Home Security Information


Avoiding Pickpockets


Every year, thousands of senior citizens fall prey to the quick and clever tactics of pickpockets and thieves. What may take thieves a moment to "lift" from your pockets (passports, credit cards, and airline tickets) may take weeks to replace. It is difficult to recognize these changeling thieves sometimes the well dressed businessman standing next to you who just dropped some coins, at other times the "friendly" group of young children with newspapers approaching you in a city subway. A thief may be hard to recognize, but their time tested tactics are not. When traveling or in your home area you can prevent the majority of common thefts by arming themselves with the knowledge of typical scams, following some basic travel safety tips.

THE TRIO: A typical three-person team of thieves includes the "stall" (who positions himself in front of you and draws your attention),the "dip" (who acts upon your moment of distraction to pick your pocket or purse), and a third person who receives your valuables and casually and quietly disappears into the crowd. Some rely upon your kindness by dropping something on the chance you'll help them pick it up, asking for directions, or even faking an accident that somehow seems to be your fault or beg for your involvement. Thieves put their faith in your good character to the extreme, as in the case of a tourist sitting on a Caribbean beach who went into the water to save a 'drowning swimmer' only to return to find his valuables stolen. Others "accidentally" bump into you and another "kind" person catches you from falling. In reality, you have just fallen into their trap. Pickpockets have been known to soil your clothes with toothpaste, ash, or ice cream. A second member of the team points out the spill to you, pointing skyward to the potential culprit and offers to help you clean up. This is the perfect set up for a theft, or even a mugging. In some third world countries, the "stall" approaches the traveler with arms outstretched, and a friendly smile on his face. While she embraces you, another thief strikes you on the back, creating enough distraction to lift your valuables.

CHILDREN AS THIEVES:Schooling for thieves starts very early. A traveler was seated on a crowded bus in Rome on her way to the Vatican. She glanced down at her lap to find a tiny little hand reaching into her now unzipped fanny pack. The child could not have been more than 6 years old. Groups of children have been known to gang up on unsuspecting travelers as well. One common scenario is the newspaper trick. A group of children approach the unsuspecting tourist and ask for money or try to sell you knick knacks as they jab at you with newspapers or cardboard. The papers effectively block your view of little hands fast at work, opening pockets, slashing belts, and cleaning out your travel funds. If you do catch on, usually the shock of being robbed by children delays your reaction a moment more, making for a successful robbery.

Familiarize yourself with the typical scams thieves use to rob travelers. By recognizing their time tested scenarios ahead of time, you will recognize situations to avoid, and keep your attention focused on your valuables, not on their intentional distractions.

Find out where the bad parts of the city or countryside are by reading up on the country before you get there, and ask the hotel staff for more specific information once you arrive. Tourist offices and other areas promoting travel to a specific region may be inclined to play down any negative aspects of the area. Rely on newspapers, magazines, and official agencies to give you more unbiased information.

Don't accept food or drinks from strangers. They may contain drugs that will knock you out, creating opportunity for a thorough robbery or worse.

Marvin Badler is an executive level experienced security and investigative expert with proven diversified experiences in: managed operations, anti-terror, applied automation and technical information systems, administrative, staff development, and supervisory skills. Career spans more then thirty-five years in both the private and government sectors, with increasing levels of professional responsibility to the highest level. The first American to be commissioned by the Israel Government as Security Consultant/Security Chief for El Al Israel Airlines throughout the USA. mb@implexsecurityproducts.com


MORE RESOURCES:

BBC News

TRENDnet home security cams' vulnerability exposed
Computer Business Review
A blog named Consolecowboys identified a security vulnerability in some of the TRENDnet home security cameras in the second week of January. This vulnerability allows web users to access them without the need for a password. It was discovered while the ...
Hacked Home Security Cams Link to Bedroom ScenesNewser
Trendnet security cam flaw exposes video feeds on netBBC News

all 6 news articles »


Tornado victims dogged by home-security company
Joplin Globe
Roger Stinnett was chagrined to find a home-security company recently resuming monthly automatic payment taps on his and his wife's bank account. Stinnett, a retired teacher and Episcopal priest, and his wife, Sherrie, lost their home of 17 years in ...
KCTV 5Joplin residents lost home, but not security billsKCTV Kansas City

all 9 news articles »


Home Security – Padlocks, alarm systems or CCTV
Brunei News, Brunei Headlines from Brunei fm
Today, everyone knows the importance of home security and therefore look beyond the standard door latch to secure their premises. Alarm system is the second line of defence which many people install for enhanced protection.



Home Security Tips for Scared Adults Home Alone
Houston Chronicle
Home Security Store has the solution. By the time one is an adult, he or she has likely long been capable of staying home alone. However, just because you have aged a little does not mean that you are any less scared than when you were 12 years old, ...

and more »


Elite Security Services Announce 10% Discount for Home Security Systems ...
PR Web (press release)
The customers of Elite Security Services will now receive a 10 % discount on ADT move certificate while purchasing their home security systems. The ADT move certificate is required by the house owners when they relocate to a new home.
Elite Security Services Announces Free Offer for Door and Window Sensor with ...DigitalJournal.com (press release)

all 3 news articles »


SafeMart Home Security Named Stevie Award Finalist for Best Customer Service
MarketWatch (press release)
In this nationwide competition, SafeMart Home Security will either win a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal for having one of the top three e-Commerce Customer Service teams in the nation. The Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service recognizes the ...

and more »


Comcast Takes Home Security To Mile-High City
Multichannel News
By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 2/1/2012 9:02:28 AM Looking to secure incremental revenue in a new product category, Comcast this week is launching the Xfinity Home service for home security and automation across its metro Denver service area as ...
Broadband-based Comcast enters home-security market long tied to land linesDenver Post
Comcast Expands Home Security Service Denver Latest to Get Comcast's New PlayDslreports
Comcast Helps Power the Digital Home with the Launch of “Xfinity Home” Service ...EON: Enhanced Online News (press release)

all 17 news articles »


Elite Security Service's Home Security Systems with Advanced Motion Detection ...
PR Web (press release)
The Canadian customers of Elite Security Services can now enjoy the benefits of the new motion detection device by installing their home security systems. This new device has gained immense popularity in the United States over the last few months.

and more »


police program aims to curb burglaries
Arizona Republic
4, 2012 07:27 AM That's why the Gilbert Police Department hopes more will take advantage of Lock'em Out (www.lockemout.net), a program it introduced in 2000 to help homeowners with home security. Part of the program offers a free home-security analysis ...

and more »


Showcasing home security
Dundalk Argus
... at the Ballymascanlon Hotel, is organised by Sgt. Vinnie Jackson, and will feature some of the area's top security firms as well as companies from further afield, who will show members of the public the latest technology in home security systems.


Google News

home | site map
© 2007