Self Defense Products Blog

For the third time in month, a person was attacked in the Lake Phalen area of St. Paul. This time, it was a 23 year old woman jogger, according a story on KARE-11 TV.

It’s sad that some person or persons are intent on targeting people in this area and making them feel vulnerable. Most of these cases have not involved robbery attempts, just criminal assault. I don’t know whether these criminals are frustrated about the economy and have turned to taking their frustrations out on innocent victims, but I do know that is has to stop!

I would love to see one of these criminals run into someone carrying pepper spray or a Taser and getting a taste of their own medicine.

I just saw this story on the local news tonight about a man who had stolen a car. This thief was so proud of himself that he actually called 911 and reported that he had stolen a car and, since he was much smarter than the police, they would never catch him!

Well, he was wrong. The police arrived at his residence the next day and arrested him. You see, the police have this new fangled device called “caller ID”. It lets them see exactly who is calling them and provides the callers phone number, etc. This feature is very useful for determining who called them in case the caller gets disconnected at some point during the phone call. People that need help, or are reporting to authorities that someone else needs help, can get disconnected for various reasons like passing out, trying to escape a dangerous situation like a criminal chasing them, etc.

It turns out that caller ID also comes in real handy when the authorites are trying to locate a REALLY STUPID CRIMINAL!

Maybe it’s just me, but it sure seems like there is a lot more crime these days. I think that when times get tough, Americans naturally do whatever they can to survive. Most of us with an education and some work experience have options regarding what type of work we will accept even in the current dismal state of the economy.

If you’re young and stupid, you probably don’t have many (or any) sources of income to turn to. Unfortunetly, it seems like there are more people turning to crime these days as a way to support themselves. The crime industry is an equal idiot employment opportunity. There are no resumes needed, no job interviews to go on, no sending your resume off into some black box and just praying that SOMEONE will eventually invite you to meet for an interview.

Can you imagine some armed robber holding up a gas station and the clerk behind the window asking the robber “Is this your first robbery attempt? Because you act like you don’t have much experience at this sort of thing. How many robbery’s have you successfully pulled off in the past? Have you actually ever shot a person? I’m sorry, but I really don’t think you’re qualified to pull off this robbery. I think it’s best if you just leave because we would like to pursue some other, more qualifed robbers. If you will just leave a business card, we’ll add your information to our database of other criminals and follow up with you if we have a need for your services within the next 12 months.”

http://www.LaneSelfDefense.com/wildfire.htm

I just registered my new TASER C2 with TASER International and was thinking I made a pretty good investment in the safety of myself and my family. Let me explain how valuable this device is, in case you’re not familiar the TASER C2.

The TASER C2 is a self-defense electronic control device Manufactured by TASER International, the same company that manufactures TASERs used by Law Enforcement personnel all over the world. The TASER C2 is just as effective as the TASER used by Law Enforcement, plus it has some smart additional features which make it perfect for any ordinary citizen to use.

The TASER C2 uses a replaceable cartridge containing compressed nitrogen to deploy to the small probes that are attached to the TASER C2 by insulated conductive wires with a maximum length of 15 feet. The TASER C2 transmits electrical pulses along the wires and into the body of affecting the sensory and motor functions of the peripheral nervous system. The energy can penetrate up to 2 inches of clothing, or 1 inch per probe.

How does a TASER work?
The human nervous system communicates with simple electrical impulses. The command center (brain and spinal cord) processes information and makes decisions. The peripheral nervous system includes the sensory and motor nerves. The sensory nerves carry information from the body to the brain (temperature, touch, etc.) the motor nerves carry commands from the brain to the muscles to control movement and can be involuntary in response to the sensory information. An example would be involuntary muscle reaction to pull the hand away from a hot object.

TASER technology uses similar electrical pulses to costs stimulation that affects the century and motor nerves. No muscular incapacitation (NMI) occurs when a device is able to cause involuntary stimulation of both the sensory nerves and the motor nerves. It is not dependent on pain and is effective on subjects with a high level of pain tolerance.

Previous generations of stun guns could primarily affect the Senator nerves only, resulting in pain compliance. A person with a very high tolerance pain (e.g., a drug abuser or a trained, focused fighter) might be able to fight through the pain of a traditional stun gun.

Electricity must be able to flow between the probes of the electrodes.

Electricity generally follows the path of least resistance between the probes. The greater the spread between the probes on the target, generally the greater the NMI effectiveness.

Electricity will generally not pass to others in contact with the subject unless contact is made directly between or on the probes.

Electricity can arc through clothing.

Exposure to water will not cause electrocution to increase the power to the subject (electrical charge is fixed inside the TASER device, and will not increase significantly even with environmental changes).

TASER technology uses similar electrical pulses to cause stimulation that affects the sensory and motor nerves. Neromuscular Incapacitation (NMI) occurs when a device is able to cause an involuntary stimulation of both the sensory nerves and the motor nerves. It is not dependent on pain and is effective on subjects of the high level of pain tolerance.

SPECIAL FEATURES TO PREVENT MISUSE
Every time a TASER C2 cartridge is deployed, at least 24 small, confetti -like AFID tags are ejected. Each AFID is printed with the serial number of the cartridge deployed, allowing law enforcement agencies to determine the registered owner of the cartridge and track citizen use if ever used in a criminal act.

You are required to complete a criminal background check in order to receive a unique code that will be used to activate your TASER C2. This means that when a TASER C2 has been fired, it will be much easier for the police to track down the registered owner of the device.

The TASER C2, with laser guided targeting, costs $350. It costs another $10 to register your unit with TASER. This is a one-time fee.

The TASER C2 is certainly not the cheapest self defense device available, but I feel this is the most effective, non-lethal self defense device currently on the market and well worth the investment in the safety of myself and my family.

http://www.laneselfdefense.com/c2taser.htm

Stay safe to stay alive,

Steve Lane
Self Defense & Surveillance Shop
http://www.LaneSelfDefense.com
http://www.LaneSurveillance.com

Another week, another disappointing stock market. But, cheer up! I think some long overdue change is on it’s way. And remember, there’s more to life than just money. To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, “This too, shall pass.”

We don’t have to look too far to see the signs of outrageous greed that ran rampant during the last stock market bull cycle. Here are just some of the highlights from the last week of media reports that exhibit the excessive greediness of corporate executives:

• The Trustee in the Bernard Madoff bankruptcy case reported that the financier hadn’t bought any securities for the past 13 years!

• The SEC filed fraud charges against Texas billionaire Allen Stanford and two other executives of Stanford Group of selling $8 billion in high-yield certificates of deposit with impossibly high interest rates in a worldwide scheme.

• GM CEO Rick Wagoner was quoted at a press conference stating: “We have to restructure…so we can be viable at a sales level that is dramatically lower than what we ever anticipated.” Huh? You mean GM Executives never considered what would happen if oil prices increased from historically low levels and what impact that would have on their dominant market share position and sales of gas guzzling SUV’s and trucks? Were they too busy working on their golf game to bother with such small details?

• Speaking of General Motors, GM and Chrysler told the U.S. Congress that they could need $21.6 billion more in aid to keep them going. GM said it could need $100 billion in financing if it filed for bankruptcy, and CEO Rick Wagner said bankruptcy would be “risky” and would only be used as a last resort. I wonder what Wagner really means when he says that a GM bankruptcy would be “risky”? Risky for him, personally, and his future salary and earnings prospect perhaps?

• UBS agreed to pay $780 million and identify some American clients with undeclared bank accounts, to settle a tax case and avert criminal charges. But Switzerland’s finance minister vowed that the country’s bank secrecy would be maintained.

But, as Bob Dylan would say, “The times, they are a changing.” Yes, the Federal Goverment is throwing an awful lot of money at our financial markets to try and stop the decline in our financial markets and restore some resembelance of confidence again. As inflationary as the long-term effects of this loose money policy will be, they really don’t have a choice if they have any hope of preventing the global economy from falling into a long, deep and severe depression.

Critics of President Obama’s new housing rescue plan say they don’t want to pay for their neighbor’s mortgage in the form of higher taxes. Well, I don’t think anyone is happy about paying higher taxes, but what choice do we really have? The economy is messed up, big time. We can’t blame President Obama for this because things were already messed up by the time he was elected into office. He could complain about the crappy job that he inherited from the outgoing administration, but he’s not. He’s doing everything that he can to try and stop the bleeding and prevent any further damage from occuring.

Now, to get back to the headline of this long-winded blog post, It was clear from the November 2008 U.S. Presidential results that Americans wanted change. Not just a little tweak, but a major change. Well, change IS coming. It has to, or else we are all dead. Not just the US economy, but the global economy. How can you imagine that a person as insane as Adolph Hitler became so powerful? Germany was weak from the last major recession and people were starving and desperate for change. These people were so desperate that they decided that while Hitler had some radical ideas, nothing else had worked so far. They HAD to DO SOMETHING! So they put this guy named Hitler with some crazy ideas into power to see if that might fix things. And the rest is history, as they say.

Please don’t misunderstand and think that I’m comparing President Obama to Adolph Hitler, because that is NOT WHAT I’M DOING. American’s are smart enough to learn from the past mistakes of others and I think Obama is exactly what America needs right now to get us out of this financial mess without creating more problems down the road.

Just to be safe, you might want to pick up a C2 TASER in case their’s an uprising in your neigborhood…

www.LaneSelfDefense.com/c2taser.htm

A Taser is simply a less lethal alternative to a hand gun. Afterall, you just want to stop your neighbor from attacking you and stealing your stuff. You don’t want to actually KILL HIM, right?

Stay safe to stay alive,

Steve Lane

Self Defense & Surveillance Shop

http://www.LaneSelfDefense.com

http://www.LaneSurveillance.com

Did you know that there is actually a difference between taser guns and stun guns? Many people don’t know the differences and it is assumed that they are both the same thing. However, while they may both give out electric shocks, there are some differences that you should be aware of. Knowing these differences will help you to choose the best self defense product to suit your needs.

Stun Guns and Taser Guns - The Differences

There are a few differences between stun guns and taser guns that you should be aware of before you choose either of them. They can potentially make a big difference into how safe you are while you are using the products and so it is important to understand the differences and how they affect you.

Taser guns are typically more high tech than stun guns. They work when you are up to fifteen feet away from your attacker. Two probes are sent from the taser gun to the attacker and they become stuck while they emit a seven second initial shock. They require both probes to be attached to the attacker before they will work properly. A stun gun on the other hand needs close contact before it will be effective. It does not have probes but it has a very loud sound that often frightens attackers off before they have had a chance to hurt you.

Taser guns will temporarily paralyze your attacker. They will likely fall down to the ground and they will lose control over their limbs for a short period of time. A stun gun is merely there to give a short shock. It will not paralyze the attacker as long as a taser gun would and it is not as powerful usually as a taser gun either. However, that does not mean to say that a stun gun is not as effective as a taser gun - it can be and it costs a lot less than a taser gun too.

Taser guns can be expensive because they are so effective. They are also bigger than stun guns too. With stun guns you can purchase ones which are designed to fool the attacker. Cell phone stun guns and keychain stun guns are particular popular as they are easy to carry around and they are not obvious like taser guns can be. They would be ideal for anybody who does not want to look like they have a self defense weapon.

Typically taser guns are more effective but stun guns can also be extremely effective too. The noise of the stun gun tends to be enough to scare away many attackers. Then the short shock that is given also causes attackers to think twice about staying and continuing the attack. This is especially the case with cell phone stun guns as the attacker does not expect anything and the shock usually causes them to run away. However some attackers may not be put off by s short shock and that is where taser guns come in. They paralyze the attacker so that they do not have a chance to continue the attack and that leaves you with plenty of time to escape.

Overall both taser guns and stun guns are effective and both can protect you against an attack. However, you should always understand the differences between the two; especially the distances required for them to be effective!

When you think of self defense products you typically think about pepper spray, stun guns or personal security alarms. However, there is another effective form of self defense that is not usually considered and that is a safety light.

How Safety Lights May Help

Safety lights are designed to light up the way when you are out walking on a dark night. Not only do they help you to see better, but they also enable you to draw attention to yourself. This may seem like a bad idea; after all, who wants to draw attention to themselves at night when there are potential attackers out there? Surely the attacker will see you and find it easier to attack you? Well surprisingly drawing attention to yourself does not increase the risk of you being attacked, instead it prevents it.
By drawing attention to yourself with a safety light it enables other people to see you. So if you are attacked there is a better chance that somebody will witness what is happening. Help can then be called and your attacker will be scared off. So that is one way in which a safety light can protect you.

By lighting up the way a safety light will also help you to see potential attackers. Often when you are walking late at night it is difficult to see what is in front of you. That is why so many people are attacked because their attacker can see them, but they did not see their attacker until it was too late. By seeing where you are going you will be able to assess the possible risks ahead and that can potentially stop you from being attacked.

Choosing a Good Safety Light

There are different lights that you can purchase but typically the best types to get are the LED versions. You can also choose between flashing lights and simple constant lights. If you use a flashing light that does help to draw attention to you when you are being attacked. A constant light is better to help you to see where you are going. For best results it would be a good idea to purchase a LED light that has the ability to flash but which also has a constant light on it too.

If you want a light which is convenient to carry then you should choose the Cell Phone flash light. This is designed to peel and stick to your cell phone and it can easily be operated whenever it is needed. It lasts for up to 6,000 hours and you can use it literally everywhere. It is small enough to easily carry around and use outside and generally it is one of the best lights available.

If you just want the simplest of safety lights then the LED light is what you need. It comes with seven different flashing patterns and you can choose from three different styles. There is a wrist strap, a bicycle light and a belt clip. It has a very powerful light and the seven different flashing functions will help you to signal help if it is needed.

Overall safety lights may not be able to directly stop an attack, but they can help to prevent them. It would be a good idea to carry around another self defense product such as pepper spray if you really want to protect yourself, or even just a personal safety alarm to further draw attention to yourself in the event of an attack. You can even purchase combined safety alarms and lights and that may be the best option for you.

How do you feel about the economy in today’s world? We are reading in almost every country, that crime is on the rise due to the problems in the workforce and the fall in the economy. So how will you defend yourself? Recent headlines are reading more and more of bank robberies, home invasions, car vandalism and thefts, purse snatchings, and other criminal behavior. With millions of people out of work, it is no wonder.

Crime analysts have always had different opinions about economic downturns leading to increasing crime rates. However, since the most recent fall on Wall Street, law enforcement agencies worldwide have seen notable increases in violence and property offenses as signs it is related to the economy. Cities around world are reporting robberies in unprecedented numbers compared to recent years, or even decades. Many of the target victims are retail stores which have never seen crimes such as these. Those would include grocery and clothing stores, banks, and even restaurant suppliers. Thefts of cars have jumped nationwide by 164% from last year, and vandalism leading to theft has more than doubled. Most law enforcement officers say it has been in direct correlation to the economy falling.

In October 2008, a survey of 180 law enforcement agencies by the Police Executive Research Forum in Washington, D.C., found that 75% cited the recent rise in crime was related to property crime.

The idea that the crime rate picks up when the economy tanks makes a lot of sense, intuitively. The unemployment rate increases during a recession and some of these newly unemployed people with marginal employment skills will likely turn to crime to support themselves and cover their cost of living.

The FBI states that the most vulnerable portion of the population, are young adults, many of whom have already been in some type of trouble with police, and who were trying to move into the workforce. They can’t find a job to keep them from returning to previously committed lives of crime. The Center for Crime Prevention and Control says the demand for illegal drugs is also being driven to more crime as the economy falls. Major surges in crime, are at their highest since the 1990’s. The sale of illicit drugs is the only way many criminals can find a way to afford the drugs to sell to those who illegally do them.

The combination of declining resources and increases in many offenses may be representing only the first wave of the bad news. Because desperate people do desperate things to stay afloat, there are thousands who are giving away pets because they can’t afford to feed them. Where once there was a dog to bark away an intruder, there is now nothing to deter a thief. People without an income certainly can’t spend upwards of $100 per month to install and run home security systems. Many have turned to the one time purchase of home alarms that do not require monthly service fees.

Many cities saw a dramatic decrease in crime over 2007 and 2008 due to more police patrols. However, 62% of US police departments are now having to cut their forces and cutting overtime spending completely.

Among cities reporting increases in crimes, almost all account this to the sagging economy. Atlanta Police blames the economy for increases of 14% in burglary, and 17% in auto theft. Instead of stealing jewelry and other valuables, burglars are taking flat-screen TVs and computers which can be resold as there is more demand. Thieves are even stealing license plates for the renewal stickers in order to find relief from paying taxes on their vehicles.

The safety of all citizens must be our first priority; the second is the protection of their property. We are doing our part by raising your awareness to methods of protection.

We are going to list numerous products below that you may or may not have thought of:

Motion Alarm with Keypad

Window Glass Breakage Alarm

Auto Dialer Wireless Home Security System

Voice Alert Driveway/Home Alarm Door Brace

Stun Master 775,000v

Z-Force Slim

Talon Mini

Pretender Cell Phone Stun Gun

C2 Taser

Pepper Sprays

Pepper Foam

Wild Fire 18%

Instructional Fighting DVDs

I read a story on MSN today about some guy in Florida who ordered some food at the local McDonalds drive-up window and then tried to pay the casher with some of his weed! Can you imagine that? Talk about a stoner…Well, the cashier called the cops and provided them with a description of his vehicle and the cops picked him up. And of course, he was still carrying his stash with him. He was charged and released on $500 bail.

Man, someone really has to be pretty desperate to try a stunt like that. Well…I guess either desperate or really stoned. Or maybe a little bit of both.

It sure feels like the economy is getting bad and the stock market certainly agrees with this. Did you know the stock market usually is a leading indicator and is actually a reaction to economic activity up to 6 months in the future? It’s true. Based on the crappy stock market we’ve all seen in September and October, it looks like the economy is going to get a whole lot worse.

When the economy declines, crime increases. People get desperate and desperate times calls for desperate measures. Just keep this in mind the next time you find yourself in a vulnerable situation like walking the dog late at night or going to your car in a deserted parking garage.

I’m not bringing these things up to scare you, but rather to prepare you. If you are prepared, you will have won half the battle. Consider carrying a pepper spray or stun gun with you…just in case you find yourself in a scary situation.

Stay safe to stay alive,

Steve Lane

Self Defense & Surveillance Shop

http://www.LaneSelfDefense.com

http://www.LaneSurveillance.com

Imagine being able to know who is going in and out of your home even if you are not there. Let’s say you’re out for the day and you aren’t expecting anyone. You get home and notice that a number of things are out of place and your stereo system is gone, along with other valuables. You go to your neighbor’s in the apartment or townhome next door and ask if they heard or saw anything. They tell you that they noticed a guy come out of your apartment and get into his car with a box in his hands, but they thought it was a friend of yours. It never occurred to them that this was a burglar.

This happens thousands of times in thousands of neighborhoods around the country! There is now a creative and effective tool that can help stop these burglaries.

The TeleSpy was invented to allow you to know who is in your home at any time. The TeleSpy is a telephone, motion sensor and microphone all in one. It works by actually calling you at a number you program into the phone, if the motion detector detects motion.

In the scenario above, as soon as the burglar triggered the motion sensor, the phone would have automatically dialed the number you programmed (probably your cell phone), and you would have been able to hear through the TeleSpy’s microphone what was going on at your home. Once you determined that something wasn’t right, you could immediately call the police so they could take action to check on the activity in your home.

The TeleSpy is unique, creative and affordable. It allows you to stop intruders without putting yourself in danger, since it calls to alert you wherever you are, allowing you to get help before you return to your home. The TeleSpy looks like a regular princess phone and re-sets itself after every call. It is perfect for use in small homes and apartments or as a backup for a larger home with a security system.

If you are trying to protect your home and stay informed as to what is happening when you are not there, the TeleSpy is the most effective tool to get the job done.

There are a high number of home invasions and burglaries these days and people are looking for ways to avoid them. There are many ideas about the best way to effectively protect your home at an affordable price.

One of the best methods of protection available is the Mace Motion Alert and the Mini Alert Alarm. Both alarms use passive infared technology to detect motion in various areas.

The Mace Motion Alert protects a large area and mounts where you want it to, usually near an entry. Since it is battery operated there is no need for wiring. It can be used with a two-tone chime or an alarm and you can enter a personal code similar to a pin number to activate and deactivate the alarm.

The Mini Alert Alarm is similar to the Mace Motion Alert, however it is designed to protect one room by creating a triangle of infared protection that cannot be passed or penetrated without setting off the alarm. The Mini Alert Alarm also runs on batteries so that no wiring is required, and it comes complete with mounting brackets.

Both the Mace Motion Alert and the Mini Alert Alarm will protect you from intruders by sounding a loud warning alarm, which is one of the things that intruders and burglars hate the most. They definitely do not want to call attention to themselves, so they will usually flee from the scene as quickly as possible. The alarms are loud enough to signal distress and warn you quickly enough to dial 911 in a hurry.

If you are looking for an effective and reliable source of protection for your home at a reasonable price, look no further than the Mace Motion Alert or the Mini Alert Alarm. They will work for you every time.

Personal Security Advice for Travelers.

Summer is the time of year when millions of Americans take a vacation alone, with a spouse, or with the whole family. The excitement of getting away from your usual routine and doing something different is exciting. Very few people, however, plan ahead and take the proper precautions to protect their personal security at home and on the road. Here is some advice to keep in mind so that you may have safer travels.

Personal Security On The Road

If you are traveling for an extended time, notify family members and neighbors that you trust when you leave and when you are expected to return. Make sure they have your contact information (phone numbers for cell phones or hotels/lodging where you will be staying) so they can reach you in an emergency. Arrange to have the post office hold your mail for you and your newspaper delivery temporarily suspended. You may house plants or a garden that neighbors or friends will need to check on and water as needed while you are away.

Your personal security can be improved if you are well prepared for your travel schedule. Check departure times for trains and planes before you begin your travels. This way you won’t get stuck in the wrong terminals and put yourself at risk of getting lost or losing personal items. Try to choose seats that are near aisles or doors, if possible. Always know the location of emergency exits and alarms.

I know it can be difficult, but try not to sleep on public transportation. This can put you at risk of theft while you are asleep. Also, consider buying some clothing and accessories that are specially made to conceal important documents such as your passport, money, and credit cards. It is important to keep an emergency stash of money hidden on your body away from your wallet or purse, so that if you are robbed you can hand over some cash, and they will not get everything, including the passports and credit cards.

If you need to travel with valuables, keep them out of sight from the public and keep the luggage that contains them close to you. Always make sure that your can see the luggage and if someone does try to take your bag, just let it go.

Your personal security is more important that your valuables, so make sure you do not put up a fight with a thief. You do not know if they are carrying a weapon and you really don’t want to find out. The best thing to do is to research the area where you are going to be traveling and make sure that you don’t have to travel anywhere that is isolated and away from the crowds. Try to blend in as much as possible and you will be taking and extra step in protecting your personal security.

Tags: Crime Prevention, Electronic Pocket Whistle, Home safety, Home security, How to protect yourself from attack, Personal Safety, Self Defense Products, Self Defense Tips

Home invasions happen most often when no one is at home. Many times criminal conduct drive bys to discover your schedule or even look for newspapers that have piled up to alert them no one is around.

Criminals that are looking to rob for valuables or money generally want to grab as many of the most valuable items possible and make a clean get away. What then when you are not at home and your house is targeted? Will you rely on your neighbors to call the police? Will you rely on your insurance policy to reimburse you the value of the items lost? These are definitely viable options, but a better strategy than being reactive is being proactive.

Enter the Auto Dialer Intruder Alarm! This alarm boasts numerous features. The most ingenious tool on the intruder alarm is it has the ability to dial up to five numbers to let you or your designated listees that your security has been breached.

The Auto Dialer offers:

Motion Sensor Detects Motion and Activates Auto Dialer

14 Digit Large Number Display with Date/Time

Programmable Security Code, Entry Delay Timing

5 Emergency Telephone Numbers (Up to 14 Digits)

Pause Key / Panic Key / PROG Key

Battery Low Indicator (Shown in LCD)

Tone Dialing Only

Alarm/Door Chime Switch

Built-In 105dB Alarm (With Programmable Alarm On/Off)

Adjustable Sensor Head

Test Mode Function

AC Adaptor Operated (Included) With 9-volt Battery Backup (Not Included)

Wall Mountable

Since you can’t be everywhere isn’t it worth the security of knowing that in your absence the Auto Dialer will act as your eyes and ears and also call for help?

Home is where the heart is. It is your safe haven. Your home is the only place where you really feel at ease with your surroundings. Home is the only place where you have complete control over who makes contact with your family. Protecting your home and family are likely number one on your list of priorities. That’s why home burglary is so traumatizing in most cases.

Home burglary and related crime statistics are astounding. In the United States, burglary occurs every 15 seconds. Property crimes occur every three seconds. A theft occurs every 5 seconds. Assault and violent crimes occur every 35 seconds. The most common threats to our homes are burglary and theft.

Most home burglaries occur on weekdays and during the day when most homeowners are at work. Burglaries are committed most often by young men who are looking for small items that can easily be converted into cash. Prime targets tend to be cash, jewelry, guns, laptops and other small electronics. MP3 players, cell phones and handheld video players are also very highly sought after items.

Burglars tend to go for the easiest targets so they can get in, get your valuables, and get out in a reasonable amount of time. They look for easily picked locks, doors that don’t close completely, attached garages with easily opened doors, and low windows they can break to climb through. Burglars carry a wide array of tools with them like small pry bars, screwdrivers, pliers and small hammers.

The first step in protecting your home from burglary is to be sure all of your windows and doors lock securely. It is highly recommended that you use very strong locks that are resistant to twisting, prying and lock picking, such as Grade-1 or Grade-2. Make sure your family locks all windows and doors before leaving the house unprotected. A deadbolt is a good addition to any door. Most burglars enter the home through an easily accessible door or window or a garage door. Sliding glass doors are also considered somewhat of a welcome mat for burglars. A wide variety of locking and blocking mechanisms can help secure a glass door, but remember; it is glass.

Open windows are obvious security risks, as they are easily accessible to burglars. Always ensure all windows are closed and securely locked. Windows should also be secured with blocking devices, so they cannot be opened as easily by force if the burglar manages to unlock it from the outside. An inexpensive fix for this potential burglar doorway is to tighten screws about half way into the upper track of the window’s sliding panel so the window cannot open past a certain point.

Making use of a good security system and surveillance system is also highly recommended as a deterrent to burglary. Security system professionals supply you with stickers you can place in visible areas that inform potential burglars that your home is protected. A high quality camera and surveillance system will also help protect your home from burglars. A hidden camera system with recording capability will also help police capture the burglar if they do break into your home.

Tags: crime prevention, Crime Prevention, door brace, door jam, electronic watch dog, Home security, motion alert alarms, wireless home security system

In a perfect world no one has to worry about theft; everyone is always happy; no one ever gets hurt; and you can trust everyone. Unfortunately our world isn’t perfect. Theft prevention is very important to large and small businesses, as well as renters and homeowners.

Recently a local retail store manager said she had busted a nine-year-old child for shoplifting. She brought the issue to the attention of the child’s mother and was shocked at the response. The mother knew what her child was doing. The store manager called the police and handed the issue off to local authorities.

A middle-aged man lived in a very nice, quiet neighborhood and owned a very large black dog. For years, the crime in his neighborhood was nearly nonexistent. Everyone in the neighborhood seemingly looked out for each other. He arrived home from work one evening only to find his garage and storage building had been broken into. The thieves had stolen several power tools and everything else they could get their hands on.

These are only two of millions of stories just like them. Theft is a problem worldwide. Thieves don’t discriminate due to skin color, gender, orientation or religion. They are not centralized to cities or highly populated areas. With the many cost-effective ways to secure your belongings, isn’t it better to take precautions before something happens?

Professionally installed alarm systems are a great start to help protect your home and belongings. On the other hand, professional thieves are trained to get around alarm systems. Some even see an alarm system as a challenge to overcome. Protecting your home and valuables should include more than just an alarm system.

Hidden cameras are a great way to catch thieves. High quality camera footage can capture great pictures and video of thieves as they are stealing your valuables. Hidden cameras come in a wide array of styles. Some don’t even look like a hidden camera at all. Your hidden camera could be virtually any style you choose. For example a hidden camera could be installed on your phone, a radio, a smoke detector or even in a stuffed animal.

For business owners and homeowners alike, cameras and surveillance monitors can save a lot of trouble in finding out who your thieves are. Many large companies, as well as small businesses, have incorporated video surveillance. Some employ security guards to watch the monitors, while others record everything to be played back later in the event of a theft. Wireless monitors are also available for remote surveillance systems.

Hidden cameras or surveillance monitors alone probably aren’t enough, simply because they don’t alert authorities to the crime in action like an alarm system does. A high quality hidden camera or monitor used in conjunction with an alarm system could help prevent or even capture thieves. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Stay Safe,

Steve Lane

Self Defense & Surveillance Shop

http://www.laneselfdefense.com

http://www.lanesurveillance.com

Tags: Crime Prevention, Hidden Cameras, hidden security cameras, Hidden surveillance cameras, Home security, Nanny Cameras, Nanny Cams, wireless home security system, wireless surveillance camera system

The need to feel safe in your own home is a growing concern in today’s society. It was not as big a concern even a decade ago, but the thought of someone breaking into your home is scary. We see too much evidence on television that the risk of having someone rob you is real. A home security system is a good investment, so how do you know which security system is right for your family? Here are some thoughts on choosing a home security system.

Available Choices

Many different types of security systems are available on the market today, including wire and wireless systems. Some systems have cameras and sensors. You can even have the choice of a security system being activated indoors alone or both indoors and outdoors. A lot of these options depend on how much money you are willing to spend and how much security you think your family really needs. You also have the option of having the security system installed by a professional or doing it yourself, which could save you a bundle of money if you know how to install it properly.

Wireless Systems

Wireless security systems are easy to install by yourself. People like them because some models work by remote control, so you do not have to actually touch the device to activate it. Wireless systems do cost more than hard-wired systems, so that is something you will need to keep in mind when choosing yours. Also think about whether or not you want a system that continually monitors your home through a monitoring agency. In this case you will have an automatic help message that is sent to both you and the agency in case of a break-in. This type of wireless system is tricky to install and usually requires a professional to do the work.

Camera or Motion Sensor Security Systems

Home security systems can work with a camera or a motion sensor. A camera system allows you to track various places inside and outside of your home, depending on where you install the cameras. Some cameras come with monitors, but you can purchase them separately. The camera records all action on tape, so you can play back what has been captured. A motion sensor can be placed on doors and windows and will sound an alarm if that spot is breached. As stated above, a camera or sensor system can tip off a phone call to a monitoring agency that will send help to you right away, if you prefer to go with this type of service.

The Pros and Cons of Self-Installation

There are pros and cons to installing a home security system yourself. You will typically save a bundle of money if you are able to do the installation yourself. If you do not know how to perform the installation correctly, then you might be better off getting the help of a professional. If you are able and choose to install a system yourself, then you have many more options of what type of system to buy than if you were to have someone come in and do the work for you. You are likely to find great deals on the Internet if you go the self-installation route. However, professional may give your family total peace of mind that they are fully protected from any break-ins because of their knowledge and experience with installation.

A home security system is a worthwhile investment for any family. The prices on these systems have come down over the past few years, making them more affordable. Knowing what kind of system you want and how much you want to spend helps you make a more informative and reasonable decision on purchasing one.

Stay Safe,

Steve Lane

Self Defense & Surveillance Shop

http://www.laneselfdefense.com

http://www.lanesurveillance.com

Tags: crime avoidance, Crime Prevention, Home safety, Home security, wireless home security system

Home security is not just theft prevention for the wealthy. You don’t necessarily have to live in a high-risk location to benefit from enhanced security in your home. Thieves and others with deviant intentions can strike at any time. However, there are many options to provide safety and peace of mind for you and your home.

Don’t make your home an easy target. Safety begins with taking the most basic precautions. Don’t leave doors unlocked. Install motion sensor lights or leave a small light on at night around doors. Most thieves don’t want to stick around to be noticed. They would also rather not spend a lot of time taking care of business. Make sure your doors and windows are secure. Take a moment to walk around the inside and outside of your home and think about the vulnerabilities like someone intending on a break-in. This is the best place to start.

Once you have determined the weaknesses in your home’s safety, decide what home security products would work best for you. Many people think about elaborate security systems and remote monitoring when they consider home security. These systems can often be pricey. You can take less expensive measures to protect your home.

Start small. Use door braces on sliding doors or infrequently used back doors. Install motion detectors that trigger a high volume alarm when intruders enter the room. They are easy to hide and impossible to avoid when entering a room. Magnetic alarms that go off when a door or window is opened are also useful.

Automatic dialers can be mounted on your wall with a motion detection device. When an intruder enters the room, not only does an alarm sound, but the device automatically calls someone. You choose the numbers that are dialed by entering them into the device. When using these devices, as many of them require batteries, it is important to keep the batteries updated. Also, remember to arm the device when you leave home. If you will have guests coming and going from your home, let them know how to turn the unit off and on. Forget and you will have some panicked friends and family.

Akin to the automatic dialing devices are spy sensors that are inserted into your telephone. The major difference is that these devices function unnoticed and allow you to listen to what is happening in your home. The device is triggered by a motion sensor and then calls you on your cell phone or other programmed number. If you hear what could be an intruder, you can hang up and call the authorities.

Some systems operate on a combination of these individual items working together. The monitoring is done by you or members of your family through the system and therefore avoids outside monitoring costs. Take these extra steps to make sure your home is safe whether you are there or not. Make certain that your home will not become the next theft statistic.

Also, make sure that you don’t display high priced items in plain sight or locate expensive belongings near windows. Think of it like dangling a piece of meat in front of a dog. The dog will do just about anything to get what it wants, and the desire is only increased by taunting. Flaunting your possessions, even unconsciously, leads to an increased risk of break-ins and theft. Common sense is one of your best defenses.

Remember that home security isn’t just what might get into your home from outside. Protect yourself and your family from fire and smoke inhalation (which is sometimes more fatal than the fire itself). Install fire and smoke alarms in your home and keep the batteries fresh. Keep fire ladders on the upper stories of your home. No matter what happens, always have a plan and a safe way out.

Stay Safe,

Steve Lane

Self Defense & Surveillance Shop

http://www.laneselfdefense.com

http://www.lanesurveillance.com

Tags: crime avoidance, Crime Prevention, door brace, door jam, electronic watch dog, Home safety, Home security, magnetic window alarm, motion alert alarms, wireless home security system

Over the past weekend, there was a disturbing story released in the local media that an 18 year old woman was dragged into a men’s restroom in a college dormitory and raped by two men. One of the men restrained the woman while the other man raped.

The woman was visiting some friends and left their dorm room to go to the bathroom. She was gone for about 20 minutes, which her friends thought was odd…but didn’t bother to go look for her. The woman came back to the dorm room crying and told her friends what had happened.

Now, this particular incident happened in a dormatory of a very large university - The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. This exact same type of crime could really happen at any college campus - large or small.

Unfortunetly, no one is truly safe. I know, it’s a really depressing thought, but wishing that something was true doesn’t really MAKE IT true. We can standby and watch as our friends and loved ones fall victim to these types of crimes or we can do something about it.

Obviously, this woman who was raped didn’t do anything wrong and certainly didn’t deserve to be raped and attacked. What if this woman had a small canister of pepper spray on her belt that she grabbed just as she was walking to the bathroom? Would she have been able to reach for it and use it quickly enough to spray it in her attacker’s face? Maybe or maybe not.

It sure would be nice to hear a story about how a rape attack was PREVENTED by someone who was prepared for the worst, instead of hearing about another innocent victim being attacked. That’s my two cents.

Stay Safe,

Steve Lane

Self Defense & Surveillance Shop

http://www.laneselfdefense.com

http://www.lanesurveillance.com

Tags: Crime Prevention, Gel Pepper Spray, Lipstick pepper spray, pepper foam, pepper gel, Pepper spray, Personal Safety, Self Defense Products, self defense spray, Self Defense Tips, wildfire pepper spray

You are prepared to defend yourself, your family and those you love. So in a situation where any of those things are threatened, you’re prepared to do anything, right? Unfortunately, what happens after the event is over must also be considered.

In the midst of defending yourself, you don’t think hard about what the legal ramifications of self-defense might be. Fear and protective instincts put safety and survival as the first priority. When people attack you, they aren’t concerned about your life. Why be concerned about theirs? Because the simple fact of our society is that sometimes the justice system fails to deliver justice at all.

From the legal standpoint, lethal self-defense can be considered excessive force, even if your life was at stake. There is also the issue of what you are willing to live with morally after the fact. Protect your future while you protect yourself, and choose methods of non-lethal self-defense.

First and foremost, as you’ve heard many times before, the best self-defense is to avoid the situation altogether. Always pay attention, walk with purpose, and chose well-traveled areas. Keep trustworthy company. Don’t be a victim by putting yourself at risk. Moving on from that, if something does happen, make sure you are prepared.

Another reason, besides the legal ramifications, to chose non-lethal self-defense is accidents. When we react in fear, sometimes we may take actions that aren’t completely thought through. You may think someone is breaking into your home, but it could be a family member arriving home late. A loved one can recover from injuries, but a fatal gunshot is forever.

There are a variety of different non-lethal self defense weapons available for purchase, ranging from very mild to extremely powerful. Most options are fairly inexpensive and portable, and most of them easily concealed. They are completely legal and much safer than carrying a firearm.

Pepper spray has been around for many years and is still a popular choice because it is small, discrete and easy to carry in a purse. When sprayed in the eyes of an attacker, it temporarily blinds by causing trigger reactions. The eyes automatically close and begin to water. Other effects are runny nose and coughing. The full effect can be felt for up to 45 minutes, giving you time to escape. Take caution with pepper spray, though. Keep an eye on expiration dates and leaking, and make sure never to spray upwind.

www.laneselfdefense.com/peppergel.htm

Personal alarms create a loud noise that can discourage attackers and draw attention to you. These are the most useful if you are somewhere that others can come to your aid. Remember to be realistic and have another option if no one hears your alarm. Don’t depend on others to rush to your aid. Everyone loves a hero, but nobody like to put themselves in danger.

www.laneselfdefense.com/alarm.htm

Stun guns are also a popular option for non-lethal self defense. These electroshock weapons temporarily disable your attacker through the use of electric shock. A variety of jolt levels are available, from a fairly low charge in smaller flashlight-sized stun guns up to 300,000 volts or more. They administer the electric shock through direct contact. Some stun guns come disguised as cell phones, pens or flashlights.

www.laneselfdefense.com/hotshotstungun.htm

Tasers are also electroshock weapons. Media scrutiny has recently surrounded tasers after several high-profile incidents with law enforcement. While these officers may have used excessive force in those situations, when defending yourself against attack, that matters little. Tasers deliver a shock from a distance of several meters to subdue and temporarily disable your attacker. The shock is more powerful than a stun gun and does not require direct contact. Make sure you practice using your taser before you are in a negative situation. This goes with all self-defense weapons. You don’t want to waste any time when you need to protect yourself.

www.laneselfdefense.com/c2taser.htm

Don’t forget the practical options. Having a small and portable but heavy-duty flashlight allows you to see in the dark and makes a useful blunt object. A good crack on the head is an old-fashioned defense. Another is your cell phone. One of the best non-lethal defense weapons available is a call for help.

Stay Safe,

Steve Lane

http://www.laneselfdefense.com

http://www.lanesurveillance.com

Tags: Taser

Tags: C2 Taser, Electronic Pocket Whistle, Gel Pepper Spray, Personal Alarms, Stun Gun, Stun Guns, Stun Master Hot Shot, Stun Master Hot Shot Stun Gun, Taser, Tazer

Working parents have a lot to think about when it comes to keeping their family protected especially the children who are the ones that are vulnerable. The majority of Americans and people around the world are a part of the workforce and has to sometimes leave their children home by themselves.

There is much anxiety, worry, frustration or even fear involved in leaving a child or children “on their own,” when school lets. Sometimes, child care arrangements with neighbors and relatives break down or there simply are not many alternatives.

What can you do?

• Make sure that your children are ready to care for themselves
• Make sure you have an security alarm system
• Teach the child or children how to turn on and turn off the alarm security system.
• Teach your children basic safety tips and rules
• Know where you children are, what they are doing and who they are with
• Check on your kids
• Work out a kind of telephone code that will let them know that you are the one who is calling them. For example, tell them to listen for four rings and then you would hang up and call back immediately.

Are you ready? Can your children –

• Be trusted to go straight home after school?
• Easily use the telephone, locks and kitchen appliances?
• Follow rules and instructions well?
• Handle unexpected situations without panicking?
• Stay home alone without being afraid?
• Have a certain maturity?

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. Your child can be afraid and you don’t know so make sure you have a lengthy discussion to find out if this is the case.

Teach your “home alone” children

• How to call 9-1-1 or your area’s emergency number or call the operator?
• How to give directions to your house in case of an emergency?
• To check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home
• Turn on the home alarm system as soon as they get home
• To never accept gifts or rides from people they don’t know well and who you did not approve of
• Come home straight after school. Don’t linger on the streets
• Walk in a group of other children or with another school mate. Never walk alone
• How to use the door, windows, and locks
• To never let anyone into the home without asking your permission
• To never let a caller at the door or on the phone know that they are alone
• To carry a house key with them in a safe place; inside a shirt pocket or sock. Do not leave the key under the door mat or on a ledge.
• How to escape in the case of a fire
• To not go into the house or apartment if things do not look right such as a broken window, ripped screen or opened door
• To let you know about anything that frightens them or makes them feel uncomfortable.

Your children are depending on you for their safety and protection. Be sure you get a home alarm system, electronic bark dog alarm, door alarm, window alarm or hidden wireless camera. It will be more comforting to you.
For more information, go to http://www.laneselfdefense.com/homeprotection.htm