How to Protect Yourself From Violent Crime, Homicide, and Property Crime

According to the FBI, in 2008, the U.S. violent crime, homicide, and property crime rates were 454.5, 5.4, and 3,213 respectively, per 100,000 population. Not taking into account the city you live in, your personal demographics, or how you spend your time, this means that the odds of becoming a victim of a violent crime or homicide are roughly 0.46%, and the odds for property crime are 3.21%.

You NEED to take this seriously, because there are simple steps you can take to decrease your personal risk. It is essential that you understand how to protect yourself, your family and your property if presented with a dangerous situation. See below for two simple lists (by no means exhaustive).

How to Protect Yourself from Violent Crime and Homicide

• Complete at least an introductory self defense class - I have been taking Krav Maga for three years now, but five 1-hour, weekly classes at any reputable school can be fun and make an amazing difference in your overall safety. Bring a friend, and you can train together.

• Carry some type of self defense product with stopping power - Many people don't want to carry a gun or knife, and for good reason: These are expensive, often difficult to carry, and can end someone's life. Technology has advanced, and Tasers, Stun Guns, and Pepper Spray are inexpensive, easy to carry and inconspicuous, cause no permanent damage, and generally have MORE stopping power.

• Carry a personal alarm - In addition to a product with stopping power, personal alarms serve as a HUGE deterrent for would-be attackers. These fit on your keychain and, often times, have conveniences such as a flashlight.

• Evaluate how and where you spend your time - Make smart decisions that don't put you in dangerous situations: Avoid certain bars, park under street lights, don't walk the city alone, lock your doors and windows, limit your alcohol intake. Consider the many small decisions you make on a day-to-day basis that could affect

As a final note, notice that the title of this article is "How to Protect Yourself From Violent Crime, Homicide, and Property Crime," not "How To Avoid Becoming a Victim" or "How To Not Get Attacked." This is intentional: While there are many important decisions you can make to avoid dangerous situations, you should never think of personal safety as things you're NOT doing. Make choices, take steps, and DO whatever it takes to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

How to Protect Yourself from Property Crime

• Have some type of self defense product with stopping power accessible - Many people don't own a gun, and for good reason: These are expensive, dangerous to have in the home, and can end someone's life. Technology has advanced, and Tasers, Stun Guns, and Pepper Spray are inexpensive, easy to use, cause no permanent damage, and generally have MORE stopping power.

• Install some form of home security system - Some people like having fully automated security systems. The important thing with a security system is that it has an alarm of some type, because these are great deterrents. You can get simple home alarms to place in windows etc.... I know some people that don't have a full system, but put the ADT sign outside as a deterrent-I don't know how ADT feels about this, but I hope they're happy to help deter criminals. Don't rely on the system calling the company or 911; response times average around 30 minutes. Cameras are great to have, but they are useful only for assigning liability after the fact. The safety of you and your family is the most important.

• Evaluate where you choose to live - Consider the type of neighborhood you move into: Look up crime statistics in your neighborhood using local government websites. Consider the type of building you move into: Houses, apartments, and condos all have different risks to consider which must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Consider the local school system: This is one of the best indicators of the safety of the neighborhood. These considerations become even more important as you purchase a home and/or have kids.

As a final note, notice that the title of this article is "How To Protect Yourself From Crime," not "How To Avoid Becoming a Victim" or "How To Not Get Attacked." This is intentional: While there are many important decisions you can make to avoid dangerous situations, you should never think of personal safety as things you're NOT doing. Make choices, take steps, and DO whatever it takes to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

Stephen Buller is a practitioner of Krav maga.
He is Owner and Operator of Protechtion which aims to provide people with the necessary knowledge and technology to protect themselves, their families, and their property.

Protect Yourself.

Violent and Property Crime Statistics

Just how likely are you to become a victim of crime? It is believed that crime is increasing in many cities across the United States. Most of the country's large cities, from New Orleans to Los Angeles and everywhere in between, have disturbingly high numbers of violent crime (which include murder, rape, and assault) as well as property crimes such a thefts, burglaries, and break-ins. Living in today's world, it's no wonder why so many people have chosen to protect their homes, themselves, and their families with security systems, stun guns, pepper spray, personal alarms, and a whole host of other devices designed to give you peace of mind and help you thwart an attack.

What do the statistics show about the level of crime in the United States? Last year, there was a violent crime every 22.8 seconds, and an aggravated assault every 37.8 seconds. No matter your gender, age, or location, it is critical that you protect yourself before you become part of these statistics.

There were almost five million acts of violence with female victims reported in the United States last year. Three quarters of these women were attacked when alone, and half were attacked by multiple assailants. Thirty percent of female victims of violence were attacked by someone they knew well. There are more than half a million rapes reported in the United States each year. These statistics underscore the need for women, especially, to protect themselves. Carry pepper spray in your handbag everywhere you go. A stun gun shaped like a cell phone or pepper spray disguised to look like a pen can be great choices, especially when you consider that many of these crimes are perpetrated by attackers who know their victim.

According to the FBI, there are more than seventeen million property crimes such as burglary in the United States each year, including a burglary every twelve seconds and a violent robbery every 70 seconds. The average dollar loss per home invasion is about $1,725 to $2,000, and by far houses are the biggest target for break-ins. Clearly, property crimes are a huge problem in the United States. When you consider the danger your home is in, as well as how much property you are risking by leaving it unprotected, it makes sense to protect your home with alarms, security cameras, and other devices.

Much can be learned from the method of entry for most home burglaries. About two thirds of residential burglaries occurred during daylight hours, while many people mistakenly believe that their home is at greater risk at night. A third of all home invasions happen right through the front door, while another quarter enter through a first floor window, and nearly all of the rest enter through the back door or garage. In nearly all cases, any alarms or other security systems on the home were not turned on or armed at the time of the burglary.

Historically speaking, property crime tends to increase when the economy is not doing well. Since we are currently in a recession, it is all the more important to protect yourself, your home, and your family.

Resist Attack has a full range of stun guns both for families and security forces. Also check for current specials on hand held metal detectors

Consider The Crime Rate Before Investing In A Property

There are lots of factors to consider before buying a property, but one that shouldn't be overlooked is doing a little research about the local and surrounding crime rate. A property may otherwise seem perfect, but if it has a high overall crime rate - or consistently experiences a rash of a certain type of crime - that can be a turnoff to a lot of people.

There are obviously different types of crimes, as well as different classifications. In general, misdemeanor crimes are less severe than felonies, with both felonies and misdemeanors having sub-categories of severity - usually with labels like "First Degree" and "Class A," respectively. These classifications vary from state to state, so it's important to understand what your local jurisdiction defines each as before you start looking at the numbers.

And while there are different types of crimes - violence, arson, auto theft, larceny, burglary, assault, robbery, rape, murder, etc. - each area may group crimes together differently than other areas. That's why, when researching crime rates, it's best to go straight to the source. A local police department should have all the information regarding local crimes, and should be able to go back a few years. Be sure to ask them what they classify as a "violent crime" or what constitutes "sexual assault" in order to fully understand the types of crimes you're dealing with.

Depending on the type of crime that is prevalent in a certain area (although the hope is that none are especially prevalent) there may be certain precautions you can take to protect the property from that crime. For instance, if the most significant crime in the area is auto theft, you can install a secure garage door. Having strong locks on all the doors to the house and a working alarm system could also help assuage any fears a potential buyer may have.

As you're doing your research, be sure to compare the area to surrounding areas, as well as both national and state crime rates. A certain crime may seem a bit high to you, but when compared to everywhere else in the state, you may actually be in the middle of the safest area within 100 miles.

As part of this research, especially if there is a possibility children could be living on the property, is to check out the sex offender registry. Again, the local police department should have a list, but there are plenty of websites that are connected to the federal registry and provide interactive maps.

Obviously, the lower the crime rate, the better. However, doing your research beforehand will not only give you better perspective and context, but you'll be able to make appropriate plans and precautions to counteract any potential local crime.

Scott Spjut is a writer and editor who has been featured in various magazines, newspapers and websites, including Newsweek, the Washington Post, CBS News and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. With a B.A. in Communications, he continues to write on a wealth of topics - politics, health and fitness, business, marketing and more. Scott currently works with Professional Marketing International helping people change their lives.

Property Crimes in Mississippi

According to statistics provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, property crime is one of the most common types of crimes committed in Mississippi. In fact, in 2008, there were 86,408 instances of crimes against property. And the statistics indicate that this disturbing trend is likely to continue throughout 2009 and into 2010.

Property crimes are very serious offenses in Mississippi. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most common types of crimes committed throughout the state. Crimes involving property is broad category that includes any sort of offense that involves damage private or public property. Some of the most common crimes in Mississippi include:

Arson: arson is a well known type of crime in Mississippi that involves setting an intentional setting or attempt to set a fire in order to destroy or deface property. Many arson crimes are also part of a grander scheme, for instance setting a fire in order to collect on insurance money.
Shoplifting: this common crime is the theft of property from a retail establishment without paying for it. Although many stores and shops in Mississippi have developed anti-shoplifting procedures, it remains one of the most common crimes in Lee County.
Burglary: Commonly referred to as breaking and entering, burglary is the willful entering or remaining in the property of another to commit a crime. Although the most common crime committed during a burglary in northeastern Mississippi is larceny/theft, virtually any other crime against property or people can occur during such a situation.
Theft/Larceny: The simplest of all property crimes, these two similar offences involve the taking and/or removal of someone else's property without their permission.
Vandalism: Graffiti, defacement, smashing windows, all fall under vandalism. Virtually anything that causes a diminishment of value or use of public or private property can be considered vandalism.



Each of these crimes carries a serious penalty in Mississippi. The current economic situation throughout the Southeast, as well as the nation at large, creates a climate for property crime to thrive. The disparity of wealth in certain locations makes it difficult for people to make wise choices, or often drive them into decisions that they, under normal circumstances would never have considered.

Mississippi property crime law is very complicated and difficult to interpret. What can start as a simple misunderstanding can quickly spiral into a life-changing event that has dire consequences. The best way to protect yourself from being caught in up in a situation beyond your control is to do your best to understand the law, but if you are facing charges for property crimes in Mississippi consult a dedicated and experience property crime attorney without delay.

As a criminal defense attorney in Tupelo, Mississippi William Wayne Housley fully comprehends people throughout northeastern Mississippi face charges for a wide variety of crimes. Without aggressive and dedicated representation by a property crimes attorney, a simple mistake could end up affecting you, or a loved one for the rest of your life.