Crime School

Carjacking robbery often occurs at the point where you enter or exit your parked vehicle. * The carjacker is a young male 90% of the time. * The carjacker is often under the influence of alcohol or drugs. * The carjacker is usually armed with a gun or a knife. * Carjacker prefers a lone victim that's not paying attention. * Carjacker often waits nearby within 75 feet. * Carjacker will approach at the driver's door as you enter. * Carjacker will threaten or use force to get your vehicle. Podcast Time Stamps: [00:44] - Carjacking robbery scenario. [01:34] - Carjacking robbery definition and origin of the name. [02:24] - What can be done to prevent becoming a victim of carjacking. [03:00] - Carjacking pattern of selecting vehicle and victim. [04:15] - Carjacker will sometimes wait for the right victim. [04:55] - Carjacker will be close by if you're watching out for him. [05:50] - Reverse engineer the carjacking robbery to prevent it. [06:33] - Recommended carjacking preventive steps. [08:30] - Variables in carjacking scenarios and responses. Carjacking is one of the most dangerous crimes that can occur to a person.Tweet This Carjacking Robbery Most Dangerous at Point of Entry. Carjacking Robbery * Carjacking robbery is one of the most frightening and dangerous crimes * To a person, a family or a business traveler. * Carjacking robbery is a crime against a person. * By means of force, fear, violence, or intimidation. * Carjacking robbery frequency gets buried in the statistics * Auto-theft or strong-arm robbery or assault with deadly weapon. * Carjackers are desperate criminals that don't care if they hurt you. Carjacking Dangerous Point of Entry * Carjacking incidents often occur at the driver's door. * Critical carjacking time is entering and exiting the driver's door. * Most carjacking victims say they never saw the robber approaching. * Carjacker wants the vehicle key immediately for a quick getaway. * Carjacking victims get trapped between the driver's door and seat. * A weapon is usually displayed along with a crude threat to use it. * An excessive amount of force will attack any resistance. * How you react in the first few seconds can be life-changing. Carjacking Robbery Target * The target of a carjacking robbery is usually the vehicle. * Carjacker just needs transportation. * Carjacker needs a vehicle for use in another crime. * Sometimes the target of a carjacking is the occupant. * The victim goes along with the vehicle. * The secondary crime scene that is almost alwa...

Soft targets are open to the public and unprotected * Soft targets are public and private venues with easy access. * Soft targets have few restrictions and relaxed rule enforcement. * They lack active supervision and immediate forceful response. Soft targets, are they a factor related to mass shootings? Interview with reporter Michael Hernandez with the Anadolu Agency. Podcast Time Stamps: [02:33] -- Media questions about what should be done about mass shootings. [02:45] -- Do mass shootings occur more often at soft targets? [04:00] -- Interview with reporter Michael Hernandez begins. [05:00] -- Soft targets vary by degree, business type, and location. [06:15] -- Nightclub restrict access and act as gatekeepers. [07:00] -- Always a sliding scale of soft targets evolving to hard targets. [08:30] -- International airports are harder targets due to police presence. [09:05] -- How do you prevent a mass murder at a soft target? [12:00] -- Mass shootings require a forceful law enforcement response. [13:15] -- Ongoing political argument to restrict access to assault rifles. [13:25] -- We need a lawful mandate to identify those planning mass murder. How can a small business prevent mass shootings?Tweet This Soft Targets Transition to Hard Targets * Businesses begin to add layers to their security plan. * Adjust business hours to limit access. * Add barriers, limit available entry doors. * Add better lighting, video cameras, door hardware. * Add restrictive policy, procedures, rules. * Add personnel to monitor or limit access. * Add perimeter surveillance for early intervention. Security Plan is Important for Soft Targets * Start a dialog at your company about workplace violence potential. * Do you have a security plan to address violence and active shooters? * Make it a priority to evaluate the nature of your business. * Make it a priority to conduct a crime risk assessment. * Develop a security plan to address the risk assessment findings. * Follow through and execute a training program for all employees. Update: Istanbul Airport Terrorist Attack * Ataturk airport is an example of an outer soft target and porous security. * Airports need perimeter traffic to flow well to avoid bottlenecks. * Large bottlenecks of people and cars create more security issues. * Airport security design hardens the target in layers as you move inside. Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation Download the book written by Crime School host Chris McGoey. Security Expert’s Guide to Premises Liability Litigation.

Parking lot security decisions about being safe are initially our responsibility. Where, when, and how we choose to park our vehicle determines what our parking lot security crime risk will be. * Parking lot security is using your vehicle as a personal safe room. * Parking lot security is highest while safe inside your locked car. * Parking lot security is most critical while walking outside of a car. * Parking lot security is affected most by young male predators. * Parking lot security is detecting predators looking for a victim. * Parking lot security is being alert to the conditions and risk. Podcast Time Stamps: [01:00] – Customer confrontation questions about parking lot security. [01:40] – Least amount of personal security and control is in a parking lot. [03:00] – Compare the amount of personal security and control to your home. [03:50] – Decisions about our family safety are initially your responsibility. [05:00] – Locking your car doors and windows is the first step. [05:30] – A locked vehicle is a significant barrier from personal assaults. [06:10] – Select a parking space with line-of-sight to destination. [06:40] – Parking lot predators are usually young males. [08:15] – Only leave the safety of a locked car when deemed safe. [08:30] – Conduct your own parking lot security experiment. [09:40] – Watch how retail store customers behave in a parking lot. [10:15] – Consider if this is how parking lot perpetrators view you. [11:10] – Have a family meeting and make a parking lot security plan. [11:50] – Make locking your vehicle doors fist part of your daily routine. Parking lot security decisions about personal safety are initially our responsibility.Tweet This Line of Sight to Store Entrance Parking Lot Security Decisions can make you safe * If you think about it, we're all strangers in a large parking lot making parking lot security difficult. * We are taught to share the space and we give little thought others to walking nearby. * Parking lot security is at the highest level while inside your locked vehicle. * Pick a parking space with good visibility and line of sight to the store entrance. * Only exit the safety of your locked vehicle after first scanning the area for potential threats. * The most common parking lot security threat is a male standing or seated nearby watching you. * The most critical parking lot security point is at the driver side door as you enter and exit the car. * The crimes of robbery, purse snatch, carjacking, and abduction occur precisely at this point. Test your own parking security experiment * Next time you go to a large parking lot, stay seated inside your car and watch customer behavior for about 15 minutes. * Imagine that you are a male parking lot predator looking for an easy victim to rob.

Convenience Store Security & Loss Prevention Challenges  * Big three: Armed Robbery; Employee Theft; and Shoplifting. * Employee theft is greatest profit killer in C-Stores. * Shoplifting is the second biggest cause of inventory loss. Convenience Store News Magazine interview by Tammy Mastroberte. Podcast Time Stamps: [03:15] -- Interview begins with Convenience Store News Magazine. [03:20] -- Big three: Armed Robbery; Employee Theft; and Shoplifting. [04:25] -- 2500 sq.ft. box. It should be easy to control access, and inventory [06:35] -- Four main categories for providing adequate c-store security. [08:00] -- Employee theft is the greatest loss factor for last 40 years. [12:15] -- Dishonest employees learn to bypass technology deterrents. [15:25] -- Detailed shift training, accuracy, and accountability are critical. [25:00] -- Strict cash control at all times is greatest robbery deterrent. [27:00] -- Time delay safe; Drop-safe; Video surveillance with monitor display [30:00] -- Robbers talk about easy targets and best store chains to rob. Podcast about Convenience Store Loss Prevention and SecurityTweet This Robbery Prevention Decals Advertise Cash Handling Policy Convenience Store Security and Loss Prevention * Convenience store security store design including crime risk analysis. * Well-lighted exterior and highly-visible store interior are beneficial. * Use security hardware and equipment to support design flaws. * Liberal use of cash policy signs and decals for robbery prevention. * Hire employees that are honest, capable, and accountable. * Not all new hires have dexterity, speed, and accuracy for c-stores. * Train with clearly defined and articulated procedures. * Insist that every shift employee follows identical procedures. * Audit some product or procedure every shift, every day. * Rotate employees to compare shift sales and product movement. * Convenience store security should be baked-in not layered on top. * Convenience store loss prevention is a seamless part of daily routine. Related Convenience Store Security Links * Convenience Store Robbery and Cash handling. * Gas Station Security - Car Burglary Sliders. * Crime School Podcast Episode Index * Crime School Podcast Homepage Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation Download the book written by Crime School host Chris McGoey. * <a href="https://www.crimedoctor.com/premises.

Juvenile Shoplifting - Petty Theft with Low Risk of Incarceration * Juveniles working gangster-style with adults makes crime a felony * Adults directing children to steal $350 of Red Bull Energy Drinks * Adult parents throw 12oz cans at a clerk escalating to a robbery Podcast Time Stamps: 00:50 -- CrimeSchool.com/44  podcast begins with security expert Chris McGoey 01:00 -- AM/PM Convenience Store video caught juvenile shoplifting in the act 01:30 -- Watch the mother attempt to distract the cashier from seeing the theft 02:50 -- Watch the father throw 12oz Red Bull cans at cashier aids kids to escape 03:20 -- Father's use of force escalates juvenile shoplifting to felony robbery 04:40 -- Red Bull Energy Drink is a hot Organized Retail Crime theft item 05:35 -- Organized thieves clean out entire shelves to sell on the black market 07:00 -- Organized Retail Crime is a multi-billion dollar loss for the retail industry Juvenile Shoplifting Video (starts after a short delay) Juvenile Shoplifting Training by Disgraceful Parents * Children learn what they hear and see especially the parents' gangster lifestyle * These children are learning not to respect people, the law, and rules of society * These children are taught that use-of-force and intimidation is like a game * Many adult career criminals say they started with juvenile shoplifting * Petty theft is often overlooked by the justice system as a phase of growing up * Our future depends on parents raising productive and law-abiding children * Juvenile shoplifting escalates to fraud, burglary, robbery, assault, and worse * Law enforcement and juvenile courts intervene when parents fail in their duty * Juvenile shoplifting petty theft is charged as burglary if adults aid and abet * Bad parent role models, bad friends, early incarceration sets the path for life Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Use Juvenile Shoplifting * Retail loss prevention agents see adults using kids as shields to shoplift * Store personnel need training on how to approach and deter organized thieves * Organize Retail Crime (ORC) prefer big box stores with poor customer service * Loss Prevention door-greeters are successful in preventing cart push-outs * ORC shoplifting crews from foreign countries plagued cities then move on * ORC work in teams and often clean out entire shelf-stock of targeted items * Stolen items sold at black market stores, restaurants, bars, and swap meets * Black market easier now with illicit online sales on eBay, Craigslist, Facebook * Organized Retail Crime is a multi-billion dollar loss to retailers every year * Big box store loss prevention has partnered with police to arrest theft crews * ORC sting-operations and legislation enacted to prosecute ORC leaders Common high-theft items by ORC shoplifters: * Red Bull Energy Drinks * Razors and blades * Over-the-counter pain medication * Baby formula and diapers * Batteries * Pregnancy test kits * Teeth whitening strips * Tide laundry detergent * Diabetic test strips * Allergy medication

Do armed security guards require more regulation? * Should there be a national standard for background checks? * Is there a national clearinghouse for armed security guards? * Is mental health screening necessary for armed security guards? * Do armed security guards need more use-of-force training? Play CNN Hired Guns video then listen to the podcast dialog Podcast Time Stamps * [00:40] - Should government create laws for armed security guards * [01:25] - Armed security officers are not police officers * [04:10] - Interview with investigative reporter Lisa McCormick begins * [08:00] - At what level of government should regulations be enacted * [12:00] - Need for a national armed security guards clearinghouse * [18:15] - Armed security guards agency is easiest to regulate * [21:15] - Property owners that hire armed guards are responsible * [23:00] - Interview follow-up and remarks Armed Security Guards in the News Investigative reporter, Lisa McCormick from WDAF-TV in Kansas City called to get my opinion about the need for armed security guards licensing and background checks in Missouri, Kansas, and other states. Should the government require background checks and special training for armed security?Tweet This Armed Security Guards - Big Questions * Should Missouri, Kansas, and other states create laws requiring background checks of armed security guards? * What are the risks of not having screening and training regulations for armed security guards? * Do I agree that the industry of armed security guards is a haphazard system of lax laws with minimal oversight and almost no accountability? * Are more hours of scenario training required for armed security guards? Armed Security Guards - Answers are Complex * The federal government should only provide a framework for private security guard screening especially the small armed segment of that industry. * Federal government should assist with coordination of a national clearinghouse for background checks and ease current obstructions * The state government is good at setting regulations and standards, but not for staying on top of licensing, complaints, and local enforcement. * Local municipal government is best at enforcement if they consistently under-take the duty statewide and have budget assistance to do so. * There needs to be a hybrid method of adopting Federal & State standards with local enforcement and oversight without being burdensome. * We can do better, for example, a licensed manicurist has stricter licensing and training requirements than an armed security guard. More Resources on this Subject: * Video source: CNN and Center for Investigative Reporting with Anderson Cooper. * CNN year-long report on Armed Security Guards called <a href="h...

Travel security plan will make you safer while abroad. * Travel security plan anticipates and reduces the risk of loss or harm. * Travel security plan is an emergency document retrieval system. * Travel security plan is home and vehicle protection while abroad. * Travel security plan is packing smart for international travel. * Travel security plan is control over luggage and documents. * Travel security plan is health management for common ailments. Podcast Time Stamps: [01:30] – International travel requires research and planning. [02:00] – American travel company provides US point of contact. [02:50] – Select an established itinerary in risky locations. [03:40] – United States State Department travel warnings. [04:25] – Pre-pay to reduce need to carry excess cash. [04:58] – Emergency document retrieval plan. [06:56] – What if you lose all your luggage and passport? [08:50] – Advantage of local tour company in emergency. [09:35] – How to recover critical documents and credit card. [10:30] - Place emergency documents in cloud storage. [12:20] – Travel security plan for home and car protection. [14:35] – Make home appear occupied while abroad. [16:20] – Pack smart and travel light internationally. [18:10] – Leave electronic devices at home…Unplug. [19:40] – Carry duplicate copies of critical documents. [22:20] - Divide cash between travelers and pockets. [21:25] – Carry prescription medication in original bottles. [23:05] – Health management is a priority for international travel. [25:30] – Create multiple back-up and contingency plans. Security plan for international travel anticipates the risk of loss or harm.Tweet This Carry Your USA Passport for Safety Travel security plan to be safe at your destination * Research your international travel destination fully. * Use a reliable US travel company that communicates well. * Pick an established itinerary to eliminate surprises. * Prepay most travel expenses to reduce the need to carry cash. * Hire local guides to arrange safe lodging and clean restaurants. * Use local guides to handle language translations, and transactions. * Check US State Department website for international travel warnings. * Obtain critical address and phone number contacts at home and abroad. * Identify emergency medical treatment centers in major cities. * Research availability for emergency medical evacuation service. Travel security plan for emergency document retrieval * Prepare an emergency contact list at home and at each destination. * Prepare a travel schedule itinerary and hotel contact list. * Scan all critical travel documents and upload to cloud storage. * Copy credit cards front and back.

Bar bouncers are caught on video acting like thugs and brawlers intentionally punching, kicking, using knee strikes, and stomping on patrons just like in the movie Road House. * A reporter from the St. Augustine Record newspaper in Florida asked me to view video footage posted on YouTube and comment on the behavior of several Conch House Marina bar bouncers. * You be the judge about how the bar bouncers handled the melee when you view this video for yourself. The bar bouncers are the big guys dressed in orange t-shirts. My video observations * Conch House Marina dock was critically over-crowed. * Bouncers were acting like thugs rather than protective security. * Bouncers yelling "chill out" is not effective in crowd control. * I counted six people down with injuries or unconscious. * I saw bouncers throwing sucker-punches. * I saw a bouncer using a choke-hold on a patron. * I saw a bouncer kicking, kneeing, and stomping on a patron. * I saw blatant excessive force by multiple bouncers. * I saw bar bystanders get knocked over like bowling pins. * I saw a general lack of a bar security plan and training. Your list may be much longer than my quick outline. The punching, kicking, knee strikes, stomping, and choking that I witnessed on this video was offensive rather than defensive force, and was not reasonable, under these circumstances. There’s a lesson here about bar bouncers It’s not always wise to hire bar bouncers whose main attribute is his large-size if the job description really requires someone to have a calm professional demeanor and adequate training to manage a large crowd and drunk and disorderly customers. From watching the video, I suspect that many of the Conch House bar bouncers: * Had little or no security experience. * Received little or no training in crowd control. * Were not taught about the lawful limitations on using excessive force on customers. In a crisis, like this one, inexperienced and untrained bouncers will fall-back on their physically aggressive instincts to solve what should have been a crowd management problem addressed in the planning stage. That's why these things can happen. Duty of bar bouncers A bar bouncer is supposed to monitor the crowd so everyone has a good time but within reasonable limits. * Watch that everyone behaves according to rules of conduct. * Patrons don't become overly intoxicated. * Or become bothersome to others. The best bouncers are personable, friendly and can talk to intoxicated patrons without appearing threatening or intimidating. After all, these customers are the same welcomed guests that you admitted at the door, charged an entry fee, served your food, and your intoxicating alcoholic beverages. Bar management has a responsibility to protect them in the same manner as any other guest. The best bouncers know that their job is not to actually bounce anyone…but rather talk to people. The mere presence of a well-trained bouncer will remind the patron that their conduct is being scrutinized and that their patronage can be revoked. Conch House Reggae Sunday Party Conch House formula for premises liability The owner of Conch House was the architect of the nature of this facility and what it became on this day. I’ve been told that it's family owned and for many yea...

ATM robbers may be waiting at your Automated Teller Machine. * ATM cash withdrawal after-hours is high-risk if alone and female. * Learn how ATM robbers think and view you as a potential victim. * Think about times and locations where your ATM use was risky. * Have a family meeting to discuss plans for late-night ATM use. Podcast Time Stamps: [1:10]  - ATM robbers want the element of surprise. [1:48]  - Some ATM locations are better for robbers. [2:40]  - My ATM is your ATM. [3:28]  - Robbers don’t like ATM machines in supermarkets. [4:10]  - Robbers prefer to confront a single ATM victim. [4:45]  - Robbers expect ATM victims to cooperate. [5:20]  - Robbers hate attentive ATM customers. [5:58]  - ATM robbers will use excessive force if you resist. [6:25]  - Video surveillance cameras not a big concern to ATM robbers. [7:05]  - Good lighting doesn’t matter that much to ATM robbers. 10 things Robbers don't want ATM victims to know.Tweet This Play video clip to see ATM robbers in action ATM Robbers Don't Want You to Know 1. ATM robbers want the element of surprise ATM robbers are usually male, under 25 years old.  They look a little scruffy because they are likely intoxicated on alcohol or drugs. If you look around, the ATM robber is that suspicious-looking guy within 25 yards standing in the shadows or sitting in a car. ATM robbers usually work alone, but sometimes use a partner for a lookout or getaway driver. 2.  Some ATM locations are better for robbers ATM robbers prefer isolated machines with poor line-of-sight from the street or parking lot. They like to hide nearby behind some obstruction until the right moment. Robbers also like the bank drive-thru-lane machine because they can sneak up on your open car window while you focus on punching in your ATM code number. They know you can't run while buckled into your car seat. ATM robbers have the advantage because they pick the best time, the location with the best hiding places and escape routes. 3. My ATM is your ATM Once ATM robbers stake out your machine, they don’t have to do anything, but hang around nearby, watch, and wait. ATM robbers strike between 8:00 pm – 4:00 am when ATM traffic is slowest. Robbers don’t have a bank account or a bank ATM card, so when they need quick cash they’ll use yours. They hope you withdraw $300 but will settle for less. They may also demand your phone, wallet, purse, watch, or jewelry. Occasionally, ATM robbers will steal your car too and may take you with them to another crime scene. 4. ATM robbers don’t like machines in supermarkets ATM robbers can’t see the machine from the parking lot or know when someone approaches it. There are cashiers, video surveillance, and too many witnesses. Large stores may have security watching. Robbers lose the element of surprise if they enter the store with their face covered or gun out. They don’t have a view of the parking lot from inside to know if...

Crime risk has a direct correlation to the nature of the premises. * Property open to the public operates at greater crime risk. * Cash-based late-night businesses have greater crime risk. * Nature of the premises may foresee the level of crime risk. Podcast Time Stamps: [01:40] - Business owners are reluctant to change the way they operate. [01:58] - Quick-fixes are like Bandaids that need to be reapplied often. [03:00] - Major risk factor is the Nature of the Premises. [03:37] - Examples of different business model effect on crime. [04:56] - Each business type attracts a different type of customer. [05:25] - Restaurant wants to add entertainment and liquor license. [06:55] - Banks offer different level of risk after hours at ATMs. [07:50] - Hotels lease out ballrooms for parties increases assault risk [08:27] - Convenience store check-cashing increases robbery risk. [08:52] - Parking lot use and risk vary through the course of the day. [09:40] - Expected property use versus actual use. [10:20] - Tweaking the nature of the premises and business. [11:10] - Most apartment crime risk can be fixed in the office. [12:05] - Summary of risk factors and an action plan. [13:00] - Failure to correct nature of the premises causes liability. Crime at a business is based, in part, by the nature of the premises.Tweet This Liquor Store Robbery Magnet Crime Risk Factors There are three primary crime risk factors that should be considered when designing a security plan for a business open to the public. * Nature of the premises. * Crime Demographics. * Location. The property owner and business operator have the most control over the nature of the premises than any other risk factor. Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation Download the book written by Crime School host Chris McGoey. * Security Expert’s Guide to Premises Liability Litigation. * Evaluating Crime Foreseeability and Inadequate Security Cases. WANTED: Show Guests with Crime Stories Are you a property crime victim or violent crime survivor? * Do you have a business with crime problems to solve? * Do you have crime or loss prevention programs to share? * Do you have crime prevention products to review? * Contact --  Chris with your ideas for a show. * Crime School topics are influenced by your input and scenarios. * We encourage sharing Crime School content on social media. * Help Crime School grow with a 5-Star Rating & Review in <a href="https://getpodcast.