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Shocking Flash Mob Thefts Taking Place
If you spend any time watching videos online via YouTube or other sources or if you’ve watched the news recently, you may have heard of flash mob thefts that are taking place at convenience stores and other similar businesses across North America.A “flash mob” is an event that is typically organized on the Internet. Groups of people suddenly appear in a predetermined place, perform some sort of task or act and then quickly disperse. Typically flash mobs are done for fun or to attract attention or publicity. However, people are now using flash mob tactics to damage property, steal items or cause other crimes. These crimes are sometimes called “Flash robs”.
You’ll find the videos of flash mob thefts all over the Internet. Recently this tactic was used to rob a Maryland convenience store of a great deal of merchandise in under a minute. According to a CNN report on the robbery, “Surveillance video shows a couple of teens walking into the Germantown 7-Eleven store Saturday at 1:47 a.m. Then, in a matter of seconds, dozens more young people entered and grabbed items from store shelves and coolers. Police said the teens left the store together, without paying for anything.” Our tips can help you to stay safe from flash mob thefts.
People have also started using the technique in Canada. A Toronto Star report mentions a similar crime that took place in Ottawa. According to the Star, “the Quickie convenience store in Ottawa’s west end was virtually empty. The next minute, 40 or so youth descended en masse. As they marched in they grabbed everything in sight. The next minute, like a well-oiled many-tentacled machine, the mob turned around and left with $800 worth of goods.”
All of these crimes were caught on store surveillance cameras. In the Maryland robbery, police used the store’s security footage to identify 17 suspects and charge them with the crime. The suspects were charged with either theft, conspiracy to commit theft or disorderly conduct. The police intend to use the security footage to identify the remaining suspects. “These kids basically thought they could walk in there, create havoc and remain anonymous,” said Capt. Luther Reynolds of the local police when discussing how security camera footage helped identify the suspects. Stay aware of flash mob thefts.
This situation once again shows how security cameras help fight crime. For more information on security cameras, please visit SafeTech Alarms Security Camera Section.
Dead Bolts: A Major Part of your Security System
There are many parts to a successful security system. From the alarm to the motion detectors to the surveillance cameras and the monitoring service, an effective security system uses many different pieces of technology. However, one item that many people forget isn’t a great technological invention but a very simple device: A dead bolt.A dead bolt is a locking mechanism that cannot be moved from the open position except by rotating the lock cylinder. This gives dead bolts a distinct advantage over spring bolt locks and they make a door much more resistant to opening without the correct key.
Dead bolts should be used on exterior doors whenever possible. You may wish to use them in conjunction with a spring bolt lock if you’d like.
Unfortunately, most people do not think of the door lock when they are installing a home security system or a business security system. While alarms, motion detectors and surveillance cameras are certainly important, you should be sure to remember the dead bolt as well.
Why do dead bolts work so well? The main reason is because they are incredibly difficult to open without the correct key. While spring bolt locks can be opened by using a suitable instrument to push on the bolt, a dead bolt requires much more force to open. This makes it impractical for most thieves to attempt.
However, when you install a dead bolt you also need to ensure that the door itself is strong enough to protect against an attack. When faced with a dead bolt, some criminals will look to remove the entire locking mechanism, the door jam or the door itself.
A dead bolt, combined with a strong door and a suitable security system the best way to keep your property safe.
Security Apps For Your Smartphone
Smartphones are quickly becoming a more and more important part of our lives. In addition to simply using them to communicate, we’re now using them to make purchases, conduct our banking, schedule trips and much more. That’s why it’s more important than ever to protect our phones and the data we store on them.Thankfully there are a number of apps available for all smartphone brands that help keep your data and your phone safe.
“Phone Security Free” By Empire Apps is a free iPhone app that uses a fingerprint scanner to unlock your phone. This ensures that only you will be able to unlock your phone.
To protect yourself from viruses, malware and other issues, AVG offers a security app for both Android and iPhone. The Android app currently offers more features, including file scanners, Internet security and more. AVG has also recently released an application for Windows Phone 7 devices as well. Another similar security application, “Kaspersky Mobile Security” is available for both Android and Blackberry phones.
Remember, one of the best ways to protect your smartphone data is to be careful with which applications you install. Only install applications from trusted sources. In addition, you should protect your smartphone like you would your wallet. Do not leave it lying around or unattended. The information on it can be incredibly valuable and dangerous in the wrong hands.
SafeTech’s 2011 City Crime Report Now Available
Protect yourself! Find out where and what type of crime is happening in your neighbourhood and your city with SafeTech’s 2011 City Crime Report. Use the 2011 City Crime Report to:- Determine exactly where crime is happening in Canada
- Examine the types of crime taking place in your region and across the country
- Compare different areas of the country on several different types of crime
- Recognize the severity and likelihood of crime taking place in your city
- Understand the overall crime situation in this country
SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting people and property for over 20 years. We have compiled crime statistics from across Canada, broken them down by province and city and presented them in a straightforward manner that will help keep you safe!·· To receive a free copy of SafeTech Alarm Systems’ Canadian City Crime Report 2011, please click here.