KS Protection

Some tips that may help you stay safe. 

ATM cash machines have been incorporated in our way of life.  They offer a real convenience to those on the run but at the same time offer an element of risk.  Using an ATM machine safely requires awareness and a little planning.  Just because an ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn't mean it is safe to use it.  Most ATM robberies occur at night between 8:00 PM and midnight.  ATM robbers are usually males under 25 years of age and most work alone.  ATM robbers usually position themselves nearby waiting for a victim to approach and withdraw cash.  Most ATM robbery victims are women and were alone when robbed.  Most claim that they never saw the robber coming.  Most ATM robbers used a gun or claimed to have a concealed weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their cash.

If you or your family members use ATM cash machines on a regular basis, here are some tips that can make the process a little safer:
* Use only ATM machines in well-lighted, high-traffic areas.  Don't use ATM machines that are remote or hidden such as being located behind buildings, behind pillars, walls, or away from public view.   Beware of obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown trees.  ATM robbers like to have the element of surprise and no witnesses.   Robbers like good escape routes like nearby freeway on-ramps or high speed thoroughfares.
* Choose an ATM that looks and 'feels' safer, even if it is a couple of miles out of the way.  Try and limit your use to daylight hours.  Take someone with you after hours, if you can.  When you drive up to an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious persons.  If you see anyone suspicious standing nearby or sitting in a car, drive away.  When you approach an ATM on foot be prepared and have your access card ready.  Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and speed the transaction.  After inserting your card and your PIN number keep an eye out behind you.  Never accept an offer to help or request for help from a suspicious male ahead of you at the machine.   If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches terminate your transaction and leave immediately, even if it means running away and leaving your ATM card in the machine.  First, tell the suspicious male in a loud, firm voice to "back-off" and leave you alone.  This is designed to startle the person and give you time to flee, if appropriate.  When you receive cash from the machine put it away immediately, extract your card, and walk away.
* If you use your car at a drive-thru ATM machine the same rules apply.  Keep the car in gear, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine.  Keep a close eye on your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction.  Robbers almost always approach from the rear on the drivers side.  If you see anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind.  If you are confronted by an armed robber, just give up your money without argument.  The cash is not worth serious injury or death.  Get to a safe place and call the police immediately.
* If lights around the ATM are not working, don't use that machine
* Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places
* Have your card ready and leave quickly, not counting your cash in public
* Beware of offers for help from strangers during an ATM transaction 
* Don't fight with or attempt to follow the robber
* Drive or walk to a safe place and immediately call the police

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TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HOME SECURE
* Make sure your home looks like someone is living in it. Don't close your curtains - in daytime this shows the house is empty. Think about getting automatic time-switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark.
* Fit mortise locks or bolts to all outside doors, and locks to all downstairs or easily accessible windows.
* Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries.
* Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind.
* Get a friend or neighbor to look after your home. They can collect your mail, mow your lawn and so on. This gives the impression that someone is living in your home. If you leave keys with a neighbor, don't label them with your address.
* Don't leave valuables, like your TV, hi-fi or video, where people can see them through windows.
* Mark any valuable items with your postcode and house number using an 'invisible' pen that you can get from DIY shops. If your property is stolen, this will help the police to identify it if it is found, which might not only allow them to return it to you but could also provide them with better evidence to convict the people responsible.
* Make sure that you have up-to-date contents insurance.
* Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are traveling to your holiday destination.
* Lock the garage and shed with proper security locks, after putting all your tools safely away so they cannot be used to break into your house. If you have to leave a ladder out, put it on its side and lock it to a secure fixture with a 'close shackle' padlock or heavy-duty chain.
* Finally, lock all outside doors and windows. If you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set and that you have told the police who has the key.
* And just before you set off, its worth spending a couple of minutes checking that you've done all you had to do and taken everything that you need with you.

Help from your neighbors

* It's also a good idea to get help from your neighbors. It asks them to keep an eye on your home while you're away.
* You could also ask them to collect post left in the letter box, sweep up leaves, even mow the lawn and generally make the place look lived in.
* You can repay the favor by doing the same for them. Warn the neighbor who has your key not to put your surname, address or even your house number on your keys in case they fall into the wrong hands.
* Is there a Neighborhood Watch scheme where you live? Your local police will tell you if there is a scheme in your area or help you set up one of your own. It could help you keep your home secure while you're away, and has many other crime prevention and community benefits.

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TIPS FOR PERSONAL SAFETY (CONFRONTNG DANGER)
* Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, something is probably wrong.
* Be aware of your surroundings.
* Walk close to the curb, facing oncoming traffic.
* Carry bags close to your body.
* Look confident.
* Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
* If you are being followed, head for a crowded place.
* If people start milling around you, it could a set-up for a mugging.
* Know yourself, how do you react in a crisis situation? Do you scream, cry, freeze? How would you defend yourself?
* Remember there is no right or wrong approach to dangerous situations.
* Show your anger, not your fear. a furious reaction often may stop an attack. Remember an attacker is looking for an easy victim. Yelling is always a good deterrent (a good choice is to yell FIRE) this will draw attention to those who do not want to get involved but may be concerned for their own safety and may come to help.
* If there are other people around, yell loudly enough to get their attention to what the assailant is doing.
* If you are alone and do not know anyone on the street or nearby, try calling a name out to make the attacker or assailant to believe you may be with someone. This may also help if you are alone at home.
* If someone has a weapon stay calm and wait for an opportunity. Weapons make the situation more dangerous and difficult, but there still may be something you can do about the situation.

Overview

Non-resistance to prevent physical violence, Negotiate, Stall for time, Distracting or diverting the assailant, then fleeing, Verbal assertiveness, Screaming, and using a whistle or shriek alarm to attract attention and help.