California -- Sfgate.com has a very informative article about a very common tactic or set-up used by robbers, thieves or criminals alike. It goes something like this:
- You are being approached by someone face to face
- The person distracts you or even attacks you (as in the above story)
- You are being attacked from behind by the persons accomplices
- This can also be a set-up for theft (pickpocket)
The people behind you are there either as a back up for the person in front or as the ones doing the actual hit.
In either case it is always recommended you walk, move (or if needed push) past the person confronting you. This goes even if you are stopped for directions, time, a dime or what ever. You are in a far better situation to evaluate and act when you're able to turn and face the person - and consequently any other persons - confronting you!
Read the above story and judge for yourself how bad it is to fight someone with your back to someone you don't know is there...
Showing posts with label criminal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label criminal. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Thursday, August 07, 2008
A scary list
Idaho -- A convicted Ontario sex offender has allegedly made a list of 32 girls to "look up" once he gets out of jail. Now parents worry for their children's safety as the man is soon to be released.
One parent talked about how their kids in effect were prisoners. "we don't know what to do to make it better for them," the parent said.
Sheriff's deputies reportedly found a list the man had written. It was titled "people to look up". 32 local girls between the ages of 6 and 17 were on the list, including his original 15 year old victim.
In order to come up with his list, authorities alleges the man read newspaper articles about the girls. It is said the list is so detailed it that had everything short of an address to look these girls up.
And still we somehow tend to hang on to this all-to-prevalent idea about 'random violence'...
One parent talked about how their kids in effect were prisoners. "we don't know what to do to make it better for them," the parent said.
Sheriff's deputies reportedly found a list the man had written. It was titled "people to look up". 32 local girls between the ages of 6 and 17 were on the list, including his original 15 year old victim.
In order to come up with his list, authorities alleges the man read newspaper articles about the girls. It is said the list is so detailed it that had everything short of an address to look these girls up.
And still we somehow tend to hang on to this all-to-prevalent idea about 'random violence'...
Saturday, March 22, 2008
A fight for life
It is worth repeating; someone who believe they are fighting for their life has a tremendous amount of strength. The same goes if you decide you will not be taken down.
Is it always possible to fight back, or is it always wise to fight back? Of course not. Still, stories like this one here is a reminder of our possibilities in what may be called a worst case scenario.
Story
Canada.com reported about a 53-year-old convicted robber and rapist who attempted to rob a convenience store in Windsor, Ontario. Using a fake gun, plus a rather odd disguise made up of wig, heart-shaped shades, cowboy hat and fake beard - he lost what was referred to as a violent struggle with the 34-year-old diminutive female clerk.
A superior court judge told how the clerk thought she was going to be raped and perhaps killed. Lacerated and bloody, she believed she was fighting for both her sexual integrity and her life, the court heard.
The case prosecutor said the woman "fought valiantly" against the man. He struck the woman and held her down. But she fought back, scratching and biting the assailant, leaving "telltale marks" that police saw when he was later arrested.
The attempted robbery and rape failed because the female clerk got the better of a much larger, heavier and stronger man, the judge said.
The man walked into the store in September 2005 and demanded the keys to the place from the clerk, so that he could lock them both inside. The court was told how the man, in addition to his disguise and weapon, had a bag filled with duct tape, a knife and fake bomb.
A police report explained how the woman struggled the fake gun away from the attacker and actually hit him with it.The man fled the store after the fight, leaving his bag behind.
Is it always possible to fight back, or is it always wise to fight back? Of course not. Still, stories like this one here is a reminder of our possibilities in what may be called a worst case scenario.
Story
Canada.com reported about a 53-year-old convicted robber and rapist who attempted to rob a convenience store in Windsor, Ontario. Using a fake gun, plus a rather odd disguise made up of wig, heart-shaped shades, cowboy hat and fake beard - he lost what was referred to as a violent struggle with the 34-year-old diminutive female clerk.
A superior court judge told how the clerk thought she was going to be raped and perhaps killed. Lacerated and bloody, she believed she was fighting for both her sexual integrity and her life, the court heard.
The case prosecutor said the woman "fought valiantly" against the man. He struck the woman and held her down. But she fought back, scratching and biting the assailant, leaving "telltale marks" that police saw when he was later arrested.
The attempted robbery and rape failed because the female clerk got the better of a much larger, heavier and stronger man, the judge said.
The man walked into the store in September 2005 and demanded the keys to the place from the clerk, so that he could lock them both inside. The court was told how the man, in addition to his disguise and weapon, had a bag filled with duct tape, a knife and fake bomb.
A police report explained how the woman struggled the fake gun away from the attacker and actually hit him with it.The man fled the store after the fight, leaving his bag behind.
Friday, February 15, 2008
From bad to worse
I can't really argue too much about this man following the culprits after being robbed at gunpoint. I might actually have done the same thing myself if I was in the position to do so.
However, pulling up alongside two armed - and now probably desperate - men, may not be your smartest move.
Personally, I would probably not follow someone in the first place unless I had some way of communicating with police. And my only reason for following someone would be to notify authorities.
Think about this:
After a robbery you're most likely to have strong adrenal reactions, and you most probably won't function too well (unless you're trained to do so/used to it). You are probably very angry, and this also doesn't exactly put you in a better "combat mode" either. And then add to it that you are dealing with (often times) armed and desperate people under the influence of drugs. A criminal does not want to get caught, remember...
And risking your life for some "valuables" ... things? Then that would really have to be some very special items of immense personal and sentimental value!
Story:
Virginia -- Police said a 49-year-old man was shot following a robbery in the Lorton area Sunday, according to nbc4.com.
The victim had just parked his SUV when he was approached by two masked men with guns, according to police. The victim reportedly gave the men his wallet and other items, and they got into a car and fled.
The robbery victim got into his car in order to follow the culprits. When he pulled up next to the suspect vehicle near an intersection, one of the culprits allegedly shot him in the upper body.
The man drove home and called police. He was later was hospitalized.
However, pulling up alongside two armed - and now probably desperate - men, may not be your smartest move.
Personally, I would probably not follow someone in the first place unless I had some way of communicating with police. And my only reason for following someone would be to notify authorities.
Think about this:
After a robbery you're most likely to have strong adrenal reactions, and you most probably won't function too well (unless you're trained to do so/used to it). You are probably very angry, and this also doesn't exactly put you in a better "combat mode" either. And then add to it that you are dealing with (often times) armed and desperate people under the influence of drugs. A criminal does not want to get caught, remember...
And risking your life for some "valuables" ... things? Then that would really have to be some very special items of immense personal and sentimental value!
Story:
Virginia -- Police said a 49-year-old man was shot following a robbery in the Lorton area Sunday, according to nbc4.com.
The victim had just parked his SUV when he was approached by two masked men with guns, according to police. The victim reportedly gave the men his wallet and other items, and they got into a car and fled.
The robbery victim got into his car in order to follow the culprits. When he pulled up next to the suspect vehicle near an intersection, one of the culprits allegedly shot him in the upper body.
The man drove home and called police. He was later was hospitalized.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Lame excuses #6
And so - in our quest to find all the daft excuses out there - time has once again come to blame drugs; after all it can't possibly be the perpetrator's fault, now can it?
Or - As winnipegsun.com puts it: "It's never their fault".
The Canadian paper is reporting about a disturbing case where a repeat, violent Portage la Prairie offender assaulted his girlfriend so badly, she spent five days in hospital.
And what did the judge do? Well, blaming the man's drug and alcohol use for starters. "He suffers from depression and was on medication at the time." Then she handed down a conditional sentence - house arrest (!) - for the brutal attack.
And this is from a female judge? Holly cow!
It should be noted that the 37-year-old man was on probation for an earlier assault against his girlfriend at the time of the assault, and had a court order to stay away from her.
The reporter (Tom Brodbeck) says, and I totally agree: "In my view, Justice Simonsen, you're completely out of touch with society."
Or - As winnipegsun.com puts it: "It's never their fault".
The Canadian paper is reporting about a disturbing case where a repeat, violent Portage la Prairie offender assaulted his girlfriend so badly, she spent five days in hospital.
And what did the judge do? Well, blaming the man's drug and alcohol use for starters. "He suffers from depression and was on medication at the time." Then she handed down a conditional sentence - house arrest (!) - for the brutal attack.
And this is from a female judge? Holly cow!
It should be noted that the 37-year-old man was on probation for an earlier assault against his girlfriend at the time of the assault, and had a court order to stay away from her.
The reporter (Tom Brodbeck) says, and I totally agree: "In my view, Justice Simonsen, you're completely out of touch with society."
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Illegal cabs again
Don't mind jumping into an illegal cab after a night out? What's the problem you say?
Well, let us use Oslo, my town in Norway as an example. Just in a couple of days there has been reported several instances of rape and other serious criminal activities involving illegal taxi drivers. One driver alone was recently accused of three sexual assaults against drunk, young female victims.
Then there's another case where a 41-year-old woman was raped and robbed. As if the sexual trauma is not enough, the travel insurance company have refused to pay the woman for the values she was robbed of.
Why? They claim the victim is to blame by getting into an illegal cab under the influence of alcohol.
Even if this may be a tough call, it points to the very real dangers of getting into one of these vehicles - if anything happens, you're basically on your own.
Well, let us use Oslo, my town in Norway as an example. Just in a couple of days there has been reported several instances of rape and other serious criminal activities involving illegal taxi drivers. One driver alone was recently accused of three sexual assaults against drunk, young female victims.
Then there's another case where a 41-year-old woman was raped and robbed. As if the sexual trauma is not enough, the travel insurance company have refused to pay the woman for the values she was robbed of.
Why? They claim the victim is to blame by getting into an illegal cab under the influence of alcohol.
Even if this may be a tough call, it points to the very real dangers of getting into one of these vehicles - if anything happens, you're basically on your own.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Your typical bouncer?
Probably far from it - this guy seems to be one really mean and depraved individual.
According to guardian.co.uk, the 39-year-old is on trial, accused of murdering two women (19 and 22 years old). Both reportedly died after being struck with a blunt instrument. The man is also on trial for two attempted murders and one count of kidnap and false imprisonment.
According to the paper he has previous court appearances dating back to when he was 13. He had admitted offences ranging from vehicle theft, having an offensive weapon to assaulting a police officer.
He was jailed for a total of 13 months in 1991 for hitting a constable in the face, common assault on a special constable and failing to surrender.
In February 2005, he was jailed for eight months and banned from driving for seven years for dangerous driving after being stopped on a motorway hard shoulder at 70mph.
And this guy was working as a bouncer (doorman)...
Now, you may all say that most bouncers are not like this person here, and fortunately you're right. However, and this is my point, there are too many in that line of work who pose a real danger to those around them.
How do I know - I used to work the doors myself. It used to be worse, but there are still too many young guys out there with far too much testosterone, short fuses, little or no empathy, steroids, drug abuse, criminal connections and what have you not.
Norwegian psychologist Per Isdal describes in his book "Meningen Med Volden" ("The Purpose of Violence" - unfortunately available in Norwegian only as far as I know) amongst other things how one bouncer used his work to set people up for violence. A scary read; even more so if you knew that there are more guys like this out there.
One small piece of advice: Do not talk back at bouncers - it really does you no good at all. What it potentially can do is get you and others hurt.
And by all means - let us not forget that most of these folks are nice, hard working, under-paid and under a lot of stress. Be nice, boys and girls :-)
According to guardian.co.uk, the 39-year-old is on trial, accused of murdering two women (19 and 22 years old). Both reportedly died after being struck with a blunt instrument. The man is also on trial for two attempted murders and one count of kidnap and false imprisonment.
According to the paper he has previous court appearances dating back to when he was 13. He had admitted offences ranging from vehicle theft, having an offensive weapon to assaulting a police officer.
He was jailed for a total of 13 months in 1991 for hitting a constable in the face, common assault on a special constable and failing to surrender.
In February 2005, he was jailed for eight months and banned from driving for seven years for dangerous driving after being stopped on a motorway hard shoulder at 70mph.
And this guy was working as a bouncer (doorman)...
Now, you may all say that most bouncers are not like this person here, and fortunately you're right. However, and this is my point, there are too many in that line of work who pose a real danger to those around them.
How do I know - I used to work the doors myself. It used to be worse, but there are still too many young guys out there with far too much testosterone, short fuses, little or no empathy, steroids, drug abuse, criminal connections and what have you not.
Norwegian psychologist Per Isdal describes in his book "Meningen Med Volden" ("The Purpose of Violence" - unfortunately available in Norwegian only as far as I know) amongst other things how one bouncer used his work to set people up for violence. A scary read; even more so if you knew that there are more guys like this out there.
One small piece of advice: Do not talk back at bouncers - it really does you no good at all. What it potentially can do is get you and others hurt.
And by all means - let us not forget that most of these folks are nice, hard working, under-paid and under a lot of stress. Be nice, boys and girls :-)
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tables turned
I wouldn't be at all surprised if the young man here - at least in some states and countries - could end up being charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Bass ackwords? You bet. You have to be kind to the criminals! You know ... a hug never harmed anyone.
Story from presstelegram.com:
An 18-year-old employee was slicing chicken in the back of a restaurant in Long Beach, California when he heard a commotion at the register.
There, he witnessed his 41-year-old boss struggling with a robber. A 33-year-old suspect had allegedly entered the eatery at about 5 p.m. and demanded money from the cashier behind the counter, a police spokeswoman said.
The robber was wearing a big jacket with a hood and holding his hand up as if he were carrying a gun. When the owner had trouble opening the register, the suspect jumped over the counter and was struggling with the owner, police said.
When the 18-year-old employee came out, he acted instantly to help his boss, stabbing the suspect in the lower abdomen with a kitchen knife, police said.
The robber was transported to a local hospital and is expected to live. Officers found that he was not carrying any weapons.
Bass ackwords? You bet. You have to be kind to the criminals! You know ... a hug never harmed anyone.
Story from presstelegram.com:
An 18-year-old employee was slicing chicken in the back of a restaurant in Long Beach, California when he heard a commotion at the register.
There, he witnessed his 41-year-old boss struggling with a robber. A 33-year-old suspect had allegedly entered the eatery at about 5 p.m. and demanded money from the cashier behind the counter, a police spokeswoman said.
The robber was wearing a big jacket with a hood and holding his hand up as if he were carrying a gun. When the owner had trouble opening the register, the suspect jumped over the counter and was struggling with the owner, police said.
When the 18-year-old employee came out, he acted instantly to help his boss, stabbing the suspect in the lower abdomen with a kitchen knife, police said.
The robber was transported to a local hospital and is expected to live. Officers found that he was not carrying any weapons.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Still not convinced?
Still not convinced about the dangers of walking oblivious to your surroundings?
Story:
Tokyo police have in custody a suspected rapist who stalked women walking alone at night while using their cellphones or listening to music players, sources said.
The 28-year-old man, a South Korean student living in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward, has admitted to police that he attacked several other women.
According to police, the man said he targeted women carrying plastic bags from convenience stores, thinking that they likely lived alone.
He also singled out women wearing headphones or talking or texting on their cellphones because they "tend not to notice that they are being followed," according to police.
Source
Story:
Tokyo police have in custody a suspected rapist who stalked women walking alone at night while using their cellphones or listening to music players, sources said.
The 28-year-old man, a South Korean student living in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward, has admitted to police that he attacked several other women.
According to police, the man said he targeted women carrying plastic bags from convenience stores, thinking that they likely lived alone.
He also singled out women wearing headphones or talking or texting on their cellphones because they "tend not to notice that they are being followed," according to police.
Source
Friday, August 03, 2007
'Bach attack'
Is this going to get the 'hip-hopping' individuals to move? Definitely. Will it remove the problem? Probably not.
I have mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating. While I worked the doors, smart DJ's knew how to "remove" unwanted individuals by playing music they absolutely hated. Also the (good) DJ's could often times spot brewing trouble and use music accordingly.
Needless to say - one of the best ways to get people out (and alert the bouncers) was to stop the music immediately when someone started a fight.
Story:
Washington -- Tacoma city authorities, fed up with gang activity in public places, are taking Bach their bus stop.
Transit workers are installing speakers this week to pump classical music from a Seattle radio station into the Tacoma Mall Transit Center. The tactic is designed to disperse young criminals who make drug deals at the bus stop or use public transportation to circulate between the mall and other trouble-prone places.
The attack by Bach, Brahms and Beethoven follows the theory that prompted the city to stage pinochle games on dangerous street corners: Jolting the routine in such spots throws criminals off balance.
"It's based on routine activity theory and situational crime prevention. You mix different types of activities in locations that are crime-ridden to change the composition of the environment," said a psychologist who chairs the Criminal Justice Department at Seattle University.
A 19-year-old male said troublemakers won't like the orchestral strains, but they'll probably just move somewhere out of earshot.
Source
I have mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating. While I worked the doors, smart DJ's knew how to "remove" unwanted individuals by playing music they absolutely hated. Also the (good) DJ's could often times spot brewing trouble and use music accordingly.
Needless to say - one of the best ways to get people out (and alert the bouncers) was to stop the music immediately when someone started a fight.
Story:
Washington -- Tacoma city authorities, fed up with gang activity in public places, are taking Bach their bus stop.
Transit workers are installing speakers this week to pump classical music from a Seattle radio station into the Tacoma Mall Transit Center. The tactic is designed to disperse young criminals who make drug deals at the bus stop or use public transportation to circulate between the mall and other trouble-prone places.
The attack by Bach, Brahms and Beethoven follows the theory that prompted the city to stage pinochle games on dangerous street corners: Jolting the routine in such spots throws criminals off balance.
"It's based on routine activity theory and situational crime prevention. You mix different types of activities in locations that are crime-ridden to change the composition of the environment," said a psychologist who chairs the Criminal Justice Department at Seattle University.
A 19-year-old male said troublemakers won't like the orchestral strains, but they'll probably just move somewhere out of earshot.
Source
Monday, July 09, 2007
Quite 'a-door-able'
It's worth repeating - a door can be used in more ways than one ...
Story:
California -- A robbery victim fought with her assailant, an ex-convict on probation, before police arrived yesterday and arrested the suspect, police said. The incident happened when the victim was driving out of a parking lot in North Hills about 1 p.m. Thursday, LA police said.
The victim was stopped by a woman who approached the open window of her car, hit her in the face with a beer bottle and grabbed her wallet.The 46-year-old intended victim kicked the car door open from inside, forcing the 45-year old suspect back, then fought the suspect before police arrived. Both suffered minor injuries, police said.
Source
Story:
California -- A robbery victim fought with her assailant, an ex-convict on probation, before police arrived yesterday and arrested the suspect, police said. The incident happened when the victim was driving out of a parking lot in North Hills about 1 p.m. Thursday, LA police said.
The victim was stopped by a woman who approached the open window of her car, hit her in the face with a beer bottle and grabbed her wallet.The 46-year-old intended victim kicked the car door open from inside, forcing the 45-year old suspect back, then fought the suspect before police arrived. Both suffered minor injuries, police said.
Source
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Strong "belief"
"Believing she was about to become the victim of a crime, (...)"?
I would dare suggest she was spot on, and wisely enough acted accordingly.
Story:
A man and woman, both 29, dragged a motorist from her driver's seat in a carjacking attempt at a Hermosa Beach gas station, but fled when the victim struggled free and screamed, police said Friday.
Police officers quickly arrested the pair, who are also suspected of another attempted carjacking Thursday, when they pretended to be panhandlers, Hermosa Beach police said.
The first victim called police about 5:35 a.m. Thursday after racing away from a gas station. The driver told police she had just finished fueling her car and was leaving for work when the female suspect approached her and asked for change. At the same time, her accomplice and another man stood at the front and back of her car.
"Believing she was about to become the victim of a crime, she locked her doors, screamed and drove away from the location," a police said. The suspects ran and the woman called police.
Source
I would dare suggest she was spot on, and wisely enough acted accordingly.
Story:
A man and woman, both 29, dragged a motorist from her driver's seat in a carjacking attempt at a Hermosa Beach gas station, but fled when the victim struggled free and screamed, police said Friday.
Police officers quickly arrested the pair, who are also suspected of another attempted carjacking Thursday, when they pretended to be panhandlers, Hermosa Beach police said.
The first victim called police about 5:35 a.m. Thursday after racing away from a gas station. The driver told police she had just finished fueling her car and was leaving for work when the female suspect approached her and asked for change. At the same time, her accomplice and another man stood at the front and back of her car.
"Believing she was about to become the victim of a crime, she locked her doors, screamed and drove away from the location," a police said. The suspects ran and the woman called police.
Source
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Murder charge
Seems to me this is a reasonable law paragraph.
I'd also like to pay my respect to this woman for fighting back.
Story:
Police say a 30-year-old Cleveland man has been charged with murder in the death of his friend, 25, who was killed while the pair participated in a break-in.
The two men reportedly broke into a woman's house early Wednesday and assaulted her. The 20-year-old woman told police that the intruder punched her repeatedly and that she fought back by stabbing him with a kitchen knife. She said that the older man stood in the doorway of the kitchen and prevented another female resident from helping her fight off the intruder.
The 30-year-old then drove the stabbed man to a hospital, where he later died. The doctors were told that the man had injured himself while breaking through a door, the report said. Doctors believed the wounds were from a stabbing and contacted police.
Even if the defendant didn't directly cause the death, Ohio law allows prosecutors to file a murder charge against an accomplice to a crime in which someone dies.
Source
I'd also like to pay my respect to this woman for fighting back.
Story:
Police say a 30-year-old Cleveland man has been charged with murder in the death of his friend, 25, who was killed while the pair participated in a break-in.
The two men reportedly broke into a woman's house early Wednesday and assaulted her. The 20-year-old woman told police that the intruder punched her repeatedly and that she fought back by stabbing him with a kitchen knife. She said that the older man stood in the doorway of the kitchen and prevented another female resident from helping her fight off the intruder.
The 30-year-old then drove the stabbed man to a hospital, where he later died. The doctors were told that the man had injured himself while breaking through a door, the report said. Doctors believed the wounds were from a stabbing and contacted police.
Even if the defendant didn't directly cause the death, Ohio law allows prosecutors to file a murder charge against an accomplice to a crime in which someone dies.
Source
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Offenders are getting younger
California -- Courts have seen the number of sex offense cases involving juvenile offenders rise dramatically in recent years, an Associated Press review of national statistics found, and treatment professionals say the offenders are getting younger and the crimes more violent.
Some psychologists blame the increase - 40 percent over two decades - on a society saturated with sex and violence and the fact that many of the accused were themselves victims of adult sexual predators. Others say there aren't more children committing such crimes, there is simply more awareness, better reporting and a general hysteria about sex offenders.
The number of children under 18 accused of forcible rape, violent and nonviolent sex offenses has steadily risen, from 24,100 children in 1985 to 33,800 in 2004, the AP's analysis found. Violent offenses include attempted rape and sexual assault, while nonviolent offenses including fondling, statutory rape and prostitution.
Source
Some psychologists blame the increase - 40 percent over two decades - on a society saturated with sex and violence and the fact that many of the accused were themselves victims of adult sexual predators. Others say there aren't more children committing such crimes, there is simply more awareness, better reporting and a general hysteria about sex offenders.
The number of children under 18 accused of forcible rape, violent and nonviolent sex offenses has steadily risen, from 24,100 children in 1985 to 33,800 in 2004, the AP's analysis found. Violent offenses include attempted rape and sexual assault, while nonviolent offenses including fondling, statutory rape and prostitution.
Source
Monday, June 11, 2007
Full moon fever
Maybe there is something to it after all?
And perhaps we should all be alert when a full moon falls on a payday?
Story:
UK -- Police in Brighton are to put on extra patrols on nights when there is a full moon to combat an increase in violence.
It follows research by the Sussex force which concluded there was a rise in violent incidents when the moon was full - and also on paydays.
A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: "Research carried out by us has shown a correlation between violent incidents and full moons. From my experience, over 19 years of being a police officer, undoubtedly on full moons, we do seem to get people with, sort of, stranger behaviour - more fractious, argumentative."
Past research into the phenomenon includes a study by Professor Michal Zimecki, of the Polish Academy of Sciences, who argued that a full moon could affect criminal activity and health.
In 1998, a three-month psychological study of 1,200 inmates at Armley jail in Leeds discovered a rise in violent incidents during the days either side of a full moon.
Source
And perhaps we should all be alert when a full moon falls on a payday?
Story:
UK -- Police in Brighton are to put on extra patrols on nights when there is a full moon to combat an increase in violence.
It follows research by the Sussex force which concluded there was a rise in violent incidents when the moon was full - and also on paydays.
A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: "Research carried out by us has shown a correlation between violent incidents and full moons. From my experience, over 19 years of being a police officer, undoubtedly on full moons, we do seem to get people with, sort of, stranger behaviour - more fractious, argumentative."
Past research into the phenomenon includes a study by Professor Michal Zimecki, of the Polish Academy of Sciences, who argued that a full moon could affect criminal activity and health.
In 1998, a three-month psychological study of 1,200 inmates at Armley jail in Leeds discovered a rise in violent incidents during the days either side of a full moon.
Source
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
'Mall-Wart'?
Quite alarming statistics regarding Wal-Mart ...
Story:
Wal-Mart complexes experience a significant number of police incidents, more so than at other shopping complexes. This is according to a national study published less than a year ago by United Food and Commercial Workers International Union at WakeUpWalMart.com.
The study examined police reports associated with 551 Wal-Mart stores across the country. It collected data from 404 police departments from 434 cities and towns.
The study demonstrates that nationally, Wal-Mart stores cost local taxpayers an estimated $77 million in increased police costs in 2004.
What the report calls "magnet for crime" is not limited to merely in-store crimes like shoplifting and check forgery. Included is also violent and serious crimes including rape, attempted rape, aggravated assault, burglary, auto-theft, arson, narcotics, kidnapping and murder.
The report shows that there were 1,024 auto thefts reported at Wal-Mart stores, 154 sex crimes, 23 kidnappings or attempted kidnappings and 1,145 assaults with a deadly weapon.
Source
Story:
Wal-Mart complexes experience a significant number of police incidents, more so than at other shopping complexes. This is according to a national study published less than a year ago by United Food and Commercial Workers International Union at WakeUpWalMart.com.
The study examined police reports associated with 551 Wal-Mart stores across the country. It collected data from 404 police departments from 434 cities and towns.
The study demonstrates that nationally, Wal-Mart stores cost local taxpayers an estimated $77 million in increased police costs in 2004.
What the report calls "magnet for crime" is not limited to merely in-store crimes like shoplifting and check forgery. Included is also violent and serious crimes including rape, attempted rape, aggravated assault, burglary, auto-theft, arson, narcotics, kidnapping and murder.
The report shows that there were 1,024 auto thefts reported at Wal-Mart stores, 154 sex crimes, 23 kidnappings or attempted kidnappings and 1,145 assaults with a deadly weapon.
Source
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Hotel rooms
In the eyes of a perpetrator, a hotel room is a "perfect" place for criminal activities - it's secluded and you can lock the door. Plus, people are used to a certain level of noise. In a sense it is "private" - kind of like domestic disturbances coming form a neighbor.
Story:
A female guest reported a male maid sexually assaulted her at a hotel in Middletown. She said the man came into her room around noon Saturday and fondled her in the bathroom.
When she tried to make him leave, he pushed her into a corner and attempted to kiss her, according to a police report.
Source
Story:
A female guest reported a male maid sexually assaulted her at a hotel in Middletown. She said the man came into her room around noon Saturday and fondled her in the bathroom.
When she tried to make him leave, he pushed her into a corner and attempted to kiss her, according to a police report.
Source
Saturday, April 07, 2007
A high price
I find it really strange that such an initiative should be so hard to implement - this includes Norway, where I come from. If something obviously is funded by criminal activities, then just let the state confiscate it! You say its yours? Well then, prove it ...
Story:
UK -- Criminals who think they can cash in on their crimes are being warned to think again.
The force-wide initiative is a major push to seize the assets of lawbreakers, whether they are low-level offenders or the Mr Bigs of the criminal world.
Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, police can seize cash or goods if they are believed to be criminal property or used to commit crime. Already, £3m has been seized by Northumbria Police since the operation started last April.
Source
Story:
UK -- Criminals who think they can cash in on their crimes are being warned to think again.
The force-wide initiative is a major push to seize the assets of lawbreakers, whether they are low-level offenders or the Mr Bigs of the criminal world.
Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, police can seize cash or goods if they are believed to be criminal property or used to commit crime. Already, £3m has been seized by Northumbria Police since the operation started last April.
Source
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Raised no flags
Sadly, even if you follow all security procedures, there's no way to avoid "smart" criminals.
Story:
Missouri -- Authorities continued their search Wednesday for a 48-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a 24-year-old real estate agent while pretending to be in the market to buy a house.
The man, formerly of Las Vegas, was released January 23 from a Texas prison after serving a five-year sentence for bank fraud.
Using an alias, he allegedly pulled out a handgun about 5 p.m. Sunday when he and the real estate agent were in the basement of a house in Weldon Spring. Wilson handcuffed the woman to a pole and sexually assaulted her. The assailant also allegedly put a knife to her throat.
The woman was later found by her husband and co-workers.
Source
Story:
Missouri -- Authorities continued their search Wednesday for a 48-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a 24-year-old real estate agent while pretending to be in the market to buy a house.
The man, formerly of Las Vegas, was released January 23 from a Texas prison after serving a five-year sentence for bank fraud.
Using an alias, he allegedly pulled out a handgun about 5 p.m. Sunday when he and the real estate agent were in the basement of a house in Weldon Spring. Wilson handcuffed the woman to a pole and sexually assaulted her. The assailant also allegedly put a knife to her throat.
The woman was later found by her husband and co-workers.
Source
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
UN report critisises Sweden
Sweden -- According to gotlandstidningar.se, a resent UN report criticises the Swedish government, stating more should be done to protect Swedish women against violence.
The reported number of crimes against women in Sweden is on the rise. During the month of January (2007), there were 60 more instances of rape and 200 more instances of assault being reported to police compared to the same period in 2006.
On a total, there was 3 250 reported instances of such crimes being reported during January 2007.
The reported number of crimes against women in Sweden is on the rise. During the month of January (2007), there were 60 more instances of rape and 200 more instances of assault being reported to police compared to the same period in 2006.
On a total, there was 3 250 reported instances of such crimes being reported during January 2007.
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