Spring vacation and crime prevention

Photo By Robert Jackson | Capt. Adam and Miriam Hemme, dressed as theives, were caught in the act of snatching candy during the 2015 Halloween Haunt held at the Gen. James L. Day Conference Center, aboard MCLB Barstow, Oct. 29.  

BARSTOW, CA, UNITED STATES

03.23.2017

Story by Laurie Pearson  

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow

March 20 marks the first day of Spring this year and with heated months comes an increase in crime, explains Michael Reyes, physical security specialist aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., citing reports by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reporting.
In addition to seasonal increases in crime, time of day also reflects changes in criminal activity.
“In general, the number of violent crimes committed by adults increases hourly from 6 a.m. through the afternoon and evening hours, peaks at 10 p.m., and then drops to a low point at 6 a.m.,” Reyes said. “In contrast, violent crimes by juveniles peak in the afternoon between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., the hour at the end of the school day.”
In describing criminal predators, Reyes cites Randy LaHaie, self-defense instructor and author: “Like a wild animal, the human predator wants an easy conquest. He does not want his job to be any more difficult or hazardous than it has to be. He will seek out those he perceives as weak, submissive and unlikely to fight back. He doesn't want resistance and he certainly doesn't want to be injured himself. A sign of strength or defiance, whether blatant or implied, is often sufficient to cause him to abandon the predatory process and look for a more ‘cooperative’ victim."
To avoid becoming a victim, it is important to understand what a predator looks for in their victims, and LaHaie describes the top five selection criteria for being targeted:
1. Stride: People selected as victims had an exaggerated stride: either abnormally short or long. They dragged, shuffled or lifted their feet unnaturally as they walked. Non-victims, on the other hand, tended to have a smooth, natural gate. They stepped in a heel-to-toe fashion.
2. Rate: Victims tend to walk at a different rate than non-victims. Usually, they walk slower than the flow of pedestrian traffic. Their movement lacks a sense of deliberateness or purpose. However, an unnaturally rapid pace can project nervousness or fear.
3. Fluidity: Researchers noted awkwardness in a victim's body movement. Jerkiness, raising and lowering one's center of gravity or wavering from side to side as they moved became apparent in the victims analyzed. This was contrasted with smoother, more coordinated movement of the non-victims.
4. Wholeness: Victims lacked "wholeness" in their body movement. They swung their arms as if they were detached and independent from the rest of their body. Non-victims moved their body from their "center" as a coordinated whole implying strength, balance and confidence.
5. Posture and Gaze: A slumped posture is indicative of weakness or submissiveness. A downward gaze implies preoccupation and being unaware of one's surroundings. Also, someone reluctant to establish eye contact can be perceived as submissive. These traits imply an ideal target for a predator.
“If you look like food you'll get eaten!" Clint Smith, president and director of Thunder Ranch, veteran Marine infantry rifleman, Mike Company 3rd Battalion/3rd Marines, Combined Action Platoon 243, 1968-1969 Republic of Vietnam.
With that said, however, it is important to note that anyone can be the victim of crime.
“Anyone can be impacted which is why we need to present ourselves as a hard target,” Reyes said. “Following these tips helps us to become a hard target.”
There are also several things that people can do to minimize their likelihood of becoming a victim.
“People need to lock their homes or residences,” said Reyes. “In reviewing statistics, you would be surprised at how many homeowners and renters leave back doors, or garages unlocked. Lock windows and close window blinds. Windows are not usually secured because it is the last thing people think about and the weather might be nice. Statistics show that unsecured windows are one of the most common sources of entry for break-ins.”
He also recommends hiding your valuables away from easy view, away from windows and in a place that would not be easily found should an intruder enter the home.
If going on vacation, here is a list of suggestions to keep homes secure;
• Use a light timer. If you have the capability to set timers on lights inside or outside, do so. This is a measure of not having a dark house for many days that allows criminals to identify that homes are unoccupied.
• Have the post office hold mail until the homeowner returns.
• Use a buddy rule. Don't go anywhere without having a buddy. Be sure to inform someone where you're going, how long you will be away or out. Make sure you have contact numbers of those you are with especially if you are going to someplace new.
• Upon arrival, recon the location, get to know the surroundings areas and important locations. Know the hotel exits as an example.
• Be responsible if consuming alcohol, have a designated driver.
• Protect your valuables in public if shopping.
“If traveling abroad (for Spring Break), make sure military members check with the intelligence section to receive a security/safety brief and off-limits brief,” Reyes said. “Prior to departing for vacation check with the local police department of the city you want to vacation in so you are aware of your surroundings and community to the best of your ability.”
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• Date Taken: 03.23.2017
• Date Posted: 03.30.2017 15:32
• Story ID: 228652
• Location: BARSTOW, CA, US