Welcome back Street Survivors. I’ve greatly enjoyed writing this column over the past decade or so, and want to thank Bob Gecy for the opportunity to be part of the Simpsonville Sentinel family. Another highlight is receiving your emails asking your personal security questions. Please continue to write in and I may even write a column about your issue.
I’d like to focus today’s article on security issues facing readers that may live alone. You may be more of a target for break-ins if you only have one name on the mailbox, or your mail is always addressed to just one person. Consider adding another name to your mailbox, or if your last name is Smith, it’s better to put “The Smith’s” instead of a first initial and your last name, which advertises you live alone. You might want to consider getting a magazine subscription or join a free written newsletter under another name, so it appears that more than one person lives in your home. Yes, when a burglar is casing your home, they might flip through your mail for clues. Having a few lights on a timer is also a good idea especially if you work long hours or travel a lot.
If you’re female, to expand on the charade, pick up a large pair of men’s boots at a local Thrift shop and leave them outside the main entrance with a pair of yours. Burglars and home invaders are really cowards, and sometimes simple moves like this can make them choose another home.
These days, it’s easy for a criminal to find out if you live alone or if there’s a family at your residence, so these tips could help fake them out.
Keeping your doors and windows locked when at home, seems like common sense, but it’s surprising how many burglars just walk in, without having to make any noise trying to break down the door, or window. If someone rings your doorbell or knocks on your door, make it sound like there’s more than one person at home by loudly saying, “I’ll get it”, or when you’re about to leave, “I’ll be back soon”, just in case someone is within earshot. Sounds kind of nuts, but it works. Also, don’t blindly open the door without looking to see who’s there first, that’s a big mistake.
Finally, it helps to know your neighbors’, so you can both watch each other’s home when the other is gone to work or for extended periods. You don’t have to be best friends, but you should know each other enough to share phone numbers for texting or emergency calls if something is happening at your home while you’re away.
Our next article will discuss a few defensive tools for those that don’t want to carry a personal firearm for protection. Stay tuned and thanks for reading.
Rick ‘Pirate Hunter’ Grover strongly believes we’re all in this together, and the more we learn and train, the better we’ll be prepared for any eventuality. This makes all of us part of an amazing neighborhood team of American Patriots. God Bless America ! Drop us a comment or question at email: StreeTactics@gmail.com
Don’t be a victim… be a Street Survivor !
Please send in your questions and comments to:
Streetactics@gmail.com.♦
