View from the cop

By Suzanne

February 15, 2005 09:41 AM | Link to this

I, as many others, frequent a coffee emporium for a morning pick-me-up. The unit closest to my work contains a lounge area in the front, filled with a substantial array of guys who are “planning their day”/ male bonding/ hanging out/ whatever. The management of this particular franchise has instructed the coffee service staff to request the first name of every ordering customer (inside only) so that it may be sung out as the order is completed, i.e. “Tall non-whip decaf for Shirley”. This is supposed to convey an atmosphere of convivial familiarity to the customer. But I don’t buy it. I have told the staff that by identifying their female customers by name to all within earshot, they are putting them at risk of a dangerous pick-up artist or stalker. Any one of the anonymous lugs in the front of the store could follow a woman out to her car, call her by name and thereby engage her confidence, or at the very least cause her to slow down, turn around, and possibly open herself to attack. My advice, ladies, is to be discreet with your personal identification. Just as parents are told not to send their kids out into the world in a shirt or cap with their name on it, don’t leave yourself vulnerable by “outing” your name to strangers.

By Michael

February 15, 2005 02:12 PM | Link to this

Carry with you a small airhorn like those used at sporting events. They are about the size of a can of mace and draw more attention should you need someone to notice whats going on. Plus it is an effective device for bursting an eardrum of an attacker. PAYBACK SUCKS!

By Mike

February 16, 2005 01:45 PM | Link to this

Hide stuff.

Just before Christmas, a gazillion cars get broken into because someone in a rush left shopping bags full of expensive gifts all over the back seat, instead of in the trunk.

Every spring, thieves begin their annual spring clean-out because a lazy homeowner left the riding lawn mower on the front lawn.

If you only have a carport to keep stuff in, buy chains and locks.

By Terri

February 19, 2005 09:04 AM | Link to this

One lesson I learned the hard way was to always keep the window shades or blinds closed.
When I moved to the country, I wanted to open up the house to as much sunlight and outdoors as possible by keeping the window treatments wide open. I forgot to close them one morning when I went to work. When I returned I found the front door standing open. Apparently the thieves could see the TV, DVD etc. from the windows, and could also tell that no one was home.

By Melissa

February 21, 2005 06:34 AM | Link to this

When typing in your PIN at an ATM or inside a store, always cover the keypad with your other hand even if no one is around and the clerk is looking the other way. Criminals may have a camera aimed at the keypad or be looking with binoculars, ready to steal your PIN. This is one of those extra steps which really doesn’t require any effort but could save you lots of headaches.

By Ken Kraus

February 21, 2005 02:26 PM | Link to this

 IMMEDIATELY!!!

Immediately after you purchase ANY ITEM that has a MAKE, MODEL, DESCRIPTION and SERIAL NUMBER, please record it on a computer disc, also in a note book, and take a picture of it. In case of a disaster, flood, fire or theft~burglary, a computer print-out or photo copy of THAT SPECIFIC ITEM can be given to police and insurance companies. Use an engraving~etching tool to create a serial number if you must—just mark it as yours. We have thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, computers, and electronics in our recovered property room…and no one to return it to…..except the “perps” when they get out of jail. The irony of this is in fact that every few years or so we hold a police auction and the “perps & the victims” often rebuy these items………”document your property.”

By cathy

February 23, 2005 09:22 PM | Link to this

I am a female who travels a great deal. This is elementary but bears repeating. When traveling don’t be so friendly and don’t ever put any personal information in your luggage. Not even your business card. They can use that to find out from your assistant where you live and when you will be back. Carry a change of clothing on carry-on and let your luggage takes its chances. If it can be replaced with money, it is not that important.

By cathy

February 23, 2005 09:26 PM | Link to this

my “coffee” name is Candy. I am one paranoid female. (son is cop, brother is cop, other brother, YEAH, what do you expect

By Rick

February 27, 2005 01:43 AM | Link to this

Having been both a concierge and hotel manager for the past several years, I have been asked numerous times by our guests if it is safe to walk to a restaurant, shop or area near the hotel. Here are some tips that you may want to consider when traveling, regardless of the city: If you are visiting for a convention or other occasion and have a name badge, leave it in your room or at the Front Desk. Your chances of being spotted as a visitor are reduced significantly. Try not to venture out by yourself. You’re safer with a friend or a group that you are by yourself. Get specific instructions on how to reach your destination. Write these down and pay attention to your surroundings. Use the night latch on your hotel room door and always ask for identification from a hotel employee before opening your door, even if you are expecting a delivery of any kind. If you suspect that you are being scrutinized by anyone who is a stranger in your hotel, ask Security to check the hall area around your room and if necessary, request a room change, regardless of the time of day. Emergency escape routes are posted on the back of your room door. Read this and know your options. Never, ever, ever mention your room number when standing at the front desk with a group of strangers. If you want someone to know this information, show that person your key packet or write it down for that person.
Use the in-room safe if provided or ask to use a private lockbox for your jewelry, passport, credit cards and large amounts of cash. It’s worth the few extra minutes to avoid theft. Always ask for a Security escort if you have parked on hotel property offering self-parking, especially at night.
Remove everything from the interior of your car and put it in the trunk or glove box.
Enjoy your stay!

By Dennis Gray

March 1, 2005 01:53 PM | Link to this

Know where you are Many legitimate 911 calls originate from cell phones. People who are out and about may witness an accident, a crime in progress, or some other situation requiring official intervention. However, many of these people don’t know where they are when they call. They tell the 911 operator things like “Send the police quick! Someone is breaking into the house on the corner!” The operator asks “what is the address of the house?” “I don’t know, but it’s right down the block from my sisters house.” “Where does your sister live?” “In Decatur!” (you get the idea) When you leave home, know basically where you are going,and how you are going to get there. When you arrive,confirm where you are. When you leave, know how you will get home. If an emergency comes up, you may be able to save the day, or even a life, just by being able to tell a 911 operator what is going on and where.