Kidnapping’s 3 Stages: Lure, Induction, Captivity

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As a security and safety expert, I often lecture about all the facets of a kidnapping. There are three basic stages or phases of the kidnapping experience.

 http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-image-police-line-image27267376The Lure

Kidnappers premeditate and precalculate every move. Months of planning could go into an abduction that takes only seconds. The circumstances have to be perfect, like a solitary female at night in a barren area. The kidnapper has honed his charm skills and knows who will fall for his sob story to gain his trust.

On the other hand, some kidnappers don’t use charm or a ploy; they pounce out of the blue and take the victim by force.

Induction

At this point in a kidnapping, the charm or force is dropped because the victim is in the kidnapper’s domain. The victim is made to feel powerless.

But don’t forget that the kidnapper knows ahead of time who’s most likely to psychologically succumb to a feeling of hopelessness. Kidnappers often have excellent radar for feeling out perfect victims. Even then, the kidnapper will often torture the victim to further fragment them, including using elaborate restraints. The victim learns to be helpless.

Captivity

The de-powered victim may still try to escape, but feebly: a tap on a window rather than hurling a chair at it. The fear of punishment for a more aggressive escape attempt becomes greater than the will to escape. The victim’s mind morphs to adapt to the harrowing situation, sometimes to the extent of sympathizing with the kidnapper (Stockholm syndrome).

The victim may have many chances to escape, but fail to even flinch when the opportunity arises, such as the case of Shawn Hornbeck, who, during “captivity” for several years by the man who repeatedly raped him, was permitted to ride a bike throughout the neighborhood. We hear about extraordinary cases such as these, but cases in which the victim escapes (sometimes using aggression) after only two hours of captivity don’t get as much attention.

The three phases of a kidnapping do have subphases, but those presented above are the main elements.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Tips on Getting a Dog for Home Protection

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As a security analyst, I have always endorsed getting a dog for home protection. I’m going to provide some tips on what to look for in a home security dog, but first I want to briefly share a riveting true story that was reported on Madison.com.

2H“Slim” is a police dog. Police in Madison, WI, responded to a church’s burglar alarm and saw a man, Gordon Sullivan, sweating and short of breath. Sullivan denied any involvement with the church break-in. Slim couldn’t do anything at the crime scene where a window was pushed in without something to work with. Sullivan handed over his shoe to the police to take to Slim who was at the church crime scene. Slim then led his handler down the street to where Sullivan was sitting inside a squad car. Good dog! Sullivan was arrested on the spot.

Tips on Getting a Dog for Home Protection

The first tip is knowing what a home security dog is, and is not. It’s a myth that such a canine is always snarling, baring its teeth and ready to pounce and bite. A true protection dog is a very alert animal, loyal at responding to the call of duty.

A true protection dog is trained for this task, even though some breeds are more easily trained in this realm than are others. Breeds like Dobermans and German shepherds have “prey drive.”

Additional tips for getting a home protection dog:

  • Make sure that the animal is safe for family members to be around.
  • Your new pet should also be safe for strangers.
  • The dog should have a sense of when there is a threat looming.
  • You do not want an animal that bites or aggresses for no reason; this isn’t security  —  it’s a potential lawsuit.
  • Do your homework on this entire issue, with the help of these tips. Be a great master and your dog will protect you and your house.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

DIY Home Security Automation is easy

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Take home security seriously—before the break-in. If you’re up for a great DIY project, get going with home security.

3HReinforce doors. What you see in cops and robbers TV shows is true: Doors really can be kicked in. But not if they’re reinforced with easy screw-on upgrades that can resist even a kung fu master. Start with a door guard plate. Next, a door jam reinforcement will replace the weak pine door frame with a steel inset. Of course, replacing a wooden door with a steel door would really add security. For an added layer of protection, install the Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt to your front door. It is the only Z-Wave compatible lock to feature a built-in alarm system, producing warning alerts to homeowners prior to their home being breached.

Strengthen windows. A window with a smash-proof coating will repel a thrown brick or whacking pipe. The coating is a film that’s applied like a big sticker. A determined burglar may be able to crack the window, but the film will hold the pane in place, preventing entry.

Landscaping. Though shrubs can deter intruders, they can also shield them from neighbors if overgrown. Make sure that branches are trimmed. To add security, illuminate areas around bushes and trees with flood lights.

Garage. Never leave the garage door opener in your car exposed because thieves can get into your car if it’s parked outside…and you know the rest. One solution is a Wi-Fi garage door opener so you can control the door with your phone.

Surveillance cameras. The latest technology allows you to remotely view your premises. Your phone will receive an alert from these cameras when they detect motion or sound nearby; you’ll be able to see what’s going on in real-time.

Locks. It can take only 15 minutes to replace an old lock with a keyless one such as the Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt. Its features ensure that your house is locked, and unlocking is a snap, all via a number code. Just assemble the lock and put it in. It’s rare to have to drill more holes.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

Connected Home Security is Smart

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How would you like to carry on a conversation with your home while you’re away? Get the latest scoop is on its safety and security? Schlage, America’s most trusted lock brand, wants you to get connected to your home.

1H With today’s home security technology, the internet and your smartphone, you can do just that. Don’t assume you have to hassle with a dozen apps to be able to check in on your home while away. Using portable devices, you can monitor your house with an all-in-one app.

The monthly fee for the all-in-one application can be free to upwards of $30 to $50 depending on the scope of a home security and automation system, but it’s well worth it. With a central app, you’ll be able to receive alerts regarding sounds, motions, smoke, carbon monoxide, power outages, break-ins, just about everything that pertains to the smooth operation of your home and property.

The Automated Home

In addition to monitoring your home for safety status, you can also use the app for controlling features like lighting (switching on and off, dimming), raising the thermostat, etc. All this will help you save on your utility bills.

Imagine: You’re in the middle of an event somewhere and you just realized you forgot to lock the front door. No problem; whip out your smartphone and do it right there in your seat.

And don’t forget about key codes that you can give to people who need to enter your house such as dog walkers or service technicians. The Touchscreen Deadbolt from Schlage offers the latest technology.

How much does all of this cost each year in the U.S.? More and more people are using this technology, so it’s not surprising that the combination of installations, the equipment and the recurring fees amount to up to $10 billion. However, over the next 10 years, expect this cost to double, because the projection is that 30 percent of homes will be set up with smart security.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

Stepfather kills Daughter, thinks she is a burglar

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In the wee hours of the morning in Colorado Springs, a 14 year old girl was shot dead by her father as she climbed through a window because he mistook her for an intruder. She died at the hospital from gunshot wounds.

5HWhen the news broke of this story, it brought the gun advocates and gun opponents out of the woodwork. Guns spelled backwards is snug; some people get too snug with their guns, as was the case of the girl’s father, who was not arrested according to the report.

In the right hands, guns can be an enjoyable part of target shooting. The purpose of a gun should be that of protection, but at the same time, the person who wants to protect himself also needs to add some mental stability and smart thinking to the equation. The man who killed his daughter wasn’t what you’d call unstable (in a corrupt, immoral sense), but he certainly wasn’t thinking clearly, either.

Guns have been proven to protect the good guys from the bad guys, especially those in high risk professions. But what’s frightening is that some gun owners just aren’t savvy or informed enough to properly handle a gun in the face of threat or perceived threat.

Too many family members are being shot to death by another family member in their own homes—not because of an argument gone bad, but because of mistaken identity. Would that girl have been shot had the house been equipped with an alarm system?

It’s all about common sense. In the hands of a person with common sense (and a regard for life), guns usually are not a problem.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

The Connected Home is Finally Here

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A connected home is one in which appliances and accessories are connected to the Internet. An example would be a refrigerator that texts the homeowner when the eggs are about to run out (the egg tray has the sensor).

4HIt’s projected that a connected home can be built from the inside out, but connection is taking off via small devices or appliances that use a smartphone as a remote control: for instance, a light bulb that’s controllable with a mobile. With this setup, you can flip lights on and off when away from your home, or customize lighting with the smartphone such as setting up brightness to come on at a certain time.

Imagine a smoke alarm that sends messages to you when you’re away from home if it senses smoke. Well, someone else already did; it’s been invented. This funky technology can even be connected to a thermostat and automatically shut off the furnace if there’s a CO leak.

And there’s an app that can control many music systems via your smartphone. Are you now thinking about the Jetsons?

One to two percent of people have connected devices that control energy, appliances, climate and lighting, even home monitoring. Interestingly, according to a survey, nearly half of respondents are not quite ready to live like the Jetsons.

Nevertheless, the most popular connected home device is an alarm system. Plus, there are connections for garage doors, monitoring of pets and other occupants such as the elderly, and door locks (e.g., an electronic key for a repair person that expires by end of day).

In fact, there’s even a single application that can offer multiple connections, eliminating the need to have an application for every connected device. How cool is that?

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

What is a Reverse Peephole Viewer?

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A reverse peephole viewer is exactly what the words sound like: It reverses the effects of a peephole, meaning it allows you to see inside, from the outside. The viewer’s lenses reverse the effect of the peephole’s convex lenses, and easily fits in your pocket.

1HLaw enforcement commonly uses the reverse peephole viewer to access possible threats inside a home.

For obvious reasons, a person wanting to invade a home would love to have a reverse peephole viewer. The peephole is a two-edged sword: providing a sense of security to the residential dweller, but allowing some thug on the other side to see in. The viewer can be easily obtained by anybody.

Peephole Safety Tips

When’s the last time you examined your peephole?

  • Look through your peepholes to see if the image is clear.
  • If the view is unclear or cloudy, or in some other way compromised, consider replacing the peephole.
  • Examine the outside of it as well. Is it loose? Can you unscrew it? If so, remove this portion and or tighten it.
  • Use Loctite to treat the threads of the outer part and then put it back.
  • Inspect the peephole’s edges for gouging; this can mean tampering.

Replacing a Peephole

  • The inside portion has two notches. Put a large screwdriver into these notches; unscrew this portion while you hold the outside portion still.
  • Unscrew all the way; remove each part from your door.
  • Get the diameter of the hole, then buy a peephole of equal diameter.
  • The ideal peephole has a 180 degree view.
  • To install the new one, keep in mind it screws together like the old one.
  • Before installation, use Loctite to treat the threads to help prevent loosening and tampering.

Hotel Room Peepholes

  • Inspect the peephole from both sides before unpacking. Is it loose or gouged? Installed backwards? Is the view clear? If there are any problems, request another room.
  • Don’t assume that hotel staff checks every peephole after every guest checks out. It’s up to the guest to make sure the peephole is efficient.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Defensive Shrubs prick Intruders

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Ever consider using plants to deter an intruder? No, not smashing a cactus into his face, (but that’s an option) but growing thorn-bearing tress, shrubs and vines outside your house. The reasons these plants have thorns is to protect them from predators. They can protect you from predators as well.

1SIf vulnerable areas of your residence have thorn-bearing plants, this can ward off intruders. Some plant varieties grow very fast and prolifically. It’s just a matter of finding out which type of plant grows best in your location. To determine your plant hardiness zone go here to search your zone and plant.

Thorn-bearing Trees

Nobody wants to climb a tree whose trunk is jutting thorns.

  • Honey locust. This tree sprouts sharp red thorns, but also provides edible sweet seeds that can be given to livestock.
  • Argentine mesquite. The thorns on this tree grow to two inches. No criminal will want to tackle these thorns to get to your second story window.
  • Black locust. These thorns not only prick, but cause swelling and additional pain.

Thorn-bearing vines

Here is security and beauty all wrapped into one. Check out the following varieties:

  • Climbing roses
  • Catsclaw creeper
  • Bougainvillea
  • Blackberry vines

Thorn-bearing bushes

Nobody’s going to want to get past these to access your window.

  • Cactus. If your climate permits, these spiked plants will scare off intruders. The chollas have two inch thorns.
  • Pyracantha (fire thorn bush). The thorns will produce a burning stinging that will last for hours.
  • Rogosa roses. These pretty flowers have plenty of thorns.
  • Catsclaw acacia. The thorns are hidden by flowers and leaves; a nice surprise for a burglar.
  • Washington hawthorn tree. It can be pruned into a bush and grow right under a window, displaying aesthetic red berries.
  • Oregon grape holly. This attractive shrub has two inch thorns.

An alarm system is a great way to deter a bad guy from coming in your home, but may not stop an intruder from making contact with a portal to your home. However, many different kinds of vegetation can make a criminal think twice before even getting close enough to put his hands on a window or other portal.

Beef up your home’s electronic security network by planting a network of beautiful but imposing greenery.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures

Carbon Monoxide Home Safety

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CO Alarms do save Lives

7HWhat you can’t see or smell can kill you. Many CO deaths could have been prevented with an alarm.

How is CO dangerous?

CO gas robs your blood of oxygen, slowly (at lower levels) or quickly (at high levels), choking off your air supply.

  • A low-level leak can leave you feeling weak, dizzy, nauseated, with a headache and other aches: a flu-like feeling.
  • A higher-level leak will put you to sleep fast and you won’t wake up.
  • CO gas mainly originates from heating equipment, but can also leak from gas stoves, hot water heaters, fireplaces, gas dryers, barbecue grills, lawn mowers, snow blowers, generators inside the garage (the door doesn’t even have to be shut for a leak to be dangerous), and of course, cars.

CO Alarm Management

  • Before buying, make sure the alarm has the approval label of an independent testing company (e.g., Underwriter’s Laboratory).
  • Alarms should be placed on all levels of your house, including basements and attics.
  • Install the alarm within 10 feet of doors to bedrooms.
  • In plug-in models, the battery life may get shortened from a prolonged power outage; you may need to replace it often. When the power is restored, replace it. A power outage will not affect a battery-only alarm.
  • Depending on make and model, get a new alarm every five to seven years.

Don’t put off purchasing CO alarms if your home lacks them. They’re easy to install, small and inconspicuous, yet can save your family’s life. And in many states, it’s the law.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

Teens trash Million Dollar Mansion

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If your home is full of valuables, why not add one more valuable: a home security system?

1HA mansion in La Habra Heights (California) was ransacked by 16 teenagers; they made off like bandits with over $1 million worth of property. It all began when some local teens noticed that the mansion was vacant (the homeowner was out of town). They announced a backyard party via Twitter.

The $7 million house was burglarized during the party. The teens made a party of the robbery, going as far as tweeting images of theft in progress.

Thank goodness 16 of these male and female crooks were taken into custody. Some of the stolen items have been recovered, including a stuffed snow leopard valued at $250,000, a suit of armor, statues, electronics and scuba gear. Looks like this glorious mansion did not have a security system, or if it did, it was not left on before the homeowner went out of town.

Had this home had a comprehensive security system (or at least any pre-existing one turned on), the teenagers would not have been able to gain entry without setting off ear-piercing alarms and activating a response from the local police department. The police would have been there within minutes.

In fact, a complete security system would have made it impossible for the kids to even remain outdoors and party. A complete security setup should include a deterrent to even walking onto the property, let alone hanging out on it.

However, the most elaborate security system won’t make your home look occupied. Adjuncts to an electronic security system can include:

  • A small device that generates flickering light, simulating a TV set on. Place these in several rooms whose windows are easily seen, and cruising teens or older thugs will think someone’s home.
  • Devices that turn lights on and off at timed intervals.
  • Leaving a TV or sound system on loud.
  • Having a trusted adult keep an eye on the house.
  • Hiring a trusted house sitter, preferably one with a dog that will bark when someone approaches the house.
  • The security company’s logo should be in plain site on main doors and on all ground level windows. The company’s sign should also be staked into the ground at several points where a burglar is likely to traverse.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.