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July 2nd, 2009
Morning Visit to ATM Results in Murder
It was 9:00 AM in the morning when Lynne Thompson pulled up to an ATM machine to withdraw some money. The 51 year old mother was in the process of a divorce and had a lot on her mind as she used the ATM.
No one knows whether she saw her suspected killer, 37-year-old Kendrick Nesbitt approach her car. Authorities believe she struggled with the killer before being shot four times in the torso. After being mortally wounded she was dragged from the car, a white 2001 Honda Odyssey van.
Later witnesses spotted Nesbitt dumping the car and running off with the victim’s purse. The authorities believe the motive was robbery.
Once in custody, Nesbitt implicated himself in the murder and several other crimes. It turns out he has a history of violent crimes since 1989. In 2003 he was released after spending 23 years in prison.
Man Robbed and Killed at Convenience Store ATM
In the early hours of the morning Charles Rozier stopped at the parking lot of Brandon’s Quick Check convenience store to use the ATM machine. After receiving his money, two men approached his car and opened the door. They argued with Rozier then one of the men fatally shot him.
All of this was caught on video tape from the ATM machine.
Two suspects have been apprehended and are being tried for Mr. Rozier’s
senseless murder.
ATM Robbery Statistics
• Most robberies are committed by a lone offender–using some type of weapon–against a lone victim.
• Most occur at night, with the highest risk between midnight and 4 a.m.
• Most involve robbing people of cash after they have made a withdrawal.
• Robberies are somewhat more likely to occur at walk-up ATMs than at drive-through ATMs.
• About 15 percent of victims are injured.
• The average loss is between $100 and $200.
How can you Protect Yourself
- Avoid using ATMs during the hours of 10PM through 8:00 AM
- Only use ATMs that are visible from the street and in high traffic areas
- At night only use well lit ATMs in well populated areas.
- Don’t use an ATM that is located in a high crime area.
- Don’t go to the ATM alone. Bring an adult friend or relative with you.
- Observe the surrounding area. Any suspicious people or cars? Drive away!
- When using the ATM, frequently check your mirrors to make sure no one is coming up from behind.
- Keep your door locked and the window only rolled down enough to use the ATM.
- If confronted by a robber, give them the money. It’s not worth your life!
- If possible, visibly drop the money out of the window and drive off.
- If the robber gets into your car and tries to drive off with you in the car, this is the point where you are probably better off fighting for your life. Try to jump out of the car. Make the car crash. Get the attention of bystanders. Poke out the eyes of the bad guy. Chances are he’s taking you somewhere remote to rape or murder you. Don’t hold anything back!
Don’t be a victim
If it is legal in your area, have some powerful mace, a stun gun or both in the car.
If you are lucky enough to have a concealed carry permit, make sure your firearm is close and ready to use.
If you don’t have any of the above use your keys or a pen as a stabbing weapon. Go for the eyes, throat or groin of the attacker and make it a savage attack.
Once you have stunned the person, run like hell. Go into a populated building to get help. Use your cell phone to call 911.
Survive the Attack
The main purpose here is survival.
The best way to survive is to avoid the attack in the first place.
As I said before, don’t fight for the money. It’s better to survive and pick the bad guy out of a lineup than to die for money that can be replaced.
If your life is in danger you can’t worry about hurting your attacker. If fact you should worry about not hurting him enough.
If you have to stab him in the eye with a pen, shove it in as far as you can. You want him to focus attention on his injury so you can get away.
You may only have one chance to fight back. Go all out and damage your attacker as much as you can and in any way you can.
Conclusion
If you look at the statistics, ATM murders and robberies are a small percentage of overall crime. That doesn’t mean that it can’t happen to you.
Hopefully this article will prepare you to avoid an “ATM death trap” or at the very least help you fight your way out of it.
Stay Safe,
Tom Miller
CEO
Tamcodefense.com
Posted in Car Safety, Travel Safety, ATM Safety, Robbery Prevention, Pepper Sprays, Women's Self Defense, Stun Guns, Personal Safety | Click Here to View or Leave a Comment »
August 3rd, 2008
Okay, maybe YOU are ready but most people aren’t prepared.
Why do I say that? Well most people walk around in what I refer to as the “Bubble.” In most cases the “bubble” is a false sense of security.
You see many people don’t believe that crime can reach them. They believe they are immune to crime as “that kind of thing doesn’t happen hear.”
Sound familiar? Just watch national news and every time a major crime happens in a small town someone will make a similar statement.
More specifically they feel that “crime will not happen to me.” This is the natural state of mind for unprepared people. Since they haven’t been the victim of a criminal act in the past, it probably won’t happen in the present or future either.
It’s foggy in the “bubble” because of another major factor called “preoccupation.” This is where you are constantly thinking about your job, family, grocery list… etc.
You’re so preoccupied that you fail to notice the two youths that have been following you for the last two blocks. Or how about the seedy looking man who is lurking around the entrance to the building ahead with no apparent purpose.
Make no mistake about it, the “bubble” can get you killed!
Criminals are very aware of the “bubble” principle. They use it to their advantage by ambushing their victims.
This makes it easier for them to take control of the situation. And more importantly to most criminals, a preoccupied victim is less likely to put up a good fight.
What is the one self defense secret that will dramatically increase your chances of survival?
It’s called “being aware of your surroundings.”
Simple huh?
Think about it. When your doing routine tasks like getting the mail are you walking with your head down and focused on the mail box? Most people are.
Try this exercise. The next time you leave your house on an errand, take a panoramic look at your surroundings. Check near and far in every direction. You’ll be amazed at the details you’ve missed in the past.
More importantly if there is suspicious activity in the area it will stand out like a sore thumb. You’ll then have time to react. You might just turn around and go back in your house.
So break out of the preoccupation bubble and practice noticing things around you. Criminals rarely come at you from head on. They will try to take you from behind or from a blind side. Don’t give them that opportunity.
Do frequent “sweeps” with your eyes to the left and right and from time to time turn around and look behind you.
Use all of your senses to gain awareness. Listen for footsteps. Is someone coming down that alley to the right?
Are their odd smells coming from that doorway ahead. Pot heads and crack addicts are obviously something to avoid.
If you can learn to scan the area and identify a threat from a distance you have increased your odds exponentially.
Be Safe,
Tom Miller
Self Defense and Safety Superstore
Nanny Cams, Surveillance, Hidden Cameras
Posted in Travel Safety, Robbery Prevention, Women's Self Defense, Personal Safety, Self Defense | Click Here to View or Leave a Comment »
February 3rd, 2008
This comes under the heading of using what you have at hand to defend yourself and your children.
A lady I once worked with told me this story about her mother taking her and her siblings to a movie. Even though they did not have the current rating systems at the time, this movie would earn a G rating today. Mom and her children were all sitting together and having a good time watching the movie. They barely noticed when a man quietly sat down behind the mother.
After a while the mother started to hear strange sounds coming behind her. At first she thought it was just a rude person who did not know how to behave properly in the theater. But the noise continued and became louder and louder. More annoyed than anything else she turned around to confront the man to get him to shut up.
What she saw next became a family legend that survives to this day! The man was exposed and masturbating in his seat. This occurred in the 1940’s where this type of bizarre behavior was not even discussed in polite circles. The mom screamed ” O my god” and grabbed her umbrella. She proceeded to beat the mans exposed area mercilessly ignoring his howls of pain. After a terrific beating the man finally was able to get away and limp out of the theatre doubled over in pain.
In the later years the children would bring up the story to the mother and get a good laugh. The mother would always turn red and say “if you saw what he was doing you would have done the same thing.”
There is no record of this man committing a similar crime in that theater. And whether he was afraid to or unable to engage in that behavior again, it really doesn’t matter. A mother protecting her children was able to turn the tables on a pervert and meet out some justice.
Some in our society would make the pervert a victim. They would say that he is sick and can’t help himself. Their solution to the problem would be to send the man to therapy to deal with his issues.
My own view is that only a seriously mentally ill person truly doesn’t know right from wrong. In this case I believe that the man did know what he was doing was wrong but was unwilling to control his impulse.
He was bold enough to go to a non-adult movie and masturbate behind a mother and her children. If he was that bold what would he be willing to do in the future? Would he do the same thing to some children sitting alone in the theater? Would his next crime elevate to sexual assault? How many of the sexual predators on death row started out this way?
Hopefully this guy learned a lesson in proper behavior in the movie theater.
He certainly became a story that the family will talk about for a long time.
What do you think? Are the current methods of dealing with sexual assault crimes effective?
Post your comments.
Tom Miller
Stun Guns, Pepper Sprays, Personal Alarms, Home Protection
Hidden Cameras, Nanny Cams, Spy and Surveillance Equipment
Proven Effective Internet Business Opportunities
New Discovery on Getting Ripped Over 40
Posted in Child Safety, Sexual Assault, Women's Self Defense, Personal Safety, Self Defense, Uncategorized | Click Here to View or Leave a Comment »
January 24th, 2008
INDIANAPOLIS - A customer at a grocery store stopped an armed robbery by pulling his own gun and holding the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived, authorities said.
Charlie Merrell, 51, was standing in a checkout lane at Bucks IGA Supermarket on Indianapolis’ south side when a masked man jumped over a nearby counter and held a gun on a store employee, according to a police report made public Wednesday.
While the suspect demanded cash from workers, Merrell pulled his own handgun, pointed it at the robber and ordered him to put down his weapon, the report said. After a moment the suspect placed his gun and the cash on the counter, removed his mask and lay on the floor. Merrell held him at gunpoint Monday until police arrived and arrested the suspect.
Police said the suspect’s gun was not loaded. Merrell had a valid permit to carry his gun, which was loaded, police said.
The suspect, identified as Dwain Smith, 19, was being held Wednesday night in Marion County Jail on initial charges of robbery, criminal confinement, pointing a firearm, battery and carrying a handgun without a license.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080103/…med_customer_1
[Once again an armed law abiding citizen prevents a crime]
Posted in Crimes Against Business, Business Protection, Robbery Prevention, Self Defense | Click Here to View or Leave a Comment »
January 11th, 2008
* Despite these many concerns, some now argue that it is actually safer to buy online than buying over the phone or handing your credit card over to someone in a shop. This is because if the online payment is handled properly your banking details will be “encrypted”, which means they cannot be viewed by anyone other than those handling the transaction - usually the banks.
* If you’re still unsure, Card Watch, the UK banking group that works with the police and retailers to stop credit card fraud, offer the following “top ten tips” when buying online:
* Make sure your web-browser (that’s the software that you use to view websites, most commonly Internet Explorer or Netscape) is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring. These options are not always automatically activated when your computer is set-up, so check your manual or the “Help” option.
* Check you are using a recent version of your web-browser as they often include better security features - up-to-date versions can be downloaded free from the Microsoft or Netscape websites. If you have a different browser or use on-line services such as AOL or CompuServe, contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or software supplier to find out how to activate their security features.
* Before purchasing from a website, make a record of the retailer’s contact details, including a street address and landline phone number. If these details are not available on the website, consider going elsewhere to buy, do not rely on the e-mail address alone.
* Do not enter personal details unless the security icon is displayed (this is a small padlock that normally appears at the bottom of your browser when you begin your transaction over the Internet). You can click on the padlock to see if the retailer has an encryption certificate. This should explain the type and extent of security and encryption it uses. Only use companies that have an encryption certificate and use secure transaction technology. The address of the page where you enter personal details should also start https://.
* If you have any queries or concerns, telephone the company before giving them your card details to reassure yourself that it is legitimate.
* Print out your order and consider keeping copies of the retailer’s terms and conditions and returns policy. Be aware that there may well be additional charges such as postage and VAT. When buying from overseas always err on the side of caution and remember that it may be difficult to seek redress if problems arise.
* Check statements from your bank or card issuer carefully as soon as you receive them. Raise any discrepancies with the retailer concerned in the first instance. If you find any transaction on your statement that you are certain you did not make, contact your card issuer immediately.
* Ensure that you are fully aware of any payment commitments you are entering into, including whether you are instructing a single payment or a series of payments.
* Never disclose your card’s PIN number to anyone, including people claiming to be from your bank or the police, and never write it down or send it over the Internet.
* If you have any doubts about using your card, find another method of payment
Tom Miller
Stun Guns, Pepper Sprays, Personal Alarms, Home Protection
Hidden Cameras, Nanny Cams, Spy and Surveillance Equipment
Proven Effective Internet Business Opportunities
New Discovery on Getting Ripped Over 40
Posted in Safe Computing, Internet Safety, E-mail Safety, Fraud, Business Protection, Theft Prevention | Click Here to View or Leave a Comment »
January 11th, 2008
An empty house is a tempting target for a burglar. Use this checklist of tips to help safeguard your home while you’re away.
* Have good locks on all doors and windows and USE THEM!
* Ask a neighbor to watch the house while you’re away. It’s a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
* Never leave your house key hidden outside your home.
* Stop all deliveries, or arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers and packages.
* Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the home a lived-in look.
* Plug in timers to turn lights, a radio or television on and off at appropriate times. This helps to disguise the fact that you are away.
* Don’t announce your absence on answering machine messages.
* Leave your blinds, shades and curtains in a normal position. Don’t close them unless that is what you do when you are home.
* Close and lock garage doors and windows. Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.
* Tell your local police you plan to be away. Patrol officers may have the opportunity to periodically check your home.
* Engrave your valuables as recommended in Operation I.D. This simple step will allow your stolen property to be identified and returned to you if recovered by the police.
Traveling Safety
* If you are driving, make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in suitable condition for the journey.
* Try to have specific directions and routes to your destination.
* If you get lost, call the local police for directions or assistance.
* Always keep your vehicle doors and windows locked.
* At stop lights and other traffic delays, leave enough space in front of your vehicle so that you have an escape option in case of an emergency.
* Let someone know the route you intend to travel and your itinerary. This will help authorities in locating you if there is a need to do so.
* Plan your trip carefully and allow for factors such as weather, fatigue, facilities for lodging, food and fuel. Be sure you have sufficient finances, either cash, travelers checks or credit cards.
* Ask the hotel or motel staff about their security measures so you know what to expect.
* Use the hotel safe to store your valuables during your stay.
Tom Miller
Stun Guns, Pepper Sprays, Personal Alarms, Home Protection
Hidden Cameras, Nanny Cams, Spy and Surveillance Equipment
Proven Effective Internet Business Opportunities
New Discovery on Getting Ripped Over 40
Posted in Travel Safety, Hotel Safety, Theft Prevention, Robbery Prevention, Home Protection, Uncategorized | Click Here to View or Leave a Comment »
January 11th, 2008
It’s a scenario familiar to any business traveler. Your airline flight was delayed, the cab line at the airport was endless and check-in was a mess. Jet lag has struck. It’s very late, you’re tired and you have a breakfast meeting with a key client at 6:30 AM. You grab your key, avoid the bellman and head to your room to collapse into bed.
Stop. Take the next 5 minutes to perform these safety, security and cleanliness checks and prepare 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 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 sometimes someone else has been assigned to your room. This happens more frequently in suites with adjoining bedrooms that can be sold as separate rooms. Or there could be a thief. In any case, don’t close the door until you are sure the room is empty.
2. Check that the connecting doors, windows and sliding doors are locked. In general, avoid first floor rooms with sliding doors.
3. Once you lock the door and attach the safety chain, check the diagram on the back to review the nearest exits and mentally plan your escape route. Look out the door to check that the exit signs 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 your life in the event of a fire, earthquake or other emergency. Just do it. FYI, most fire engine ladders can only reach up to the 6th floor.
4. Be sure that the heat or air-conditioner, lights, phone, radio and television are working. Turn on the shower and sink to check the water pressure and temperature. If they aren’t working, switch rooms now. It’s not worth waiting for someone to fix the problem, especially late at night.
Tom Miller
Stun Guns, Pepper Sprays, Personal Alarms, Home Protection
Hidden Cameras, Nanny Cams, Spy and Surveillance Equipment
Proven Effective Internet Business Opportunities
New Discovery on Getting Ripped Over 40
Posted in Hotel Safety, Travel Safety, Theft Prevention, Personal Alarms, Robbery Prevention | Click Here to View or Leave a Comment »
January 11th, 2008
* Make sure your home looks like someone is living in it. Don’t close your curtains - in daytime this shows the house is empty. Think about getting automatic time-switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark.
* Fit mortise locks or bolts to all outside doors, and locks to all downstairs or easily accessible windows.
* Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries.
* Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind.
* Get a friend or neighbor to look after your home. They can collect your mail, mow your lawn and so on. This gives the impression that someone is living in your home. If you leave keys with a neighbor, don’t label them with your address.
* Don’t leave valuables, like your TV, hi-fi or video, where people can see them through windows.
* Mark any valuable items with your postcode and house number using an ‘invisible’ pen that you can get from DIY shops. If your property is stolen, this will help the police to identify it if it is found, which might not only allow them to return it to you but could also provide them with better evidence to convict the people responsible.
* Make sure that you have up-to-date contents insurance.
* Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are traveling to your holiday destination.
* Lock the garage and shed with proper security locks, after putting all your tools safely away so they cannot be used to break into your house. If you have to leave a ladder out, put it on its side and lock it to a secure fixture with a ‘close shackle’ padlock or heavy-duty chain.
* Finally, lock all outside doors and windows. If you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set and that you have told the police who has the key.
* And just before you set off, its worth spending a couple of minutes checking that you’ve done all you had to do and taken everything that you need with you.
Help from your neighbors
* It’s also a good idea to get help from your neighbors. It asks them to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
* You could also ask them to collect post left in the letter box, sweep up leaves, even mow the lawn and generally make the place look lived in.
* You can repay the favor by doing the same for them. Warn the neighbor who has your key not to put your surname, address or even your house number on your keys in case they fall into the wrong hands.
* Is there a Neighborhood Watch scheme where you live? Your local police will tell you if there is a scheme in your area or help you set up one of your own. It could help you keep your home secure while you’re away, and has many other crime prevention and community benefits.
Tom Miller
Stun Guns, Pepper Sprays, Personal Alarms, Home Protection
Hidden Cameras, Nanny Cams, Spy and Surveillance Equipment
Proven Effective Internet Business Opportunities
New Discovery on Getting Ripped Over 40
Posted in Neighborhood Watch, Theft Prevention, Robbery Prevention, Home Protection, Personal Safety | Click Here to View or Leave a Comment »
January 11th, 2008
Working parents- and that’s the majority of American families today- share the anxiety, frustration, and even fear involved in leaving children “on their own” when school lets out, child care arrangements with neighbors and relatives break down, or there simply are not any alternatives.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
* Make sure your children are ready to care for themselves.
* Teach them basic safety rules.
* Know where your kids are, what they are doing, and who they are with.
ARE THEY READY? CAN YOUR CHILDREN-
1. Be trusted to go straight home after school?
2. Easily use the telephone, locks, and kitchen appliances?
3. Follow rules and instructions well?
4. Handle unexpected situations without panicking?
5. Stay home alone without being afraid?
Talk it over with them, and listen to their worries and ideas. Work out rules on having friends over, household chores, homework, and television. Remember, staying at home alone can build a child’s self esteem, sense of responsibility, and practical skills.
TEACH YOUR “HOME ALONE” CHILDREN
1. How to call 9-1-1 or your area’s emergency number, or call the operator?
2. How to give directions to your house in case of an emergency?
3. To check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home.
4. To never accept gifts or rides from people they don’t know well. (And you approve of)
5. How to use the door, windows, locks and the alarm system if you have one?
6. To never let anyone into the home without asking your permission.
7. To never let a caller at the door or on the phone know they are alone.
8. To carry a house key with them in a safe place (inside a shirt pocket or sock)-do not leave it under a mat or on a ledge.
9. How to escape in case of fire?
10. To not go into the house or apartment if things do not look right- a broken window, ripped screen, or opened door.
11. To let you know about anything that frightens them or makes them feel uncomfortable.
Tom Miller
Stun Guns, Pepper Sprays, Personal Alarms, Home Protection
Hidden Cameras, Nanny Cams, Spy and Surveillance Equipment
Proven Effective Internet Business Opportunities
New Discovery on Getting Ripped Over 40
Posted in Theft Prevention, Robbery Prevention, Home Protection, Child Safety, Personal Safety | Click Here to View or Leave a Comment »
January 11th, 2008
* Even though you are rushing and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you. If possible, park your car in an area of high pedestrian activity. Avoid remote areas.
* Lock your car and close the windows, even if you are only gone for a few minutes.
* Loose change is a meal for a street person; they will break you window for small change.
* Your cell phone can be sold and reprogrammed and is a sought item of theft.
* A laptop computer will keep a drug user in a high state, at your expense
* Lock your packages out-of-sight in the trunk. Place your valuables in the trunk before you get to your destination, not after, the thief may be watching.
* Be sure and lock your car, many opportunists simply look for unlocked cars.
* If waiting for a ride from a friend or public transportation, do so in busy, well-lit places.
* Consider security film for automobile’s windows.
* Always report a theft to the police.
* Teach your children to go to the store clerk and ask for help if you become separated while shopping. They should never go to the parking lot or the car alone.
* Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible; and if the credit card receipt has carbons, ask for these too. Notify issuers immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen, or misused.
* Be extra careful with purees and wallets. They may become targets for crime in crowded shopping areas, at bus stops, and on public transportation.
* Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
* At home, be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes. Leave lights and a radio or television on so the house looks occupied. Do not put large displays of holiday gifts in view of your windows or doors.
* If you go away for the holidays, try to keep your home appearing “lived in”: Get an automatic timer for your lights. Have a neighbor watch your home and pick-up your newspapers and mail.
* If you use lights on your tree, make sure that they are in good working order.
* Immediately mark your new gifts with your driver’s license number, and note all serial numbers, keeping records in a safe place.
* Remember to be a good friend and neighbor this holiday season: Share these tips with others in your family and neighborhood. Also, why not get your neighborhood together and go caroling. Do not forget the elderly and other people who might be especially lonely during the holidays. Soon, you may wish to form a neighborhood watch group. People helping people, that’s what it is all about!
* And lastly, when hosting a party, find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests; and when going out drinking, please remember: Don’t Drink and Drive.
Tom Miller
Stun Guns, Pepper Sprays, Personal Alarms, Home Protection
Hidden Cameras, Nanny Cams, Spy and Surveillance Equipment
Proven Effective Internet Business Opportunities
New Discovery on Getting Ripped Over 40
Posted in Auto Theft, Theft Prevention, Robbery Prevention, Home Protection, Child Safety, Personal Safety | Click Here to View or Leave a Comment »
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