The Security Sherlock

               The pipe. The funny ‘deerstalker’ cap. The puzzled sidekick. The famous Baker Street address. Hopefully, you’ve deduced the common thread – Sherlock Holmes. Elementary, right? Sherlock has endured since the 1800’s and has seen a resurgence in popularity.

              

               I have to confess that my daughter convinced me to watch the latest rendition on TV. The BBC’s show, Sherlock, is a modern version of the famous detective. For the most part, I’ve enjoyed this version and the fast-talking Sherlock and friend, Dr. Watson. In fact, it prompted me to dig up an old copy of the original Sir Author Conan Doyle stories in a book I got years ago.

               Reading the stories, I was struck by some of the techniques and logic of the detective. He truly was the beginning of the CSI with his scientific approach to a crime scene. Sherlock was described as something of a walking encyclopedia of criminal knowledge, as well as various other topics that could be useful in a crime scene investigation. For example, Sherlock studied over 140 varieties of tobacco and could identify the brand smoked by a suspect from a few ashes collected at the scene. He also was an expert on the soils to be found in the area around London and could deduce where a person had been by the mud left from boots or mingled with footprints.

BBC Photo

               One other area of study for Sherlock was past crimes. He was very familiar with a history of criminal cases and past events. His logic was that there was nothing truly new and that any crime would fit a profile of one committed in the past. There is definitely a certain logic in that approach. It has gotten me to think about the approach used by modern security and law enforcement professionals. I have always believed that we can learn a great deal from past crimes and have written a number of articles about lessons learned.

              

               For anyone interested in self-defense, it makes sense to review stories about street crimes and attacks and give some thought to how the situation might have been avoided or what steps could have been taken to reduce the threat. For example, there was recent news about a couple that went to buy a car advertised on Craigslist who then went missing. Per news stories, the seller has been caught in lies to the police and is certainly a likely suspect in the disappearance. Without even knowing the details yet, this should create some thought to steps someone could take if meeting someone after an online connection to buy or sell something. Where will the meeting take place? Somewhere public? Who else knows about it? What other information can be gathered ahead of time to check into the buyer or seller? Certainly, there are many possible ideas that could help protect someone following up on an online deal.

              

               Security professionals often focus attention on the latest technology, such as digital video systems or high-tech access control systems. Still the old-fashioned idea of studying past crimes or recent events is a great way to enhance any security program. It is a great exercise in comparing your organization’s security or even your personal protection against some real life criminal. You’ll also learn from the crimes that hit other companies and adjust your security program based on those lessons learned.

               This understanding of the criminal mind, and how people act, is still a valuable tool to the modern security professional or street-smart individual. It is, after all, elementary.

Combining his law enforcement and corporate security experiences plus a love of martial arts, Eric Smith created Business Karate, LLC, a Colorado-based security consulting firm. His new book, Workplace Security Essentials, outlines how any business, school, hospital or organization can master the art of self-defense, reduce losses, avoid liability and build a safer workplace. Visit www.businesskarate.com for more. Follow on Twitter @businesskarate

4 Ways to Protect Yourself During a Burglary

Imagine sitting in the comfort of your home, your castle, and suddenly finding yourself face-to-face with a burglar or two, breaking in while you are home alone. This was not just a scenario, but also a very real and scary reality for the mother of a colleague of mine.

The mother was home alone and heard the doorbell ring. She went to the door, peered through the peephole, and saw two girls outside. She didn't recognize them and assumed they were selling something. The homeowner did not want to be bothered with a sales pitch so she did not answer the door.

Perhaps a minute after the two girls walked away, the woman heard the doorbell again. She peered through the peephole once again and this time saw two men outside the door. Again, she ignored the doorbell, thinking that the two were more solicitors. However, this time the two did not just walk away. One of the men walked across the porch to a nearby window that opened into the front room. The window was open and he immediately began climbing through the screen into the home. The woman began screaming and ran to another part of the house. She turned and saw the male climbing back outside and she had the presence of mind to realize that the two burglars might try to enter through the back door, which was unlocked as well, or one of the other open windows. She ran to the back of the house and began locking up before calling police.

She was not hurt and nothing was taken. For many police officers and security professionals, this would seem like a relatively minor offense. After all, it is a property crime and no one was hurt. However, my friend's mother was extremely upset afterwards. She would not stay home alone and insisted that an alarm system be installed. The family even considered buying a firearm for protection. In short, she no longer felt safe in her home.

The good news is that the police caught the suspects a few days later. All four were working together, with the girls checking on which homes were empty for the two men who were following and would commit the burglary.

Burglary crime prevention tips usually focus on how to protect yourself when no one is home. This case though points out the risks when you are home during a burglary. Some crooks are so brazen that they will enter a home in the early evening during dinner and sneak to bedrooms or other areas, searching for valuables. These thieves have found that homes are often unlocked in the evening, but these thieves are a rare breed and target large, upper-scale homes.

Most burglars who encounter an occupant will be just as upset or even scared as the victim. And that could be dangerous too, if the burglar resorts to violence in a panic.

So, what should a homeowner do, if you happen to surprise a burglar in your home?

1.     Prevention. Keep doors locked even when at home. If you want open windows, an ideal solution would be to block or lock the window where it is only open enough for air flow, but not large enough for someone to come in.

2.    Plan. Think through your plan in advance. Ask a couple of simple what-if questions about how to respond if you encounter a burglar. It is no different from thinking about how you would escape during a fire.

3.    Create a “safe” room. Set up a location where you can escape to, if you cannot leave the home. A room with a sturdy lock and a phone is ideal so you can call for police. If you are comfortable with the idea, you may keep a gun here for protection as well. Most crooks, as in the case above, will leave once they realize they’ve been discovered. However, some may try to corner the homeowner and this becomes a very dangerous situation. In fact, it is no longer a burglary, but a robbery, and the victim could be in danger. If the crook knows you are barricaded in a room, the police are on the way and you are armed, then they may very likely leave in a hurry.

4.    Stay calm. It is easy to say, but harder in a real-life scary situation. Take deep breaths and stay focused on what you need to do. Having a plan will definitely help as you will be following steps you already thought about. Ultimately, your mind and ability to outthink the crook is your best weapon and best defense.

Realizing the potential risks and thinking through the steps you will follow helps you survive a chance encounter with a burglar.

For more tips, read about how to mentally prepare for danger and how to survive a home invasion.

Get a Business Black Belt for your organization – visit www.businesskarate.com/karate-belts.

Learn self-defense for your business with Eric Smith’s new book, Workplace Security Essentials! Every aspect of protecting a workplace is compared to a self-defense skill taught to budding karate students, all in a practical and entertaining style, drawing on Eric’s law enforcement and security experience.

Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at Eric at businesskarate dot com.

Credit Card Skimming

Anyone can become a victim of identity theft. This week was my turn – once again. My credit card company called to check on some suspicious purchases where someone used my card number to buy over a $1,000 worth of merchandise on a boot-buying binge as well as hundreds of dollars at a grocery store, all in a town about an hour from where I live.

On this video blog, you can learn a little bit about skimming and how crooks get your card number and what to do to minimize the risks.

 http://youtu.be/p8iWrB5q_K8

 

Get a Business Black Belt for your organization – visit www.businesskarate.com/karate-belts.

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at Eric at businesskarate dot com.

Security Tip: Know Your Industry Risks

Every business has its own unique challenges. Security and crime concerns are one of those challenges. Some businesses may be at a higher risk of robbery, others may be more likely to encounter violent behavior and some may have safety issues such as chemicals and hazardous materials.

 

A robbery will most likely happen at a business dealing in high-value items, such as cash. Think of banks. Liquor stores and even pharmacies are frequent targets for those looking for artificial ways to enhance their lives. Working in isolation or out in the community adds to the risks, such as taxi drivers or convenience store clerks.

Other industries may be more exposed to violent attacks. Hospital workers, for example, are at a higher risk of assault due to the interactions with patients dealing with substance abuse and withdrawal, as well as those with mental illness.

Think about the crime risks or dangers simply due to the type of industry where you work. Once you realize the general dangers at work, you will be ready to take the right steps to keep those perils away.

 

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at Eric at businesskarate dot com.

Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth...Or Not?

            This time of year, thoughts turn to the holidays and spending time with family and friends. Kids are getting ready for the visit from Santa. Adults rush around finishing preparations; workplace parties; family get-togethers and so on.

            Everywhere you go, you will hear Christmas carols. While most bring up images of crisp, snowy days, traditional holiday images, visits from Santa or the Grinch, or reminding us of the birth of Christ, one carol stands out. The carol was originally a poem written during the U.S. Civil War, hardly a festive time for most.

            The song reminds us that peace on earth does not come easily and starts off with a gloomy outlook. By the end, though, the carol reminds us that right will prevail over evil. The carol, if you don’t recognize it yet, is I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. It reminds me of the all the people in law enforcement, in the military and even security who are protecting us each and every day. A true thin blue line that keeps evil at bay and strives to make sure that in the end, right does prevail over evil.

            This Christmas, take a moment to think of all those who protect us, especially working the holiday and missing family time to keep us safe. Take a moment to read over the lyrics, from an updated version of this classic, and think about the reminder to us all – stand up against evil.

 

 

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

And the bells are ringing
Like a choir they're singing


In my heart I hear them
Peace on earth, goodwill to men

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

But the bells are ringing
Like a choir singing

Does anybody hear them?
Peace on earth, goodwill to men

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
Peace on earth, peace on earth
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, goodwill to men

Then ringing singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

And the bells, they're ringing
Like a choir they're singing

And with our hearts we'll hear them
Peace on earth, goodwill to men

Do you hear the bells, they're ringing?
The life the angels singing

Open up your heart and hear them
Peace on earth, goodwill to men

            For more Christmas security tips, visit:

            Twas the Week Before Christmas…

            The 12 Crimes of Christmas

 

 

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at Eric at businesskarate dot com.

The Scoop On Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing problem. You can hardly turn on the news without hearing another story on identity theft or the importance of protecting personal information. Every day, we are bombarded with ads promising protection from identity theft if the right paper shredder is used or we subscribe to the monthly service that will protect our credit scores.

So, what is the risk from identity theft – is it really so dangerous? Are there steps that can be taken to protect against this type of crime? The answer to both is yes.

Let’s start with a look at the risks. The Federal Trade Commission estimated that total losses to business and financial institutions due to identity theft were $48 billion. The average loss to a business from identity theft was $4,800 per incident. Individuals lost an average of $580 to $800 depending on the type of fraud or identity theft. It may also take 30 to 60 hours to resolve identity theft. In some studies, victims have reported spending 175 hours to clear their names.

Biblical backgrounds

Isaac blessing Jacob in disguise (from WikiCommons)

 

Identity theft is not new. Perhaps the first documented case of identity theft is found in the bible. Jacob was the younger of twin brothers and wanted the blessing that his father was going to give to the older brother, Esau. Jacob knew that his father, Isaac, was nearly blind so Jacob disguised himself to resemble Esau, approached Isaac and tricked him into giving the blessing to him instead of Esau.

Wax seals were a form of protection from identity theft.

Since that time, kings, popes and other dignitaries have gone to great length to authenticate important papers with the use of wax seals. The seals were stamped with the crest or emblem specific to that individual as a mark to guarantee that the information therein was truly from that individual and to protect the privacy of the contents.

ID Theft in the 21^st Century

Modern technology has brought about changes on how identity thieves operate. Contemporary techniques include pharming, phishing and skimming. Pharming involves using the Internet to redirect a victim from a legitimate website to an alternative site that is designed to look like the genuine site, but instead is used to collect personal information. Phishing is more widely known now and involves emails sent from what appears to be a legitimate business, usually citing a problem and asking for personal data to correct the problem. A new twist, called vishing, involves not only emails, but also follow-up phone calls from suspects trying to obtain personal information. Skimming occurs when a person, such as a waiter, takes your credit or debit card for payment. The card is swiped in an electronic reader and the data recorded and later used to create a fake card with the correct account information. This can be the most difficult to trace as consumers hand their debit/credit cards to merchants and their employees routinely.

There are also the cases in which the potential victim has no direct involvement at all. Think of recent news stories where databases have been lost or stolen along with thousands and even millions of individuals’ personal data per incident. More often than not, the data loss was not the real motive and was secondary to any actual crime, such as the theft of a laptop. In those cases, the involved individuals do not become victims of identity theft, but still have to remain vigilant.

People no longer use a personal seal to authenticate documents, but instead use numbers, usually a social security number or even a credit card number. Increasingly, merchants are requesting combinations of personal information in order to complete a transaction. For example, many online merchants request a customer enter a credit card number with the billing address for that card, even if the item is shipped elsewhere in order to verify that the purchase is legitimate. Some gas stations are now requesting the billing address zip code for credit card purchases as well.

The most common form of identity theft in more than ½ of the cases is simply the use of stolen credit cards to go on shopping sprees. This type of fraud is also the easiest to correct. However, about ¼ of the cases involve opening new accounts in the victim’s name and can be much more devastating and the impact can last much longer.

Rights and Responsibilities when Recovering from ID Theft

Everyone should understand their rights and obligations in regards to identity theft before becoming a victim. In general, victims are only liable for $50 for fraudulent debt. However, victims do need to notify their bank or credit card company within 60 days of learning of fraudulent activity. If an ATM or debit card is lost or stolen, victims need to notify the bank or credit union within two business days upon learning of the loss. In the case of fraudulent checks, victims need to notify the bank promptly in order to limit their liability.

Under Federal laws, everyone can obtain a free credit report once a year from each of the following three consumer credit-reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Check the report for new accounts that you did not open. If you have been a victim of identity theft, you can place a fraud alert, which prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.

Many services offer protection from identity theft for monthly fees. Carefully evaluate the services offered to see if it is truly worthwhile for your situation. As noted, various laws limit the amount that a victim can be held liable for to $50 maximum. Be wary of the sales pitches that provide services already available free.

So what happens if you do become a victim of identity theft? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends placing a fraud alert with the three consumer credit reporting agencies and closing any accounts that may have been exposed to loss or accounts opened fraudulently. In addition, the victim should file a police report and file a complaint online with the FTC.

Unfortunately, filing a police report could be more difficult than it sounds. Identity theft often crosses numerous jurisdictions or is unclear where it exactly occurred. Police officers may refer victims to other agencies to file their report based on where part of the crime took place. The United States Department of Justice was involved in the development, along with several other organizations, of a national strategy to deal with identity theft. One of the recommendations is that police reports be filed in the jurisdiction where the victim resides. If a police agency is reluctant to take a report let them know about the recommendation. If the officer is still hesitant, ask that an ‘information only’ report be taken. Be sure to get the police report number for your records. Have an outline of the identity theft prepared ahead of time with dates, information on affected accounts, bank addresses and information on any other related police reports that may have been taken, as well as any suspect information, if available. This will make the reporting process easier and will help to make sure that no important information is forgotten or left out of the police report.

Solving ID Theft

Identity theft can be confusing and may happen in many different forms. One thing is clear – identity theft will continue, as the suspects evolve and develop new techniques to counter the steps used to thwart them. The FTC offers a wide-range of information on the Internet about identity theft and what to do if you become a victim. Protect your personal information; monitor your credit reports and review your account statements for any suspicious activity and you will minimize your risks.

 

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email eric@businesskarate.com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at eric@businesskarate.com.

 

Avoid Becoming a Victim with 3 Simple Tests

What do crooks look for? Why do burglars pick one house over another? What does a terrorist look for in a target? What do ordinary criminals and terrorists have in common for that matter?

Crooks and terrorists may not be so different after all. No matter how evil their intent, he (or she) must still select a target in order to carry out their plan. Robbery suspects first look for the loot before planning their heists. Burglars look for evidence that no one is home and terrorists want a big bang (literally) for their buck – high publicity.

One well-known bank robber is credited with the statement that he robbed banks because “that is where the money is.” A robber wants to gain something – that is the whole point of the crime. They want to make sure that the quick win is on hand. Many are feeding drug habits, gambling addiction or alcohol. With these kinds of cravings or obsessions, there is no time to waste. They are looking for something of value that can be turned around quickly for cash or traded for drugs.

1.      Value – The goal is some kind of gain or value. For a terrorist, the value may be high publicity, such as a famous building or critical infrastructure or large number of potential victims. For crooks, it may just be something worth stealing.

Favorite targets of robbers are convenience stores and taxi drivers. It is not too hard to figure out why – both are easy to find and convenient to the crook. In fact, two recent suspects in Denver have called the taxis to their location in order to rob the driver. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that – the victim comes to the crook. These are examples of highly visible targets. Terrorists like visibility too, but in a slightly different way. They want a target that will generate a lot of publicity and garner their group the visibility and attention. Blowing up a bomb in the middle of the desert will not get that attention, as compared to blowing up a crowded nightclub or embassy.

2.     Visible – The target must be visible; crooks have to know it is there and an attack must generate the kind of visibility a terrorist wants. Schools, landmarks or crowded venues will offer that kind of media attention and visibility.

Of course, the crook must be able to achieve their nefarious goal or at least have a hope of it. The famous gold depository at Fort Knox would be an example of something that is highly visible, of high value, but with little chance of success. A terrorist might love to steal a missile from the military, but the chances of getting to it are nil. There is virtually no vulnerability.

3.     Vulnerable – The victim must be susceptible to attack to be a worthwhile target. That is why burglars look for homes with unlocked doors or muggers wait for victims in areas of poor lighting. There is easy access and the element of surprise to help the attacker. Terrorists also need targets that are open to attack. On 9-11, it was relatively easy for terrorists to hijack planes and fly them into the WTC. Today, many of the vulnerabilities that the terrorists exploited have been eliminated.

As an individual or responsible for protecting your business, keep the 3 V’s in mind – Value, Visible and Vulnerable. Evaluate the value that criminals may see in your business. Maintain low visibility when possible to minimize the chance of becoming a target. Last, use appropriate steps to reduce your risk or vulnerability to avoid being a victim.

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense.  He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management.  Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces.  To learn more email eric@businesskarate.com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at eric@businesskarate.com. 

The 12 Crimes of Christmas

While most of us are getting ready for Christmas, there are those lacking the holiday spirit. With the added stress of the holidays, the parties, and shopping online or in the mall, there is a lot more opportunity for crooks to ply their trade. During the season, there are several crimes in particular that everyone should be on the alert for and take some extra measures to protect against.

1.     Robbery

With all the activity, shopping malls and parking lots can become a feeding ground for someone looking to steal from others. Shoppers with their arms full of bags and packages can easily become a target for a robbery. Suspects can lurk about undetected in busy crowds or unseen by distracted passers-by. A quick grab of a victim's packages and a run to a waiting car is all that is needed for this kind of strong arm robbery. A suspect using a gun or other weapon makes it more dangerous.

               Tip - Avoid overloading yourself with packages and walking alone through parking lots. Be alert to anyone sitting in cars in the parking lot or loitering about watching shoppers. Don't try to fight an armed suspect for property - only if your life is in danger. Don't forget the risks at ATMs.

2.     Identity theft

Christmas season is a great opportunity for identity thieves. Hiding in the crowds, it becomes easier to get passwords as people shop online at Wi-Fi spots or even use a cellphone to take a photo of a credit card to use the number online.

               Tip - Be wary of people using cellphones around you in lines or at Wi-Fi locations. Instead of texting they could be videotaping your card number, account user name and passwords. Check your credit card accounts for accuracy and report any suspicious activity right away. Same with bank accounts. If suspicious activity is reported right away, your loss is limited, generally to $50. Stay away from debit cards as a suspect can drain your account before you find out and then you have to work with the bank to even get your money back so the potential loss is greater, at least at first.

               Beware – most identity thefts occur by people we know – roommates, friends and relatives. These are the people in our homes who have easy access to credit cards and other ID information.

3.     Theft

Just as with robberies, it is easy to get distracted and leave items unattended or at least not closely watched. Where force or threats are used in robberies, thefts involve stealing something without the confrontation. Leaving a purse or package in a shopping cart and walking a short distance away is another example.

               TIP - Do not leave items unattended - ever!

               Did you know? The most commonly stolen items anymore are smartphones and tablets, such as iPads and iPhones. Keep a close eye on those electronic items.

4.    Phishing

With all the shopping including online, it is easy for crooks to send out blanket emails to potential victims, pretending to come from well-known online stores. An unsuspecting victim could respond to a believable email and respond to a convincing request to confirm account details. In short order, the suspect has the victims account details and can quickly get online to do their own shopping - at your expense.

               Tip - Even if an email appears to come from an account or online merchant that you have used, be wary that the email actually comes from the store. Check the link included in the email by hovering the mouse over the link. If the links do not match or do not appear to be from the vendor, do not click on it. Better to search for a phone number and contact the vendor directly to check for any problems.

5.     Burglary

This time of year there are a lot of reasons to be away from home. Christmas parties, work parties, family gatherings and shopping, not to mention vacations, keep us away from home more often than normal. But Christmas gifts probably sit under the tree, right by a front window, as part of the decorations. Burglars know this and are looking for signs that no one is home to break in and help themselves to your valuables.

               Tip – When leaving, be sure to set timers to turn on lights and keep gifts and other potential items of interest out of the view from windows. If you have Christmas lights, make sure that they come on even when you are not at home to give the appearance that someone is there. Nothing is more inviting to a burglar than a dark house and decorations turned off. Don’t let mail or newspapers pile up if you are out of town and have a neighbor shovel snow and even park in your driveway to give the appearance someone is home.

               The # 1 way burglars break into a home is through unlocked doors and windows – lock up before leaving!

6.    Vehicle trespass (car break-ins)

When running errands or picking up gifts, it is easy to make multiple stops and leave gifts in the car while inside another store. Crooks love window shopping too and will definitely look for items to steal.

               Tip – Keep valuables out of sight and in the trunk of your car. Try to time your stops so that little will be left in the car at any one time.

7.     Car jacking

Instead of a sleigh full of goodies, some crooks will look for a car loaded down with gifts.

               Tip – Keep valuables out of sight, in the trunk of your car and keep your doors locked. Always watch for anyone lurking about as you walk to and from your car and pay attention to any cars following you – yes, it does happen so if in doubt drive a few extra blocks to be certain no one follows you.

8.    Credit card fraud

Crooks get credit card information in many different ways. Going through the trash is one very low tech way. Meth addicts have been known to use their extra hours awake to reassemble shredded documents for ID theft, including all the mail with the credit card offers. A high tech way to get credit card info is to use skimmers, small devices that record account information. Make sure that card readers at gas stations or other locations work normally and if there is a problem, look for any unusual devices on the reader itself. Crooks sometimes put their own skimmers on and can be very hard to detect.

               Tip – As with other forms of ID theft, keep a close eye on all accounts. Ideally, never let the card out of your site. Even wait staff at a restaurant could keep a skimmer in their pocket to record your credit information.

9.    Family violence

This time of year we think of spending it with our families. Sometimes, that includes the crazy uncle or eccentric aunt. It can also mean violence from others you are around. The added stress of the holidays can contribute, especially if someone has a history of violence.

               Tip – If you have any concerns about others at parties or other gatherings, let family members you trust know beforehand. Limit alcohol and if someone does become threatening or violent, ask them to leave or even call police if necessary.

10. DUI

Speaking of alcohol, there is certainly a bit more this time of year with eggnog and holiday drinks and holiday parties. 

               Tip – When driving, watch the cars around you and keep your distance from cars weaving or driving erratically. When starting from a red light, check to make sure no one is running the light in the cross traffic.

11.  Road rage

 The stress of the holiday can really show itself on the highways as people are rushing back and forth and that can lead to some anger management issues behind the wheel.

               Tip – Do not get into pointless arguments on the road. If someone is flipping you off, ignore it and keep driving. Let aggressive tailgaters pass and if you are being followed, head to a crowded, public location, such as a busy grocery store. Use your cellphone to call police and pay attention to where you are and what street you are on.

12.  Vehicle theft

Our cars are one of our biggest and most valuable assets and we take them everywhere. And they could be a crook’s getaway car or a way to get extra spending money at your expense.

               Tip – Never, ever leave a car running unattended or with your kids inside to run a quick errand or warm up the car. Don’t leave the keys in the car. Park in well-lit areas; avoid isolated parking.

Seasons Greetings

From Business Karate

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense.  He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management.  Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces.  To learn more email eric@businesskarate.com.

 

 

If you would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at eric@businesskarate.com.