6 Responses (Add) |
Monday, October 13th, 2008
at 5:36am
Cliff’s dad has been a Law Enforcement officer for more than 25 years. He has often taught Cliff how to protect himself from theft, so he wrote in to share his best tips with us. As we enter the Fall season, it becomes apparent that the Holidays are not far off. While they are a fun and heartwarming time for most, it is also the season with the highest robbery rates. As stores become cluttered with Christmas shoppers, and mall parking lots fill up with people eager to get the hottest items, thieves see a great opportunity. The holidays tend to make people more lighthearted and, unfortunately, more complacent with their security measures. Try try and help all of our community members keep themselves - and their belongings - safe, here are Cliff’s tips.
The car - Though most people know the standard car security tips such as to lock your doors and park in well lit areas, there are several mistakes that most everyone still makes. First, never leave anything with any imaginable value within eyesight in your car. This includes any gadgets such as iPods, cell phones, or GPS units. Also, be sure to remove goods such as cigarettes and CDs. Though they may seem somewhat useless to a criminal, addicts or people desperate for money will find any object to sell and will go through nearly any means to get said objects.
Purses, Wallets, etc. - Pick-pocketing, though it seems like something that could never happen, is actually quite an issue. I have been a magician studying the art of sleight-of-hand for over two years now, and can assure you that there are millions of people across the globe with the ability to steal from you right under your nose. Thankfully, there is one fool-proof way to prevent this, at least for us guys who carry wallets. Never, EVER place your wallet in your back pocket. Though this seems a standard place for most guys to carry it, it is a pick-pocket target. Nearly every method used for pick-pocket theft applies to the back pocket. However, by carrying your wallet in your front pocket it makes it nearly impossible for a thief to lift it, especially without your knowledge. Possibly the biggest target in this type of theft are women with purses. Though I highly advise woman to just carry a wallet when shopping, especially during the holidays when stores are crammed, I know some women will not even consider not carrying a purse. Very well, carry it, but at least know how to carry it. Never, ever simply sling your purse over your shoulder. This makes it very easy for a criminal to snatch and run off. Instead, put the purse over your shoulder and then tuck it under your arm, sort of locking it into place. Not only does this make it harder for a thief to grab it, but also lets the prospective purse-grabber know that you are a strong woman, simply by the way you are carrying yourself. Also, be sure to always have your purse zipped up at all times. Several times I have stood next to my mom, removed her cell phone without her knowledge, and then handed it to her in an attempt to get her to make herself more secure. While she has not taken my advice, I surely hope you do.
Trust no one - While the holidays seem like a time of love and joy, there are many people who use them for their own advantage. Therefore, it is important to be very alert and aware of other people. Here are just a few example situations to avoid:
- Never give your camera to someone so they can take a photo of you unless it is someone you know and trust. This is for fairly obvious reasons.
- Never give out your personal info to any salesperson… ever. When you make a purchase somewhere, you are not obligated to give your address, though they may ask for it. While it seems like standard procedure, you never know who the salesperson really is or why they actually want your address. Think about it, they see you buying an expensive item in their store, and then they have the address for where this item is going. They also know that the holidays are busy and people are frequently away from home. Bam, you’ve made yourself a target.
- Avoid door-to-door salesmen, especially if you are home by yourself. Once again, you have no idea who these people really are, but you are opening the door to your home, sometimes inviting them straight in. Even if they don’t try to do anything at the time, they now know a general layout of your house and have seen some of the items inside, ready to be stolen. They might also ask when a good time to “come back” is, leaving you open to say when you will not be home. Once again a seemingly benign situation has made you a target.
GoDaddy Web hosting plans are now more powerful than ever. Best of all, their plans start at just $3.95/month! No matter what plan you choose, your site receives 24/7 maintenance and protection in a world-class data center. Plus, as a listener of The Chris Pirillo Show, enter code CHRIS2 when you check out, and save an additional $5 off any order of $30 or more. Get your piece of the internet at GoDaddy!
6 Comments
amazenyou
October 13th, 2008
at 7:09am
Thanks for sharing, Chris!
And for making my somewhat ramble into a great list, haha.
C
Discussion Forum - Geeks!
October 13th, 2008
at 5:16pm
[...] How Can You Protect Yourself Against Theft? [...]
Reflections by J. Schenone
October 14th, 2008
at 4:21am
Chris Pirillo How Many Emails Do You Get Every Day?How Can You Protect Yourself Against Theft?Is the MMORPG Popularity Getting out of Hand? Kodak Zi6: Best Portable HD Video Recorder? Got Any Good Geeky Relationship Advice?
M Hopkins
October 14th, 2008
at 7:28am
Great tips, many of which can also be adapted to those traveling for the Holiday season. As someone who flies home every year I’ve seen how important it is to constantly keep track of what you’re carrying.
People should also be cautious when it comes to hanging possessions on the door hooks in bathroom stalls. It only takes a moment for someone to reach over and rip you off literally catching you with your pants down.
Cliffystones
October 14th, 2008
at 8:02am
“Trust No One” My motto exactly!
Something else I see all the time. When you visit an ATM, have your paperwork, deposit envelope, etc. filled out. Have your card in hand. Be ready to complete the transaction quickly and get-the-hell out of there!
I have seen numerous people approach the ATM, grab an envelope, and then proceed to sign the checks, envelope and all while standing right by the ATM. Totally oblivious and sitting ducks for robbers.
Cliffystones
October 14th, 2008
at 8:04am
nnn