why they need it. Make sure you store all important documents and details, such as your birth certificate, national insurance number, receipts and bank statements, in a safe place.
* Anything containing personal information that you intend to throw out should be destroyed before it is put into the trash can. Using a household paper shredder is not taking things too far. If you think you have become the victim of identity theft, report it to the police, local authorities, your credit card companies, your banks and relevant Government departments or companies immediately.
* Keep personal information in “encrypted” folders on your computer. Encryption scrambles the contents of your chosen folder so it cannot be read by anyone else. You can “unscramble” the contents using a password. Many well-known software companies offer free downloads to help you with encryption, or encryption can be an option under your standard operating system.
* Consider installing additional “personal firewall” software and password protection files on your computer to stop online intruders or “hackers” accessing information on your PC.
* They want your name, address, date of birth, mothers maiden name, social security number and any and all account numbers to any credit accounts and banks that you might have. Protect ALL of these as if your life depended on it. Your financial life, just might.
Steve Phoenix is owner of www.pps-safey.net and www.best-home-security-tips.com where he writes on a variety of safety and security subjects. Steve Phoenix is also owner of www.pps-safey.com where you can purchase personal and self defense products.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Associated PressLAKE ARROWHEAD, Calif. —
A coyote grabbed a 2-year-old girl by the head and tried to drag her from the front yard of her mountain home in the third incident of a coyote threatening a small child in Southern California in five days, authorities said.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Atlanta Journal & Contsitution, Roswell, GA
Should city pay for coyote trappers?
Roswell is debating whether the city should pay trappers to round up coyotes, which are a nuisance in some city neighborhoods. (”How to catch coyotes? Roswell debates trapping,” Move could cost up to $1,000, ajc.com May 7.)
Other Northside cities are reporting problems with coyotes.
Roswell Mayor Jere Wood said he supports city-financed trapping, describing coyotes as a chronic problem.
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OK Ladies,
I received this from a friend who in turn received it on a ladies subject message board. I’ve talked about situational awareness in the past and this goes right along with that posting. Most people feel very comfortable in there neighborhood, especially when it’s a nice part of town. The area of the city that this happened in is a very nice upper-middle class area, but has a large mall close by, that is accessible via subway. A prime travel venue for just this type of petty theft.
This is in her own words…
I thought I would share what happened to me last night.
I had a lovely meal with 6 girlfriends at a Park Place restaurant last night. We had paid the check ( with a credit card which I then put back in my wallet). We finished our coffees and I reached for my purse as we said goodnight to each other and discovered it was gone.
There were 6 of us and my purse was at my feet between 2 of us.
The restaurant and Police reviewed the security tapes and this is what happened.
One 40 ish well dressed gentleman kicked my purse away from my feet, the next guy stepped over it , a lady behind kicked it to the side and then the 4th person, another female stopped to pick it up and they were gone.
I realised pretty quickly and called my husband to stop all the cards. Thy had already charged $800 at Wal mart and $1000 at Target.This happened well within 30 mins.
There was 6 of us and not one of us saw it happen, the couple facing me saw nothing and the restaurant staff couldn’t believe it.
I feel that I just took part in a 60 Minutes episode. This just doesn’t happen in Dunwoody!
They probably don’t even appreciate what they got… a brand new Coach purse that I bought at springbreak and a coach wallet!
Please be aware of your surroundings, I know we hear it all the time , but it really does matter!
Eleanor
So again ladies, be aware of what is going on around you. You might even try a PORTABLE PERSONAL ALARM attached to your purse that would alert you to anyone attempting to move your purse.
I think we could all stand to pay just a little bit more attention to what is going on around us while out in public.
I Recently read, in my local paper, about a woman who lost her purse while pumping gas. She explains how she pulled into the gas station in a very busy part of town, and with many other people around. Her gas tank being on the passenger side of the car, she parked appropriatly. She exited her vehicle and proceeded around the car to begin pumping her gasaline. She finished pumping her fuel and reentered her car. She then notice that her purse was missing. When she originally exited the car, she took only the one credit card she needed to pay at the pump and left her purse sitting on the passenger seat. A bit frazeled she went into the gas station store and spoke to the manager. Together they observed the security tapes of the pump area. There it was, all captured on video.
When she originally pulled into the pumps, a small sedan followed her in and parked at the opposite pump to her drivers door (remember her gas tank was on the passenger side of her vehicle). After she exited her vehicle and proceeded around her car, and inserted her credit card into the pump, a passenger from the sedan parked opposite of her, exited the passenger side of his car, and while squatting down low, opened her car door, entered her vehicle through her drivers door, removed her purse and closed the door very softly. All this was done in less than 30 seconds!
Now I can tell you how to combat this type of theft, but that would be assuming that you were an idiot. What I would really like to drum home to you, is that by just paying a little bit more attention to what is going on around us, this type of activity would not have been possible. I would however, suggest that you always carry your key chain out of the car when refueling, and preferrably have a Key chain pepper spray attached. If this woman had caught this man in mid theft, it may have come in handy. Another good tool would be a portable personal alarm attached to her purse, that would have activated when it was moved. That really would have dumbfounded him.
I thought doubely hard about this crime when I found myself parked at the gas pumps, in a similar manner, just a few days after I read about my neighbors victimization. While pumping my own gas, a woman drove into the gas station and stopped a couple of islands away from me (the station was not to busy) and proceeded to ask me directions. As she was a bit of a soft talker, and me being slightly hard of hearing, I left the close vacinity of my vehicle and walked over to her vehicle to give her directions. After giving her directions and making sure she understood them, I realized that I had left my car unlocked and if some one had wanted to enter it while the woman distracted me by asking for directions, they most easily could have. I was lucky that she really did only need directions.
My point is that we all could stand to be just a little more aware of the situation around us. I know we like to think that it can never happen to us, but there really are people out there that are willing to take what is rightfully yours if the oppourtunity is given to them. I’m also not advocating that we all become paranoid of everyone around us. I’m just reminding everyone that An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
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There have been an increasing number of recent sightings in my neighborhood and community, of coyotes of all things. With the longer days and extended sunlight hours, wild animals of all types will become more and more visible to the community as they search for food and water. Just walking your dog, or walking for exercise, has become an event that you should maintain a higher situational awareness for. And specifically for coyotes. Coyotes have been known to attack and kill small dogs and cats as well as stalking the occasional child. It would be a good idea to keep your garbage can lids on tight as well, in an attempt to deter them from entering your property.
Carrying a good defense spray is never a bad idea. You can carry a specific K9 repellent or a common pepper spray will work just as well. If an animal approaches you, try to maneuver so the you are upwind of the breeze (most animals will approach from downwind anyway). Then simply spray your product into the air in front them, letting it drift toward them or allowing them to walk into it. You don’t even have to hit them in the face. With their sensitive nose, they will detect the spray far enough away and most likely move away. If for some reason this tactic does not deter them and they continue to approach, then spraying them directly in the face, as you would a human, will definitely put a stop to their aggression.
Most people do not realize that pepper spray and K9 spray are primarily the same product. The K9 spray must be EPA approved to be environmentally safe in order to carry the label of K9 spray. Either will do the trick when it comes to deterring man or beast.
I’m sitting here trying to decide on what to write about tonight and my wife is packing for her business trip tomorrow. Then it hit me, Hotel Safety. Something everyone takes for granted. Your usually exhausted from the trip and just want to lay down and go to sleep, maybe get a shower in first. You never really hear about any problems at hotels, so most people just assume that as soon as they are in the door and standing at the front counter, that they are safe.
Some reasons you never really here about crime at hotels are that victims are usually from out of town, so unless it is an extremely violent crime, there is little chance it will make the news. Also, in the case of thefts, most people don’t report it to the police, but rather to the hotel themselves, who try to handle it in a customer services manner by either reimbursing the customer or telling them that the hotel is not responsible for someone entering their room and stealing from them. Some hotels will even go to the extent of placing signs in the room stating that they are not responsible for your belongings left in the room. Yes they provide safes and safety deposit boxes, but I prefer to bring my own Safety Items and personal alarms.
In a scenario familiar to most overnight business travelers and to a lesser extent the vacation traveler. Your flight was delayed, maybe both taking off and waiting for a gate, the cab or rental car counter lines at the airport were endless and the hotel check-in was a mess. Jet lag is kicking in hard and fast. It’s very late, you’re tired and you have a breakfast meeting with a key client at 6:30 AM. You get your key, avoid the bellman, if your lucky enough to be at a hotel that has one, and then head to your room to collapse into bed. Stop and think for a moment. Take the next few minutes to perform these safety, security and cleanliness checks and get ready for the next day. These “how to’s” will save you time the next morning, they could even save your life some day.
1. When you first enter your room prop the door open, turn on the lights, and check the closets, bathroom, under the bed and behind the drapes. Mistakes do happen and we’ve all heard about someone else being assigned to the same room. This happens more frequently in suites with adjoining bedrooms, where they can rent them as separate rooms as well. Or there could be a thief, or worse, a predator. In any case, don’t close the door until you are sure the room is empty.
2. Check that all connecting doors, windows and sliding doors are locked. If at all possible, avoid first floor rooms with sliding doors or direct access to the outside.
3. Once you lock the door and attach the safety chain, check the diagram on the back of the door to review the nearest exits and stairwells, then mentally plan your escape route. Look out the door, up and down the hall and find the exit signs, check that they are illuminated. If the lights are out, be helpful and contact the front desk to let them know. The few seconds that it takes to review the exit information can save yours or someone else’s life in the event of a fire, earthquake or other emergency. Most fire engine ladders can only reach up to the 6th floor, so it’s a good idea to always request a lower floor.
4. Make sure you double lock your door and then attach the door chain. You might even bring a Portable Door Alarm with you to wake you in the event someone tries to enter unannounced. These are great items that are well worth their small investment. Use the peephole if someone that you were not expecting knocks. Do not open the door to anyone that you did not request to come to the room. Immediately call the front desk and have them send someone up to talk with the unannounced visitor.
All simple things that we really know we should do, we just think to ourselves, “It can’t happen to me”. You lock your doors, put your seat belt on and look both ways when we cross the street. This is no different. A few extra minutes could change your life.
1. Be Alert!
Keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Criminals look for individuals that are not paying attention and that they can sneak up on easily and take by surprise. By staying alert you also give yourself more time to react if someone does approach.
2. Vary Your Routines
Predictability makes you a more likely target. Drive or walk different ways to work.
3. Lock It!
Home, car, office - locks are your first line of defense. Think about putting up signs that show your have a security system. Criminals are looking for an easy hit, they may pass you buy if they think an alarm will sound.
4. Make Your Home A Tough Target
Use floodlights, motion sensors, a security system, deadbolts, Security signs, etc.
5. Foil Car-jackers
Keep windows/doors locked, check mirrors and blind spot when stopped. Stay one to one and a half lengths away from the car ahead of you. Sound your horn and flash your lights if you think you’re being approached by a car-jacker. Keep a self defense spray handy and available, like on your visor (out of the sun).
6. Avoid Car Theft
Lock it!
Use an anti-theft device.
Turn the wheels when you park.
Never leave a spare key inside the car.
Park in a well-lighted place.
Keep all valuables out of site.
Put packages in the trunk.
7. Be Creative
Think of unusual ways to protect yourself and your valuables. A personal motion alarm is great to add to your bags or bikes.
8. Be Informed
Learn the crime trends in your area and work to protect yourself against them. You can find most of these in the local newspaper or on your counties web-sites.
9. Get Involved
Have your joined or organized a Neighborhood Watch? Most criminals will try to “scout out” their intended neighborhood. Alert neighbors will almost always see them and “shoo” them away or call the Police.
10. Don’t Give Up!
Crime can be reduced - with action, not apathy!
Pepper spray and pepper spray products are remarkably useful for a full range of purposes. Whether you’re looking for self-defense or a way to ensure your safety while engaging in outdoor exercise, pepper spray is an excellent product. There are many tales of endurance athletes encountering dangerous animals in the wilderness. One goes so far as to say that during a very long foot race through one of the western states a runner was attacked and killed by a mountain lion!Oh, if only he had pepper spray! Light weight and convenient, it never ceases to amaze me that something that costs less than fifteen dollars can save your life. For bear hunters or just hunters in general you never know when you might encounter a defiant or highly-territorial animal and with a can of pepper spray you can deliver a non-lethal dose to an attacking animal. Useful stuff in so many cases!
Physical Fitness is a major part of our life today, but always ensure your safety when you exercise alone.
* Jog with a partner.
* Jog in familiar areas, and avoid secluded places.
* Do not jog alone after dark.
* Wear a reflective vest during hours of darkness.
* Carry a whistle when you jog.
* Don’t wear you Ipod while jogging outside, you can’t hear cars or people coming up behind you.
* Always lock your door when you leave and carry a key, someone might be waiting for you to leave.
* Always be aware of your surroundings.
* Think about carrying pepper spray with a hand band or belt clip.
* Remember… being aware of your surroundings is the best defense you can have.
ATM SECURITY
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 you to be aware of your surroundings, 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. It is a fact that most ATM robberies occur at night between 8:00 PM and midnight, but they DO occur during the day as well. 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 women, were alone when robbed, and 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. If you have a Defense Spray, have it ready also. 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 anyone suspicious ahead of you at the machine. If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches terminate your transaction and leave immediately, even if it means running away and leaving your ATM card in the machine. First, tell the suspicious person 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.
A quick recap:
- If lights around the ATM are not working, don’t use that machine
- Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places
- Have your card and Defense Spray ready, leave quickly, not counting your cash in public
- 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