Crime Wave Magazine

Due to societal perceptions of women as fragile and vulnerable, they are more at risk for being the victim of assault and other crimes.  However, most criminals are unprepared when women fight back.  Alternatively, it takes only a little practice and training to become talented at self-defense.

Defeating your opponent begins before actual contact is made.  If you become aware that you are being followed, let the person know you see them and firmly tell them to leave.  A brave attitude can be more effective than you would think.  If instead you see the person coming closer, tuck your hair away to prevent your attacker from grabbing it, and then grab any weapons that you have at hand.  A bottle of pepper spray or a tazer can be easily hidden in your purse.  Otherwise, look for a pen, branch, or trash can lid within easy reach. Continue Reading »

Too many times, the news sheds the spotlight on the worst parts of America’s cities.  However, many metropolitan areas enjoy very high levels of safety.  Here are the top 10 safest cities/metro areas, as determined by Forbes magazine.

1. Minneapolis-St.Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI:  With a total of only 24 unnatural deaths out of every 160, the Minneapolis area holds the record for safest city.  Violent crime is responsible for 9 of those deaths, with traffic deaths and natural disasters both accounting for 7. Continue Reading »

The National Crime Prevention Council has been around since 1982 (two years after McGruff the Crime Dog first appeared).  McGruff is only a part of the company’s public persona, however.  In addition, the NCPC sponsors a number of programs in schools and neighborhoods around America.

Project Safe Neighborhoods is a program for reducing gang and gun violence in America.  Recently, the Council has been especially focused on keeping girls out of gangs, since new statistics show that the number of members is increasing.  Recently, it was estimated that 60,000 to 80,000 females are gang members today, whether due to peer pressure, lack of money, drug use, abuse, or a relationship with a gang member.  To combat these statistics, the Council is offering Anti-Gang Training Conferences and workshops to inform parents and teens alike of the risks.

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New technology is allowing consumers more ways to customize their home security systems.  With this new technology, people can access their security systems in ways once thought impossible.  Even better, this technology is spreading over into other areas of life.

Everybody knows what it’s like to worry about leaving the lights on or the alarm off after leaving the house.  For those who actually have a reason to be nervous, there’s a number of companies that give you mobile access over your alarm system.  Alarm.com offers their own security system which is connected wirelessly to GSM cell towers.  This allows users to access the system from home with an Alarm.com app.  If you have cameras set up, you can even watch video on your mobile device (even if you just need to see what the kids are getting up to while you’re away).  iControl is a third-party developer that currently supports GE Security and Honeywell systems, but is adding ADT soon.  Along with alarm system access, iControl (through their ConnectedLife software platform) also gives users remote control over their thermostat, lighting, and even electronic door locks. Continue Reading »

ADT Home Security recognizes that successful home security requires more than just a reliable electronic system (although they offer those, too).  Home security, in fact, is directly related to neighborhood security, and a Neighborhood Crime Watch can have a significant positive affect in that area.  Such programs go by various names depending on your area, but ADT offers basic tips and materials for organizing one in your community.

Starting a neighborhood watch works best when you network with the local law enforcement officials in your area.  In most cases, they’ll be willing to help train citizens in home security and monitoring suspicious activity.  On your own, ADT suggests creating a hierarchy, including a coordinator and block captains to recruit volunteers and communicate concerns to the main group.  It’s important to remember that anybody can assist in a Neighborhood Watch Program, no matter what their age is.  Younger children and the elderly can assist in clean-ups and block parties around the neighborhood.  While this may not seem directly related to crime prevention, it helps form community in the group, and also lets people know who’s supposed to be there and who’s not. Continue Reading »