The Psychology of Home Security
Home security is an illusion.
For some people, it’s the new gun locked in the gun safe that gives them the illusion of safety. For others, it is the knowledge that their home has lights set on timers while they are away on vacation. The reality is that those lights just illuminate the way, leading the bad guys to your valuables, and that gun isn’t going to protect you while it is responsibly locked up in a safe.
There are a million things we do each day that give us the false impression that we have protected our homes, and another million things we do each day that allow criminals to bypass our efforts.
Read MoreOrange County Good Samaritan: Honorary Guardian Angel
When we were patrolling Orange County, making an effort to help the homeless there escape from the serial killer plaguing their area, we could have had no idea that alleged serial killer Itzcoatl Ocampo would be chased down by Donny Hopkins, a good samaritan. I sincerely applaud Mr Donny Hopkins for his act of bravery, and want to extend an offer to become an “Honorary Guardian Angel” with our Chapters in Orange County and throughout southern California.
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President’s Volunteer Service Award
The Guardian Angels have a long proud history of volunteer service. Our volunteers are working to meet the needs of their neighborhoods and the community through Safety Patrols, Graffiti Clean-Ups, and Public Information Campaigns.
In recognition of these outstanding achievements, the Guardian Angels in Southern California are proud to announce the availability of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a prestigious national honor offered in recognition of volunteer commitment. Established in 2003, this new Award is given by the President of the United States and honors individuals, families and groups who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service over the course of 12 months.
Read MoreRalph’s “FREE” Donation
Would you like to donate to our programs, but don’t have the extra cash on hand to spare?
No problem! You can make a donation without spending any of your own money.
Here’s how …
Visit www.Ralphs.com and follow these steps:
Read MoreHoliday Safety Campaign
Black Friday will be a Red Beret day: We plan to start our own kind of holiday celebration this year, just as the big shopping season is getting started. Look for our friendly volunteers at major shopping areas. Hint: Our red hats don’t have that white fluff at the end!
The holiday season is a special time of year, with friends, family, coworkers and neighbors all reminded to be kind and full of good cheer. The downside is that these very same feelings lead busy people to drop their guard more readily, become more careless and vulnerable to accidents and crime.
Read MoreHoliday Safety Tips
The holiday season is a special time of year, with friends, family, coworkers and neighbors all reminded to be kind and full of good cheer. The downside is that these very same feelings lead busy people to drop their guard more readily, become more careless and vulnerable to accidents and crime. The following tips are drawn in part from the experience of the LAPD and Bureau of Justice Statistics.
The Guardian Angels wish you a joyous and safe holiday season.
Driving
- Keep your car running and locked until you are ready to exit.
- Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves.
- Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
Children
- If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
- If shopping with children, keep them in your direct line of sight at all times.
Shopping
- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home and notify the issuer immediately if your credit card is lost or stolen.
- Be extra careful if you carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
At Home
- Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
- If setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
- If you use decorative holiday lights, ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed.
Strangers at Your Door
- Criminals sometimes pretend to deliver gifts as a ruse to ask you to open your door.
- It is all too common for criminals to solicit donations to charities that do not actually exist – counting on the generosity of holiday cheer.
- Only donate to recognized charitable organizations.
Attending or Hosting a Party
- Offer at least some non-alcoholic beverages.
- Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests – keep taxi phone numbers available.
- If possible, have a designated driver for your party who will not drink at all.
- Never drink and drive.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
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