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December 18, 2011 -- "Tis The Season"
Good evening Folks. Welcome to the start of colder weather, little rain and the celebration of Christmas, Hanukah and the New Year! Unfortunately, the season also includes increased crimes against persons and property. I also expect less civility (especially when I go into the malls with Jane), crazed drivers on the road and in parking lots (maybe it's just me that is crazed!) and anti-social behavior in the stores (that's probably me too!). I am including some information about crime prevention and how to avoid becoming a statistic. I am also going to pass on some disturbing information about a growing problem with our returning vets and references that may be able to help them after they return home.
We are still teaching private and semi-private CWP classes at Bill Jackson's and very pleased to still be in business largely due to the support of Doug and Darry Jackson of 'Bill Jackson Outdoor Shop For Adventure' for the last two years. We are extremely confident that Doug and Darry and their outstanding staff can meet your gift requirements for the outdoor enthusiasts on your list whether it be hunting, firearms, shooting classes, camping, fishing, skiing, metal detecting, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, paddle boarding, security safes and lock boxes, archery, triathalons or diverse tours and activities! Bill Jackson's also sells Jon Gutmacher's 'Florida Firearms - Law, Use & Ownership' and has a large selection of Coronado Leather fine leather concealed carry products for men and women. Of course Jane and I offer personalized gift certificates for private and semi-private CWP classes, draw from the holster classes, private tutoring and junior shooter classes. We also still demo and install Joe Pine's Challenger 9.0 'plug and play' high tech alarm system and do estimates for Madico glass protection products offered by Tony Davis of Glass Protection Services. Of course there is still time for a gift certificate before December 25 -- anything to keep you out of the stores! Please give us a call for either information or to order a gift certificate for someone who deserves the best!
Jane and I hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year! Norm & Jane
H 727-535-9151 C 727-515-1317
Crimes Against Property
A few days ago I received an e-mail from my buddy and web master Todd that his home was hit by burglars and their Christmas celebration ruined. Entry was made by throwing a brick through their son's window. They took almost all the Christmas presents, a 55" LED TV, a 37" LCD TV, two laptops, an XBox 360, a Wii, a Play Station 3, lots of games and other personal property items. The police responded and prepared a report but they basically said they were sorry for the loss. Todd provided the serial numbers for the big TV and a laptop but there is apparently little hope for recovery and/or apprehension of the criminals. My research in Clearwater revealed that 52.86% of 350 residential burglaries occurred between 8 AM and 4 PM, unforced entry was made in 48.29% cases, 38.12% of forced entries were made by breaking glass, residents were either home or returned home in 27.71% of the 350 burglaries, 29 involved weapons, 10 reported sexual attacks of some nature and 21(probably about 50%!) were committed by a previous visitor, worker or guest. However, it was also noted that 3 of the 350 burlaries were aborted after forced entry was either made or attempted when the home's intrusion alarm was activated. Here are my rules to prevent residential burglaries: MAJOR NORM BELSON, LLC “HOW TO PREVENT A HOME BURGLARY” December 18, 2011
· Invest in solid doors and good quality locks on doors and windows. This includes all sliding glass doors as well. Make it not only difficult but also time consuming for a burglar to gain entry. Be careful of single throw dead bolts near any glass doors and/or sidelights. Burglars do not want to make noise so force them to use force to gain entry!
· Invest in a military tested and good quality self monitored security system (Challenger 9.0 recommended – portable, complete perimeter, quick & simple install, plug and play install,no wires & no contacts), a perimeter camera system with DVR and IR capability and motion sensor lights installed out of reach. Keep your alarm on at all times – chime mode will give you advance notice!
· Have Madico glass protection applied to all your windows to provide superb protection against burglars, dynamic entries (38% of forced residential burglaries though glass), hurricanes, sudden windstorms, flying debris, UV fading of furnishings, energy conservation (reduce air conditioning costs), improve privacy and enhance optics.
· Keep all doors and windows locked at all times (52% of residential burglaries via open doors, windows, garages & sliders). Whenever you go outside, lock the door and take the key with you even if you are just stepping next door or out mowing the back yard. Be sure to keep vehicles not parked in your garage locked at all times.
· Don’t put valuables where they can be seen from the outside, especially items that can be easily carried (cameras, laptops, purses, etc.) This applies to automobiles and your home.
· Be sure your garage door can be secured. Do not leave it open when you are either away or at home -- an empty garage broadcasts your absence.
· When you aren’t home, use a timer set to turn interior lights on and off at varying intervals as though your home was still occupied. Make arrangements to have your mail, packages and newspapers picked up by a neighbor. Think twice about canceling papers and mail – gives notice that you will be away for an extended period of time.
· Don’t leave large amounts of cash, firearms or jewelry around the house. Such items must be secured in a safe bolted to the floor or wall.
· If someone comes to your door asking to use the telephone, make the call yourself. Don’t invite them in! EVER!
· Don’t hide a spare key under the doormat or under a flowerpot. Thieves know all the good hiding places. Consider planting thorny bushes under all windows. Trim trees and shrubs near doors and windows to eliminate hiding places for would-be thieves.
· Don’t leave ladders outside. Keep any tools that could be used to either break into your home or as weapons safely locked away in a garage or shed.
· Get a barking dog or “beware of dog” signs. If you own a dog and go out of town, have someone come in and care for your dog in your home.
· Always double check doors at night and lock all windows. Invest in a door security bar!
· Engrave all valuables such as stereos, microwaves, video cameras, etc. with your driver’s license number. Videotape the contents of your home. Keep the video and the list of all valuables in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box or fire resistant lockbox.
· ALWAYS TREAT YOUR HOME AS A VALUED CRIMINAL OBJECTIVE! Remember that it is always easier to keep them out than it is to throw them out! Infantry rules apply -- protect from the outside in and defend from the inside out!
Stay Safe! Norm & Jane Belson Home - 727-535-9151 Cell 727-515-1317 www.staysafestreets.com
My review of 418 vehicle burglaries revealed the following information:
1.Vehicle burglaries were more evenly distributed with 29.90% between Midnight and 8:01 AM, 41.75% between 8:01 AM and 4 PM and 28.35% between 4:01 PM and Midnight (try to park in lighted ares during low/no light times)
2. 16 weapons were stolen (remove decals such as Protected by S&W)
3. 45.22% of the vehicles were unlocked (lock all vehicles even if only unattended for a very brief period)
4. 24.40% reported property was openly displayed (conceal property and/or lock in trunk)
5. Keys were left in five vehicles (1.20%) had keys ( don't leave any keys in the dadgum vehicle!)
6. Five burglaries (1.20%) were aborted due to car alarms (activate)
Crimes Against Persons
1. Maintain situational and environmental awareness
2. Be very careful when in transition (house/business to car; store/restaurant to car, etc)
3. Avoid ATM's particularly during low/no light conditions or try to use indoor lighted ATM's if necessary
4. Do not count your cash/check your receipt when complete transaction
5. Be prepared to get in your car and immediately lock your doors before starting engine
6. Park as close as possible to the store/business
7. Ask for an escort or walk with a group
8. Do not display cash/wealth in public
9. Be alert for persons loitering in parking lots or following you
10. Don't forget the Duck Theory -- If it looks, walks and quacks like a duck, it is probably a duck!
St. Petersburg Times -- "Military suicide hearing personal" 9/10/11
The United States Military reported 432 (300 Army, 37 Marines, 39 Sailors and 56 Air Force) suicides in 2010! This is a staggering number of needless deaths of our military men and women for a decade much less one year. I also read a trade paper article that stated perhaps as many as 1 in 6 female military members reported sexual harassment or abuse and approximately 40% of combat veterans will deal with PTSD at some point in their lives. In 20 years of active duty, to include the Viet Nam war years, I can personally recall only two or three active duty suicides. Perhaps it is a combination of too many combat tours coupled with leadership issues and domestic issues with fear of having to return to the war zone. For instance, I just read that a US Navy Seal was KIA during his 14th deployment! From my personal experience, the war does not really end when the soldier leaves the war zone. If a veteran, either friend, family member or the servicemember is in an emotional crisis of any nature, please urge that a call be made immediately to the Department of Veteran's Affairs Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. If assistance in regard to problem solving, coping with stress, financial management, family issues, marital communications, dealing with family separations, parent/child communications, combat stress, deployment and reunion, crisis situations and/or grief and loss, Military OneSource Counseling @ 1-800-342-9647 (800-3429-6477 Overseas) or www.MilitaryOneSource.com is strongly recommended. There is a myth that an admission of needing assistance is a sign of weakness -- that is a load of crap and pure macho BS! Please feel free to give me a call if this old RVN Grunt can assist keeping in mind that I am just a fellow traveler and not a trained professional!
"A GOVERNMENT BIG ENOUGH TO GIVE YOU EVERYTHING IS BIG ENOUGH TO TAKE
EVERYTHING AWAY"
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Copyright@ Major Norm Belson, LLC 2011/2012 |
