Burglary Rates Are Increasing

According to the FBI, burglaries increased 1.3 percent in 2006 compared with 2005. Victims of property crimes lost more than $4 billion in cash and belongings as a result of a burglary. Unfortunately, many of those burglaries happened at someone’s home. The FBI estimates that every 15 seconds, a home in the United States is burglarized.

Along with burglaries, home invasion robberies are also increasing. These terrifying crimes occur when someone forces their way into a home while someone is there. Victims of home invasion robberies have been raped, stabbed, beaten and shot and many people have been killed. In July 2007, a Connecticut doctor was severely beaten and his wife and two daughters were murdered after two men forced their way into their home. These crimes shatter the belief that home is the place where we are safest. This false sense of security reinforces the belief that “It can’t happen to me.” Usually it is only after a homeowner has become a crime victim that he or she decides to install a home security system.

According to statistics, a home without a security system is two to three times more likely to be burglarized. Still, many people don’t see the added benefits of a home security system and many more buy one and keep it turned off.

A home security system can protect your home in many ways:

• Most thieves will avoid a home that has a “Protected by” sign in its yard or on a window. Thieves do not want to get caught!

• If someone tries to break into your home during the day, the home security alarm company will notify you and the police immediately. Most thieves will run once the alarm sounds, again in fear that they will be caught.

• Often burglars will strike at night as a family sleeps. These bold thieves often attack a family as well. An alarm will signal police and alert the family that an intruder is in the home.

• You may be insured, but money cannot replace the loss of a treasured family heirloom taken in a burglary. Even is someone is arrested for a burglary, the property is often not recovered.

Many families think they cannot afford a home security system, but some companies offer installation for as low as $99. Monthly monitoring fees can be as inexpensive as $25-a small cost for peace of mind.

Travel Luxury Vacations - Careful!

The greatest travel destinations in the world are similar to each other in so many ways. They are visited each year by hundreds of thousands of luxury travel vacation tourists and have some of the greatest sights and experiences. Unfortunately, they are all full of pickpockets. Pickpocketing is one of the oldest forms of theft in the world, and is rampant anywhere there are tourists to rob. Knowing that you WILL be targeted on your trip, here are some great ways to protect yourself from pickpockets.

Protect your Valuables
Thieves are looking mostly to steal cash, and in some cases, your passport. The first step in thwarting attacks on your luxury vacation is to be aware of where you place your valuables. Men should never carry their wallet in their back pocket. If you must use a pocket, your front pocket is best. Another way to protect yourself is by using a money belt underneath your clothing. Stay away from keeping money in backpacks and fanny packs. Women who use purses should only carry ones that zip completely, and carry them on their shoulder with their arm over it, holding the purse in front of you.

Don’t Look Like a Victim
Pickpockets carefully choose their victims. They are looking for tourists, who are probably carrying a lot of cash and credit cards. Do not dress like a tourist if you can avoid it. Try to blend in with the crowed and not stand out. Pickpockets are also attracted to people who are looking lost, confused or distracted. If you have that deer in the headlights look, you won’t notice your wallet is gone right away. Be as familiar as possible with your surroundings when you travel. A good reason to consider a luxury world cruise is you can explore the land, sights and attractions in a guided tour, offering group protection and being comfortable with the guided tour.

Be Prepared
One of the most important things about traveling on luxury vacations is to be prepared for the worst. It is helpful to keep an accurate list of everything in your purse or wallet back at your hotel, so that should you be robbed, you can discover immediately what was taken. You should also carry emergency numbers for your credit card companies so that you may report stolen cards. It is also vital to keep copies of your passports, so that in a pinch, you have a copy of your international ID and a way to prove you are a citizen.

Pickpocket thefts can happen even to the most experienced traveler on any luxury travel vacation. It is important to be aware of these common dangers. Make sure to store your valuables in an inaccessible area. Try to blend into your surroundings so that you do not look like someone to be taken advantage of. Should all of these precautions still not save you from being a victim, be prepared for the worst. If you follow these steps, you should be able to protect yourself no matter what a pickpockets plans are.