Urban Sheepdog | Personal Protection Systems Inc.

Thwarting Identity Theft While On Vacation

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 12:02:43 -0700

If you are travelling this summer, here are some great recommendations on how to minimize identity theft while you are on vacation:

http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=51&articleid=20120722_51_E4_bImgoi308904

Darren

The Urban Sheepdog

Eight Things Not To Keep In Your Walet

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 09:05:58 -0700

Great article published in Kiplinger on eight things that you should not be keeping in your wallet should it be lost or stolen

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/8-things-not-to-keep-in-your-wallet.html

Darren

The Urban Sheepdog

How To Protect Your Identity When Moving Homes

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:16:16 -0700

It is stressful enough when you are moving homes, so why increase that stress by having your identity stolen in the process. Heres a great link to steps on how to protect your identity when in the moving process.

http://www.securitynewsdaily.com/2080-protect-identity-moving.html

Darren

The Urban Sheepdog

Hi-Tech Hacking Of Cars

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:07:17 -0700

Here's a link to an article on how car thieves are now hacking into the on-board computers located in many new vehicle for the sole intent of stealing your new vehicle.

http://www.securitynewsdaily.com/2059-high-tech-car-theft.html

Darren

The Urban Sheepdog

How to Target Harden Your Vehicle

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:01:50 -0700

Considering there are more than 400 cars stolen in Canada every single day, here's an article from Sympatico.ca that offers some hints on how to keep criminals at bay

http://autos.sympatico.ca/car-care/13934/keeping-thieves-at-bay

Darren

The Urban Sheepdog

Turn An Old Computer Into A New Home Security System

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 11:52:45 -0700

Here's a cool idea for turning your old/used computer into a new home security system. Other than having to purchase a couple of external cameras, this home security monitoring system can be done for free:

http://www.securitynewsdaily.com/1853-computer-home-security-system.html

Darren

The Urban Sheepdog

Loose Your Keys

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:07:29 -0700

For those of you who commonly misplace or loose your keys, there's an App for you

http://mashable.com/2012/06/18/hone-for-ios/

Darren

Locating Your Stolen Goods

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:56:30 -0800

Often those who commit theft and break and enters will sell their stolen goods for money. In times past, the criminal element would take these stolen items to a local fence (buyer of stolen property) or a pawn shop. Today however, the criminal element is now using the Internet to sell their stolen goods, which offers a higher financial return on their criminal endeavor and a decreased likelihood of being caught by the police.

eBay , although popular in the past, has become less desirable given that they maintain records of all items sold, as well eBay requires valid banking information that can often allow law enforcement to easily track the seller.

Today, the criminal element is turning to Craigslist or a local on-line seller of used goods such a UsedVictoria. Both offer a search capability, and the more detailed you are with your search the better (make, model number, color, style)

You can also use Google to assist you with searching both Craigslist and UsedVictoria. The great thing about using Google is that it will pick up on goods that are presently for sale, but also goods that have sold in the past. To use the Google search function here’s what you place in the search box (make sure you type everything between the quotes):

Social Media and Home Security

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:30:55 -0800

I have posted in past on the dangers surrounding placing too much information in your social networks, and how it can have a negative impact on home security , but here's a recent UK infographic that supports the fact that the criminal element are using your social networks to their advantage:

Social Media Infographic Provided by CreditSesame.com

Darren

The Urban Sheepdog

Attention Parents

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:23:13 -0800

Just when we think we have heard it all when it comes to our kids finding new ways to experiment with alcohol and drugs, now we have to concern ourselves with this:

Hotel/Motel Security

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:37:00 -0700

Hotel/Motel Safety:

Given that many people travel on vacation or business, I thought a quick posting on Hotel/Motel Safety would be of interest. By following the below noted suggestions, I believe it will increase your chances of a crime free stay:

· Before you go, plan your vacation and do the research on the hotel/motel that you will be staying at and where it is located. If its in a high crime area, no matter how nice the hotel, maybe its safer to pick another hotel/motel.

· Take pictures of any credit cards, passports, plane tickets and any other important documents that you will be taking and take a copy with you and leave a second one at home. Consideration may be given to doing the same thing with any valuables; jewelry, laptops, cameras etc. If any of these items are stolen then it make it easier to report to the police and help them with identification.

· Never stay on the first floor. If at all possible , stay between the 12^th-15^th floor. Reason; it’s high enough from a crime prevention standpoint, but not too high that in an emergency (such as a fire) it makes it dificult for first responders to get to you. Most modern fire truck aerials can not reach above 12-15 floors.

Trust Your Intuition

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:03:50 -0700

Trusting Your Intuition:

Several years ago I wrote an article called “Etheric Sense”

http://www.personalprotectionsystems.ca/articles/etheric_sense.pdf

and in that article, last paragraph, I stated, “ I do believe that modern science will one day quantify and Qualify the Etheric sense, thus moving this self protection attribute from the realm of mysticism and esoteric philosophy, to mainstream study.”

Well researchers from Cornell University have recently done just that:

http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/April11/CriminalAppearance.html

I have stated for years that our intuition is a million years of evolution that the good Lord (or Creator) has provided us to stay safe, and science is now providing “empirical” research to support this belief.

Darren

The Urban Sheepdog

Apartment/Condo Security

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:05:57 -0700

Apartment/Condo Security:

Many of us who can’t afford to purchase a house will instead rent an apartment or condo. If you are looking to move into an apartment or condominium make sure you do your homework first:

· Ask the landlord or manager what their philosophy is regarding apartment security and do they even have one ?

· What kind of background checks are done on tenants in the building if any ?

· What kind of security exists on the property now ?

· Is the building a member of the “Crime Free Multi Housing Program” which is offered here in Victoria.

http://www.vicpd.ca/uploads/bod/monitoring/2010/March%202010%20%20Crime%20Free%20Multi%20Housing%202009%20Annual%20Report.pdf

http://www.vicpd.ca/index.php?page=cfmh-2

· Do they “re-key” the locks when the last tenant has left, if not will they take on this expense? If the property owner is not willing to take on this expense are they willing to allow you to re-key the lock ? This is important as some buildings will not allow you to do this.

Home Invasions

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:19:57 -0700

Home Invasions:

Home invasions, although a rarity, are likely going to be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Given that our homes represent safety, security, and sanctuary, when violated by an intruder(s) who may want our property, our body, or even our life, it’s no wonder that the threat of a home invasion creates one of the most feared security concerns to a homeowner. Although it is not desirable to imagine you or your family in a situation like this, it is very important that you do consider planning for this possible reality should it ever happen to you. Remember the 7 P’s to personal safety; proper pre planning prevents piss poor performance. So what can we do to prevent or survive a home invasion?

1. Never open the door to someone you do not know. Most, not all, home invasions start with a knock a the door (usually combined with a ruse such as the intruder asking a question) and the homeowner voluntarily opening the door which now allows quick and easy access into your home with little to no noise. Once inside the home the intruder can spend hours undetected

Stop A Bully

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:54:34 -0700

Stop A Bully:

Bullying in all its forms in unacceptable in our schools, and now there is a “Canadian” program designed and developed by a teacher in British Columbia, that promotes “real world” information on this very important topic area called “Stop A Bully”. The other benefit to the Stop A Bully website is that it allows any student in Canada to submit an on-line bullying incident report directly to a school official without risk of becoming a target or being identified. I encourage everyone to check out this made in Canada website that can be located at:

www.stopabully.ca

Darren

The Urban Sheepdog

The Barking Dog Alarm

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:03:21 -0700

Barking Dog Alarms:

I have often been asked about the effectiveness of barking dog alarms, to which I always reply, “I don’t really know how effective they are, but what I can tell you is that the criminal element does not like dogs, especially those such as a German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher or other types of protection bred dogs. “ So given this fact, I would assume that a good barking dog alarm, that is realistic in the playing of an actual dog barking, might just be a good alternative to those who can not have a dog in the home, apartment, condo, cottage or even RV.

I have done some research on-line and it appears that one of the more reputable dog alarms on the market is called “Rex":

Some of the benefits of Rex include:

· Cost between 70-100 dollars

· The closer someone gets to your door the louder and more frequent the barking becomes. The product uses microwave radar sensors which can pass through a door or window, thus sensing when someone is approaching.

Beware Of Lock Bumping

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:46:49 -0700

The criminal element are constanly looking for ways to make it easier for them to break into your house without having to force entry which only creates noise and increases their chances of being seen, heard, or caught. One technique that has been around for several years now, but yet is relatively unknown by most home owners is a technique known as "Lock Bumping" which can be seen on following Youtube video:

As was mentioned in this video, there are a number of free sites and videos on the Internet which teaches people how to both make and use a bump key.

One of the best ways to prevent your home from being "bumped" is to use a lock that can't be bumped and one of the best on the market is called "The Ultimate Lock" which can be located at:

http://www.theultimatelock.com/

Although you may pay a premium for this lock, it does offer several other advantages (other than preventing bumping) that no other lock on the market that I know of can offer. As always, remember that this lock is only as good as the door that it is installed; always ensure that the door is solid core.

The Art Of Deception And Home Security

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:04:15 -0700

The Art Of Deception And Home Security:

One of the principles in target hardening your home, especially if the outer security perimeter has been breached or pen tested, is to not only ensure that you secure the inner perimeter, but also make your home appear to be occupied, when you and your family are out. Often you will hear people advise you to leave a light, stereo or even your TV on utilizing timers. Although great ideas, there are now other technological tools on the market that utilize the "art of deception" to make your home look like it is occupied. Two products include:

Audioguard (http://www.audioguard.com/)

Which is a three CD set containing everyday day sounds that you would naturally hear if people were home, and that can be looped repeatedly through your home stereo system while you are out of the house.

Fake TV (http://www.faketv.com/)

Which is a product that produces the same effect as having your TV on, but given that it uses small LED lights, its cost of operation is significantly cheaper that actually keeping your tv running, never mind the wear and tear on your flat screen TV with over use.

Monitored Home Alarms, Are They Worth The Cost

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:22:40 -0700

Monitored Home Alarms Systems Are They Worth The Cost ???

A 2010 study called, “The Greenwich Study Of Residential Security”, which was funded by the alarm industry, found that a home that was not protected by a “monitored” home alarm system, that advertised such through overt signage, was 2.7 – 3.5 times more likely to be targeted for a residential break and enter.

http://www.homesecuritytopics.com/articles/homes-without-alarms-more-likely-to-be-burglarized.html

Now I know some of you will think, “of course this study would reach this finding given that it was funded by the alarm/security industry”, BUT 25+ years in law enforcement has proven to me that this study actually reflects reality in my experience. There is no doubt, that when hunting for an easy target home, the criminal will want to know if the house has a monitored alarm system. Why, because it increases their chances of being seen, heard, and caught.

It is important to remember that an advertised monitored alarm system is but one component to an overall “target hardening” strategy that can go along way in causing a criminal to pick another home. Please have a read of this blog posting that has a more in-depth discussion on a “complete” target hardening strategy for your home.

ATM Security

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 12:39:29 -0700

With current news surrounding ATM security and how the criminal element is stealing money from our accounts, I thought this FBI article, "Taking A Trip To An ATM, Becareful Of Skimmers" was timely:

http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/july/atm_071411/atm_071411

Here's a great Youtube video on the topic as well:

Here's another great series on the topic:

http://krebsonsecurity.com/all-about-skimmers/

Stay Safe

Darren

The Urban Sheepdog