Categories
Archives

You are currently browsing the archives for the Instructor Blogs category.

Search

Archive for the ‘Instructor Blogs’ Category

Burglar caught on home surveillance cameras

This is a testament to the wonders of technology. I just helped someone set up 4 color cameras with night vision for under $300 in parts (labor and computer setup would be more if you paid a professional).

I wonder if they are not overreaching, as they charged felony 1st degree burglary. According to the MN statutes someone has to be home, the burglar must have a weapon, or someone must be hurt. If that is the case $165 turns into up to 20 years. Too bad about the revolving door justice system, he will be out in a few months.

Story here.

12yo girl reports rape via ipod and facebook

I may have to take back some of the things I have said about the uselessness of some of these things, not only was she able to reach out for help after he took her phone away, but he destroyed his own alibi with a text message proving when he was home.

Story here.

Family sleeps thru car crash into apt.

We have taught for years that we are defenseless 1/3 of our lives. People think “it’s ok to sleep with the window open, I would hear someone trying to get in”. Well, ask yourself this – ever sleep through a thunderstorm?

This story illustrates the point perfectly.

Thieves target diners

Always keep your valuables close, as the pros only need a second to relieve you of them.

I personally carry a credit card with a small limit, and save the card with the higher limit for times when it’s needed. It is rare you are suddenly in need of a thousand dollars or more in credit without a chance to be at home first.

Remember – money stolen from a credit card can be challenged and taken care of quickly. Debit cards on the other hand can take up to a year to have the situation resolved and your money returned. If you must use a debit card, have 2 checking accounts, and have a debit card on the “risk account”, keeping only a small sum available. With transfers being available immediately, this is a very minor hassle for a huge security boost.

Story here.

Serial robber sought in Mpls.

Hitting gas stations and convenience stores, even with a security camera picture, the police still need the public’s help in identifying the suspect.

This is a very common place for robbery, remember – when entering a store like this, look inside first and make sure everything looks normal. If you cannot see inside, shop elsewhere if possible.

Story here.

Man shoots 4 relatives, killing 3

We cannot stress this enough, the vast majority of the time, we know our attacker. 3 dead, and 1 wounded by a man described by neighbors as a “good, dependable person”.

Story here.

Car wash shooting

This story illustrates a number of things we have taught for years. Firstly, many shootings start out over some trivial matter, or nothing at all. Secondly, if the unidentified man who had avoided the fight the assailant tried to start had just dropped the matter, gotten in the car and left, his friend would still be alive. Instead he went back to the car, told his friend who then confronted the assailant and got shot to death for his trouble.

This was a situation that could have been completely avoided, even after the trouble had started.

Story here.

2 men beaten in park

Another senseless attack, to be sure. But the media and prosecutor make it sound like this could not have been avoided.

Should we be able to be safe everywhere we go? Sure, that would be lovely. It is, however, not reality.

Sitting in a public park at 11:00  p.m. is asking for trouble. Note that one man was beaten unconscious before the attackers even asked for “all your stuff”. My guess is they did not like the 2 on 2 odds, and acted accordingly.

Again, evaluate your behaviors and lifestyle choices. Residents of major cities are 60 times more likely to be the victim of a robbery.

Story here.

Bar shooting now self-defense?

With little but witness statements, it is impossible to say if this qualifies as self-defense, but knives are capable of doing more damage than firearms in many cases.

We will keep you posted as this story develops.

Story here.

Man tries to kill girlfriend with fork

The fact remains, despite the media hype about guns, most crime does not involve them.

In 2007 in MN 83% of aggravated assaults and 67% of robberies did NOT involve a gun.

Learn to protect yourself, as we are most likely to be a victim of a crime committed by someone we know.

Story here.