Shopping Safety

As a veteran police officer, we typically see an increase in crime trends towards the end of the year due to the amount of shoppers out looking for good deals overstocked on retailers' shelves from the previous year. Many people do not realize the potential of becoming a victim in a crowded shopping mall, grocery store, clothing retailer, or business complex until it is too late. Many thieves spend time doing surveillance and watching patterns people set while they shop. A good example follows;
A few weeks ago, I was at a certain major retailer attempting to pick up a prescription. When I arrived, I was amazed to see numerous people waiting in line. Being the last one in line, it gave me the opportunity to stand back and watch people and how they protected their personal belongings. While watching, 5 people in front of me, 4 of them left their shopping carts unattended on at least two occasions with their purse, wallet, or other valuables in plain view and accessible to others walking past them.
Above I mentioned criminals watch patterning habits of shoppers in a crowded place. Often times if they observe someone leave their purse unattended 2 or more time, they are labeled as a potential target of theft. Another example is someone who has a habit of driving the same route every time they go to the Gym, Grocery store, or work; they set habits that are convenient for not only them, but criminals who may be watching. You see, we get so busy with life's everyday events that we end up making ourselves potential targets and victims. The answer to dealing with this epidemic across the country is a simple one.
First, make a conscious effort to drive different routes to and from your scheduled appointments or family duties. By doing this you become less likely to be followed by potential criminals who are desperate to find a victim. Keep an eye out for vehicles that seem to keep showing up where ever you go. This is not an easy task, but if you make an effort to watch vehicles leave the parking lot the same time you do and follow the same route you are taking, chances are high they may be following up. To identify if this is the case, simply drive off your route by making a few extra turns and see if the vehicle follows, however, be careful not to drive yourself into an unpopulated area or dead end.
Secondly, non-lethal personal defense weapons are available all over the internet and through retail stores across the country. Defense spray is a very cheap alternative when compared to being confronted with a criminal who intends on harming you with a physical assault, or property crime. Make the investment into a personal defense weapon; it just might save your life someday. Your family and friends care about you and don't want to see you end up a victim.
Other products that seems to be the best all around non-lethal personal defense weapon available on the market is the Taser® C2 made by Taser® International. The Taser® C2 has been confirmed as having the same stopping power as a 9mm handgun except there is no log lasting effects from its use. The technology behind the Taser® C2 is really pretty simple. When a potential victim perceives a threat to their personal safety and well being, they can deploy the unit from a distance of up to 15 feet away. The Taser® is activated by opening a safety cover which emits a red laser aiming device. If you do not get verbal compliance, simply push the fire button and two barbs are deployed by a nitrogen capsule inside the cartridge unit. The barbs impact the aggressor and discharge a 30 second cycle of 50,000 volts completely incapacitating him/her for the duration of the 30 second cycle.
The Taser® C2 is designed to be left behind at the scene of the attack so the victim can seek help. The best part is the fact that it is backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, you simply report the incident to law enforcement and provide a copy of the police report to law enforcement and Taser® International will replace the unit FREE of charge. Taser® International feels your safety is more important that the cost of a replacement Taser® C2.
Now some of you may think that $349.99 is a lot of money for a personal defense weapon, however look at it this way, a visit to the emergency room will exceed $500.00 easily, not to mention the mental anguish is being victimized by a stranger. I consider this as a cheap personal protection device when you compare it to the injuries I have seen sustained by victims.

College Student Safety

As a parent of a new college student who was eager to leave the safety and comfort of our parental control, I gave a few suggestions for my daughter before she departed for her new experience. She made sure to tell me that I worry too much and she would be fine. Within about two week's time, the phone call started coming in from her about things that had happened to her which she had no control over. As a veteran police officer, I would like to give a few things for college students to think about while they pursue their dreams.
There is safety in numbers. Often times, college students become independent to the point that they feel secure walking across campus alone at various times of the day and night. This is a situation that could lead to the student becoming a victim of a crime. Perpetrators often study patterns which we all establish in our everyday lifestyles. We take the same path of travel to and from the groceries store along with to and from work or in this case class.
Break the habit. Get in a habit of taking various routes to and from scheduled events. This simple act can decrease the potential of becoming a victim of a crime and will soon become a life saving daily habit. Another common mistake college student make is drinking alcohol beyond their ability and metabolism. This leaves students vulnerable to being physically controlled and overpowered. There have been many reported rapes on college campuses across the county that female victims could not recall the events of the attack due to their level of intoxication.
Let's face it; part of the college experience is to experience the party scene. By implementing a few party safety tips, students can enjoy the experience without becoming victims. First, get into the habit of keeping drinking glasses in your possession. If you become separated from your glass for any reason, never drink from a cup after you have left it unattended. There is a significant chance of an unattended drinking glass being tampered with by perpetrators dumping drugs into it.
Don't allow people into your car you don't know well. Students fresh to the college scene are dependent upon establishing friendships to accommodate their need to become popular. Students with vehicle often become popular avenues of transportation for students without cars. Drivers are often put into situation where they are designated as the sober driver for a group of people they don't know. This can lead to the potential of rape or assault. This situation also leads to more DUI arrests due to the previous mentioned need to be accepted and popular. Drivers will drink to fit into the group and end up paying the price when they get pulled over for minor traffic violation associated with alcohol impairment. This decision can also lead to motor vehicle accidents causing injuries or death of occupants.
Purchase a personal defense product and keep it in your possession at all times. There are many products available which are legal to carry without a permit. Items such as defense spray, Taser's, and Stun Guns are inexpensive and well worth the investment into your personal safety. By following these few suggestions, you and your family can feel at ease knowing you have a safety plan in place while you experience the college life you have been waiting for all of your life. For more related self defense articles, please visit our website.