Don't Be a Holiday Crime Target

Tis the season to be jolly and, unfortunately, tis also the season for criminals to take advantage of frolicking folks.

The busy holiday shopping season is here. When you are at the mall looking for those precious gifts, take the following precautions to protect yourself from becoming a victim:

Vehicle Prowl Prevention:

Vehicle prowls are the theft of property from a motor vehicle. Most are crimes of opportunity through unlocked doors and open windows where victims usually encounter expensive vehicle damage – especially to their windows, doors and locks.

Large parking locations such as shopping centers among others are prime targets for a prowler since multiple vehicles can be hit in a short time span. To avoid being a car prowl target:

• Use a garage or secure location whenever possible.


• Park in well-lit areas where your car can be seen.


• Avoid isolated areas. Park near locations frequently used by pedestrians.


• If you hear something suspicious (shattering glass) or see someone looking into vehicles, call 911.


• Roll up the windows and lock all doors.


• Secure the trunk, hatches, bed-mounted tool boxes, and canopies.


• Activate your alarm.


• If you have a removable car stereo, remove it.


• Install anti-theft devices.


• Don't leave packages, bags of any kind visible on the seats or floor of your car. Use the trunk. “Put Your Junk in the Trunk.”


• If you take packages to your car trunk and want to go back to the mall, move your car. Most newer vehicles have a trunk release inside the car (in the glove box or by the driver). If the thief sees something that you have just purchased that he wants, he can easily break a window and open your trunk.

Special Winter Weather Warning:

During the winter months, many people warm up their cars in the morning and then leave them unattended. Don’t do this! Not only is it against the law, but a running car is also an invitation to a car thief.

Parking lot/ Personal Safety:

• Consider using the mall's valet parking service if it offers one.


• Make a note of your parking spot so that you don’t have to wander around the parking lot after shopping.


• Have your keys in your hand before leaving the mall and walk purposely to your car.


• Make sure nobody is in the car before entering, and lock the doors immediately when you get inside.


• If you are leaving a mall alone at night, you may request a security escort to your car.


• At an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), choose one that is located inside a mall, grocery store, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need. Shield the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you so they cannot view your transaction or obtain your PIN. Do not throw your ATM receipt away.


• Don't display large sums of cash in public. Be discreet about money or other valuables you are carrying.


• Be alert in public restrooms. If anything seems amiss or if a group of people is loitering in the area, leave quickly and find another facility.


• Stay alert in crowds to protect your valuables. A thief can use the cover of the crowd to make a quick getaway after stealing your wallet or shopping bag.


• Take only the credit cards you NEED for shopping, leave the rest at home.


• Ladies, carry your purses close to your body and separate your cash from your credit card.


• Men, consider carrying your wallet in a front pocket and/or adding a large rubber band around it so if a thief tries to swipe it, it will get caught on the pocket.


• Don't keep your keys in your purse. If your purse is stolen, the thief will have your address and keys to your home. Keep your keys in your pocket without an ID.
  
  For more personal safety tips please see www.seattletaekwondo.com or for personal safety classes, please call Seattle Tae Kwon Do at 425-775-0299.
  
  Grand Master Brandon Richards, Ph. D
  8th Degree Black Belt
  

Halloween Child Safety

MAKE HALLOWEEN A FUN, SAFE AND HAPPY TIME FOR YOUR FAMILY BY FOLLOWING THE TIPS AND GUIDELINES LISTED BELOW;


What could be more important than the safety of our children? To protect your child, think of the outside world as a jungle and your child as prey. The predator will be looking for the young and unattended! Here are some basic Halloween tips for kids and parents to be more aware of:

1. Choose a costume that is fire-proof, fits properly and allows you to see where you are going.

2. If your costume includes a prop, make sure that the ends are smooth and flexible enough not to cause an injury if fallen on.

3. Make sure you can see and be seen after dark by wearing a light-colored costume, using reflective tape and by carrying a flashlight.

4. NEVER go alone. You should either go with your parents or, if old enough, with a group of friends. If you are going to go house-to-house, without your parents, be sure and plan a route ahead of time with your family so they know where you’ll be and who will be with you.

5. ONLY approach houses that have their house lights on.

6. While at the door, stand back several feet from the entrance and NEVER go inside a stranger’s house.

7. Cross the street at corners and be sure to look both ways for traffic.

8. Always be cautious around candles and Jack-o-lanterns and don’t stand too close because your costume might catch fire.

9. Be careful around pets and animals; they might be over-excited or scared of people they don’t know or costumes and bite.

10. Bring your candy home to be inspected BEFORE eating to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with.Halloween is a wonderful holiday for children when safety tips like these are used. It’s not what you do for your children, but what you’ve taught them to do for themselves that will keep them safe while having fun.


Safety Tips is an ongoing, public safety and awareness program presented by Seattle Tae Kwon Do.

Grand Master Brandon Richards, Ph. D
Seattle Tae Kwon Do - http://www.seattletaekwondo.com/

Social Security Checks

Are you being targeted?

There are times when you are a more appealing target to criminals such as when you carry a larger sum of money. If you receive a social security check, a criminal can accurately predict when you will have the most money, and you should be alert during these times. If possible, arrange for direct deposit of your funds. This will eliminate the need to carry your check to the bank. If you do carry your social security check, keep it separate, but secure, from your purse or wallet. Good alternatives include an inside pocket of a coat that zips closed or the front pocket of your pants. If a robber confronts you, give them your purse or wallet. When your check is separate, you will know that they are not depriving you of a month’s means to live, and this will help ensure you don’t overreact and elevate your risk for injury by getting involved in a physical confrontation. There is nothing in your purse or wallet worth your safety even if you have put your check in it. When you receive your social security check, it is a good time to have a friend or family member visit you, especially if you live alone. The added security of extra people is a deterrent for a potential assailant. Until next time...Be Safe!

Grand Master Brandon Richards, Ph. D.
Seattle Tae Kwon Do

www.seattletaekwondo.com

Master Richards earns two degrees and is promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt

On June 4, 2011, Master Brandon Richards, became one of only 20 people in the United States to earn a Master of Science Degree in Martial Arts from Amerstate University in Racine, Wisconsin. Amerstate University is the first and only school in the United States to offer an accredited graduate level degree in Martial Arts/Tae Kwon Do. Since he completed his degree Master Richards was immediately eligible to test for his 8th Degree Black Belt. On June 4, 2011 he took his 8th degree Black Belt test and passed. Now that Master Richards has earned his 8th Degree Black Belt he is now considered a Grand Master. After graduation, International University San Diego selected Grand Master Richards to receive an Honorary Doctorate in Martial Science. This was based on his years of service and being one of only a select few that have a Master of Science in Martial Arts and are a 8th or 9th Degree Grand Master. June 2011 was quite a remarkable month for Grand Master Richards.

Dangers Around the House

When was the last time you crawled on hands and knees through your house or decided to taste everything in reach? Probably not since you were in diapers, but if you have children, you should consider doing just that as a safety precaution. Statistics show that most injury and death to children occur in their own homes and it doesn’t only concern babies but children as old as 14 years of age.

We are all aware of the obvious:
· Do not leave children unattended in bath or pool,
· Lock up firearms,
· Block stairs with child-proof gates
· Place household chemicals in the places where children cannot reach

But did you know that there are dangers in every room of your house? A simple lighter or medicine container left unattended may draw a young child to explore. Natural curiosity can lead to a devastating occurrence that can involve injury to property and more important, to a child.

· Fire Alarms - Install ionization alarms, which are better at sensing flaming fires, and photoelectric alarms, which are better at sensing slow, smoky fires.

· Medications – should be in child-proofed cupboards. And if you no longer need that prescription, don’t leave it lying around the house. Take it back to the pharmacy or for a controlled substance such as Vicodin, OxyContin, Xanax, etc., take it to the Mountlake Terrace Police Department. Please remember, that while young children can get poisoned, older children sometimes use prescription meds to get high. If you don’t want to drive anywhere, crush the pills and mix with coffee grounds, place it in a non-transparent container or sealable bag and throw it in the garbage. Don’t forget to rip off the prescription label from any container that you are throwing out.

· Window Treatment Cords - Cords can present a substantial hazard since they can wrap around or choke a child.

· Furniture and Carpets – can slide and cause injuries to anyone. Secure these with anti-slip pads.

There are many hazards that children can meet with in their own home but these simple things can help keep them safe and offer you peace of mind.

Courtesy of the Mountlake Terrace Police Advisory Board


Seattle Tae Kwon Do
www.seattletaekwondo.com

Women's Safety

People Seeking Directions

If you become lost while driving, you should seek directions by driving to a well-populated area, but what should you do when someone in a car asks for your help? While most people seeking directions are in genuine need of help, it is always wise to exercise caution. A common method of abduction involves luring a person closer to the car by using a map and asking directions. Once you are close enough to be reached, they grab you and step on the accelerator. To avoid falling out of a moving car, you will unconsciously assist them in being pulled into the vehicle through the open window.

Be aware of what is happening around you when you are offering directions. Someone could come up from behind you while you are distracted. Keep your directions simple. The less time you are in contact with a stranger, the safer you are. In addition, simple directions will be more helpful to a lost driver, and they can always ask another for more directions when they are closer to their destination. If you cannot be heard, speak louder. Avoid going closer to the vehicle. Helping people is fine, but use caution while doing so. Until next time...Be Safe.

Grand Master Brandon Richards, Ph. D.
Seattle Tae Kwon Do

www.seattletaekwondo.com

www.seattletaekwondo.com

Getting Separated from Your Child

Knowing Your Family Car

In today's busy world even the most cautious, protective parent can be separated from their child. This situation is scary for the parent, but can be terrifying for the child. There are several things you can teach your child that will help prepare them for this type of situation. Today's tip focuses on parking lots. First, teach your child to not wander the parking lot looking for you. Instead, they should go back to the store entrance where they will be out of traffic and more easily seen by you.

Also, it is surprising how many children cannot accurately describe their family’s car. Sometimes we overlook the fact that a three to five year old spends a greater amount of their time on the inside of the car looking out. The size of parking lots associated with malls and shopping centers makes this knowledge crucial for the safety of small children. If a young child is separated from their family, they could feasibly be within sight of your car and never notice.

Two additional assets for your child’s awareness include always identifying a permanent landmark near the area you have parked and having a specific picture, color sticker, or other item in the window for them to see. You can help your child by having them draw a picture of your car and color it so they are aware of its appearance. In future articles we will discuss what your child can do if lost in a store or other area. Until next time...Be Safe.

Grand Master Brandon Richards, Ph. D.
Seattle Tae Kwon Do

www.seattletaekwondo.com