Before you flock to the malls on Black Friday (or on Thanksgiving Day itself, when some stores are open), take three minutes and 30 seconds to watch this powerful video. An ex-thief named David teamed up with the Denver Police Department to share first-hand knowledge of how criminals strike.
"Count to five, I'm already gone," David said, demonstrating how quickly someone can smash a car window and swipe whatever is inside. "That's how fast it happens."
In the video he gives an insider's look at what thieves are looking for and how you can protect yourself.
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
While the video is jarring there's a positive side to it.
"I've stolen purses, I've stolen guns, I've stolen computers, I've stolen Christmas bags.. I didn't care who I was hurting," David said. Having spent more than 20 years in and out of prison, David has turned his life around, joined a church and is working with the police department as a way of making amends.
"When I was locked up I was thinking, I have to find a different way of living. The only way I could think of doing something different was giving back to community. That's why I'm here today."
