Safety For The New Year

Many of us jump at the opportunity to get out shopping for those end of Christmas deals at the mall.  Well, this is common knowledge to the criminal predators as well.  As a veteran police officer in a large metropolitan area, we have seen statistics rise about 20% after the holidays.  Criminals interested in purse snatching, vehicle break ins for the merchandise left in plain view on the seat, or shoppers just not paying attention to their grocery cart where they have their valuables unsecured as ready for the taking.

As you are out shopping in a department store, take a minute to sit back and watch people as they shop then ask yourself if you shop the same way that do.  Most shoppers leave their cart unattended with their purse sitting in the basket unsecured.  I have observed on several occasions people who simply walk away from their cart for several minutes oblivious to the fact that in doing so they are setting themselves up to be victimized.

Another point to keep in mind is shopping at night in crowded shopping malls with large parking lots.  Parking in unlit areas of a dark parking lot is asking for trouble.  Large shopping malls concentrate the ambient lighting towards the front of the store and that are not necessarily concerned with sections of the parking lot towards the back.  It is important to identify this situation and try to park your vehicle towards the front of the store where there is more ambient lighting available.  Criminals have been known to lurk in the shadows waiting for potential victims to prey on.  Others break into vehicles and lye waiting for the victim to enter the car where they are overpowered and forced to drive to secluded areas where they are beaten and or raped.

By following some simple rules, you can protect yourself and reduce the chances of becoming prey of the criminals out looking for potential targets.

First, secure your purse or handbag to the shopping cart with the carry strap and zip up all of the compartments when you are shopping.  This simple task will reduce the chance of someone taking your purse from the shopping cart or reaching into it and stealing your pocket book when you are not looking.  Of course the best alternative is to wear your purse on your person with the carry strap across your body from one shoulder down to the other hip.

Secondly regarding parking in dim lighted parking lots.  Take your time once you get to the mall and drive around if their are no parking spaces available towards the front of the mall.   This will give you the opportunity to scan the area looking for people lurking around the parking lot who appear not to fit in.  Look at the clothing they are wearing and ask yourself if the long black trench coat is a common piece of clothing worn on a hot summer day.  Chances are this is a criminal looking for a victim.
Once you park your car, make sure the car is secured before walking away from it and set the audible alarm as well.  As you walk to the front doors of the mall, be aware of what is going on around you as you do so.  Most victims confronted by assailants in a parking lot setting saw the criminal approach from a distance and had a chance to escape but the did not recognize the threat.  Pay attention to those little hairs on the back of your neck, they are out own built in alarm system and they are rarely wrong when they stand up and say "watch out here comes trouble".

Another option I highly recommend is to purchase a personal defense weapon of some sort.  Having something in you possession readily available just may save your live.  Non-lethal personal defense weapons come in many styles, shapes and sizes.  Tasers are the most effective personal defense weapon available on the market today and are backed by a lifetime replacement policy.  In the event you eve have to use a taser to protect yourself or a loved one, the unit will be replaced frr of charge simply by filing a police report regarding the incident where it was used.

Article issued by veteran police officer and founder of StunTech Public Safety Products Joe Davidson.  He is also an accomplished martial artist in Tae Know Do, Brizillian Jiu-Jutsu, Hapkido, and Kraz Maga.

Stay safe and remember that the things we possess are material items that can always be replaced, becoming injured fighting for  and object is where most make the mistake.  Don't be a hero unless the threat is to your personal safety, then fight like a mad person and leave the rest to God.

Hiking Safety

Backpacking and hiking is quickly becoming a popular trend across America. It is both challenging and adventurous. And it appeals to young and old, male and female. It is something virtually anyone can take part in, and there are countless options on how and where to start. Backpacking is a great way to get into shape and have fun at the same time. Whether you are going for a week or for a night, you will have a more relaxed and enjoy your camping vacation if you are well organized and prepared.
If you're a seasoned camper you are probably well aware of the equipment required for your trip, however, few hikers think of self defense as a concern. Kidnapping, abductions, rapes, and violent assaults are common in nationwide media coverage and remind us of the credible threat and need for self defense products in the backcountry.

As you are packing, check your camping equipment and make sure that everything is in good order and you have included some personal defense products such as a defense spray, taser, or a stun gun.

Defense spray also referred to as OC or pepper spray is a very effective inflammatory agent that can easily irritate the eyes and result in pain, temporary blindness, and tears of any potential threat you may encounter either human or animal. Pepper spray is an organic based agent that comes from cayenne peppers. The spray will normally come in canister form, which his often times small enough to be carried in your pocket while hiking to your campsite.

Taser International recently released the latest personal defense device for the general public, the Taser C2. The Taser C2 was specifically designed for the general public to truly feel safe in today’s troubled times. TASER products are giving people the power they need to take control and protect themselves. The TASER C2 utilizes the same technology used in TASER International’s law enforcement models to effectively stun an assailant up to fifteen feet away.

For all outdoor enthusiasts, safety should be the first consideration and it must be in front of the mind at all times. There can be several hazards in backpacking and a person who does not think about being safe could fall prey. Territorial wildlife is a commonly encountered threat when in the wilderness. Having the ability to think clearly, remain calm, and having a personal defense weapon readily available will decrease the chances of becoming a victim of an attack.

Another consideration in personal safety while in the backcountry is being aware of other people. Popular hiking trails and wilderness areas have been grounds for violent attacks and kidnappings in the past.

As an example in 1974, hikers discovered a grave yard of bones in a Washington forest, later identified as belonging to missing women from both Washington and Utah. Investigators from both states communicated together and came up with a profile and composite sketch of the man named "Ted" who approached women for help, sometimes appearing helpless with a cast on his arm or crutches. This man was later identified as the notorious Ted Bundy.

People backpack for different reasons. Some do it for the great exercise, some because of the adventure and love of nature. Others backpack as a way to learn and explore the outdoors. Whatever the reason, there are large and expanding numbers of backpackers. They explore and they love the wilderness, and have the common goal of a safe backpacking experience which can provide memories that last a lifetime.

For more information on personal defense and related articles, visit our website or email us.