Email from Glen of Dallas

[Lou Newton]

Here is an email I received from Glen:

There is a significant increase in robberies/hijackings by following the victims from ATMs and banks because a trip to the ATM usually indicates the victims are flush with cash. The most common seems to be a robbery at a gasoline station. However, there have been a number of home invasions where the robbers have surprised the victim in the driveway or garage and even by ringing the door bell. Some of these kinds of robberies involve thieves traveling from city to city. Sometimes, the robbers approach the victims asking for help, either asking for directions or a handout. Remember, there are other ways of being the “good Samaritan,” and the drug addict is desperate for the next fix.

Some possible evasive actions after using an ATM:
Plan an evasive tactic so as to observe any vehicle that follows you.
Examples:
Drive through the parking area at professional offices (not retail).
Circle the block making all right turns or all left turns.
Just be aware of a vehicle that could be following you.
Keep the vehicle doors locked.
The next stop should not be a gasoline station.
Avoid stopping in places that are isolated or away from crowded parking lots.
In a parking lot watch for vehicles stopping behind you or pulling in close to you.
In crowded parking lots try to park where you do not have to back up.
Before entering your driveway, circle the block or cul-de-sac to spot anyone following you – stop and watch.
Close the garage door before exiting your vehicle.
If your door bell rings just after arriving at home, you should call 911 before answering the door.
Become aware of the locations and times of the day for crime in your area using the police reports – of course avoid those times and places.
Inattentiveness is not advised even though the chances of becoming a victim might be low.
Be paranoid and safe!
Old people can pretend to be detectives, too.

[Steve Hollander]

I always look around and I make sure my wife is very careful. I know she keeps the doors locked in the car all the time. I keep the alarm on even when I'm home. I keep weapons close at hand and if my doorbell rings after dark, I answer with a weapon in hand.
We have to be careful in these times. I'm sure that the Lord is the best defense to rely on, but I don't think I should be walking around with my head in the clouds.
I'm not licensed to carry in NJ so I carry pepper spray while on my walks and nothing to steal of any value with me on my walk. I pray for protection and the rest is on the King.

[Baruch]

Thanks Glen and Lou for those tips. Vigilance is a healthy habit, with definite benefits in the natural and the spiritual. I was not raised to be vigilant. For most of my years I did not have to be, but when I would have benefited from it I didn't have it at my disposal. Vigilance is founded on caution, and caution takes thought: sometimes deep thought. I think lately many people are starting to see the wisdom of forethought, maintaining awareness, and learning war. The streets seem much less safe today than when I was a kid, and I can't simply chalk it up to youthful naivete.

Here is one more tip: the best defensive weapon is one nobody knows you have.

[Lou Newton]

Thanks Glen and Lou for those tips. Vigilance is a healthy habit, with definite benefits in the natural and the spiritual. I was not raised to be vigilant. For most of my years I did not have to be, but when I would have benefited from it I didn't have it at my disposal. Vigilance is founded on caution, and caution takes thought: sometimes deep thought. I think lately many people are starting to see the wisdom of forethought, maintaining awareness, and learning war. The streets seem much less safe today than when I was a kid, and I can't simply chalk it up to youthful naivete.

Here is one more tip: the best defensive weapon is one nobody knows you have.

Here is one more tip: the best defensive weapon is one nobody knows you have

That is a very good tip Barry. Surprise is always one of the best assets in a fight.