Burglar's to-do list

A burglar's to-do list that detailed a series of potential targets has been published by Greater Manchester Police in an attempt to raise awareness of crime over the Christmas period.

The handwritten note, titled "lined up grafts", included the location of keys to cars which have been left on view, bikes left unlocked and homes where easy-picking items have been left exposed.

The would-be thief also listed the tools needed to carry out each crime including including hammers, screwdrivers and a coat hanger.

Police constable Andy Pickering of the GMP said the list showed how criminals identified their targets and should serve as a reminder to householders on how to protect themselves from falling victim.

“While most thieves are opportunistic there are some who are more organised and will systematically search out the weaknesses in your neighbourhood for the easiest homes, cars, pedal bikes or other valuables on your property to target and steal," he said.

View a larger image of the note here

The police are encouraging Manchester residents to make their own 'to-do list' of how to protect their homes.

“Being a victim of theft is hard at any time of the year but is particularly so during this special period in the calendar. You can help yourself by putting into action your own ‘to-do’ list to stop thieves going to work in your community," Pickering said.

GMP will be tweeting using the #to-do hashtag over Christmas in order to provide advice.

The Alarming Man is able to install wireless alarms for homes and outbuildings to protect presents both before and after the festive season. Call 01616601636

How to stop a burglar

How do you stop burglars, rioters and looters in their tracks and get them to leave without the use of force, keeping damage to stock and property to a minimum?

By deafening and blinding them of course!  If they are so disorientated by a nauseating sound barrier and dense fog, they cannot steal or damage and leave immediately.

We do this legally - watch the video and call for more info.

Smash & Grab Robbers at 2 stores foiled with Bandit Fog

Jeweller 1. Video stills show how fog foiled the robbers. (scoll down to see them all)

Sant Jewellers and Sons in Southampton were targeted by two raiders in early August 2011, who smashed through the front entrance door and targeted the jewellery cabinets. The shop was installed with a Fog Bandit to protect the staff and the stock. Almost immediately, the vigilant staff initiated the high speed security Fog Bandit which in just two seconds projected a 6 metre blanket of visually impenetrable yet harmless fog across the shop, screening the targeted display cabinets and forcing the raiders to turn and flee the shop, minimising the stock loss, shop damage and trauma to staff. 

Vinnie Kumar, Owner of Sant Jewellers, added;

“We have installed Fog Bandit within all four of our families Jewellery shops and I would recommend that all Jewellers have a Fog Bandit system installed. Fog Bandit is clearly the best security fogging system and helped protect our staff and our business”

Jeweller 2. Fog foiled the robbers.

Ram Parkash Sunderdass and Sons Jewellers on The Broadway were also targeted by raiders on Sunday 4^th September 2011. Again the raiders smashed their way into the shop and targeted the jewellery cabinets. The staff initiated the high speed Fog Bandit and within seconds the raiders were forced to run out of the shop, fractionalising stock loss and minimising this frightening experience for the staff.

The Owner of Ram Parkash Sunderdass and Sons Jewellers in Southall explained;

“The Fog Bandit and its voice warning announcer did a great job in quickly driving the raiders out of the shop, restricting the time and opportunity to target the jewellery and limiting our staff exposure to this frightening experience”.

Neil Chrismas, Sales Director for Bandit UK added:

“The Bandit UK Team applaud the staff during both of these incidents for acting promptly in initiating the Fog Bandit and forcing the raiders to leave their shops. These are further examples of the clear deterrent message to the criminal fraternity that targeting Jewellers with a Fog Bandit system installed is a fruitless exercise and heightens the likelihood of being caught. We have now installed 12 shops with Fog Bandit along The Broadway in Southall, West London, in what is a very friendly and tight Jewellery community where security is taken seriously and this type of crime is not tolerated”.  

About Fog Bandit:

‘What can’t be seen, can’t be stolen’

The state-of-the-art BANDIT is the fastest security fogging system of its kind in the world. When sensors detect an intruder (overnight protection) or a personal alarm is raised (daytime protection) the BANDIT’s patented high-pressure system instantly delivers a dense, visually impenetrable fog at the incredible rate of 28 cubic metres per second, projecting it 6 metres in the first 2 seconds alone. An average sized shop, office or showroom of 140 cubic metres takes just 5 seconds to fill.

The same BANDIT unit can be used for 24/7 risk applications. Daytime robbery deterrent is achieved by deploying a short controlled activation to create a fog curtain between the raider and the staff and/or goods. Overnight protection is achieved via a longer activation filling the entire area with impenetrable fog where valuable stock, equipment and other contents can be obscured from sight, protecting them from the possibility of theft or damage, until the authorities arrive.

The benefits of installing a Bandit……

• The FASTEST way to help protect your assets from theft

• Dual function 24/7 protection from the same unit

• Protects against the possibility of internal damage to property

• Helps keep insurance loss claims to a minimum

• Deters intruders from further attempts

• Fog is harmless, leaves no residue, so is safe to use in any environment

The result……

• Considerable cost, time and effort can be saved, disruption to business is reduced to a minimum and normal trading can be quickly resumed

The Alarming Man is an approved installer and local distributor in the North West of the acclaimed Bandit Security Fog Generator.

Bandit UK Ltd are the distributor for the UK and Ireland for the security Fog Bandit, for more information see www.bandituk.co.uk

Affected by the riots?

People whose homes and businesses were destroyed in rioting could lose out on millions of pounds in compensation if they do not lodge a claim and give their details to the police within 14 days.  Most insurers require riot damage claims to be made within seven days, because the Riot Damages Act requires the police to pay out cash to property owners who suffered losses they could not possibly predict.  People whose homes and businesses were destroyed in rioting could lose out on millions of pounds in compensation if they do not lodge a claim immediately.  
Even people who do not have insurance should act quickly.  

With some businesses remaining closed due to damage or the threat of further riots, affected firms should do everything possible to get back on their feet, without worrying about preserving evidence for insurers.

To reduce the damage caused by looters and robbers, The Alarming Man can supply and install devices that help protect property by blinding, deafening and cutting the hands off intruders all perfectly legally - and take pictures for evidence!  

Call 0161 660 1636  now for non-confrontational ways of property protection.

London Jeweller ‘Smash and Grab’ Robbery Foiled by Fog Bandit

‘Smash and Grab’ Robbery Foiled by Fog Bandit

On Wednesday 26^th January, late in the afternoon, raiders forced their way into Lombard Jewellers, a Jewellery retail shop in Islington, London. Jewellery display cabinets within the prestigious shop were targeted.

Almost immediately, the vigilant staff initiated the high speed security Fog Bandit which in just two seconds projected a 6 metre blanket of visually impenetrable yet harmless fog down the shop, screening the targeted display cabinets and forcing the raiders to turn and flee the shop, minimising the stock loss, shop damage and trauma to staff.

Michael Saunders, Director, Lombard Jewellers, explains;

“The Fog Bandit and its voice warning announcer did its’ job in quickly driving the raiders out of the shop, restricting the time and opportunity for the raiders to target the jewellery and limiting the staff exposure to this frightening experience”.

David Cole of The Alarming Man agrees with the comments of Neil Chrismas, Sales and Marketing Director, Bandit UK Ltd who added;

“The Bandit UK Team applaud the Lombard Jewellers staff for acting promptly in initiating the Fog Bandit and forcing the raiders to leave the shop. This is another example of the clear deterrent message to the criminal fraternity that targeting Jewellers with a Fog Bandit system installed in a fruitless exercise and heightens the likelihood of being caught”.

Fog Bandit installed at Eurotunnel’s Safety Training Facility

Fog Bandit installed at Eurotunnel’s Safety Training Facility:

Two Fog Bandit high density fogging systems have also been supplied for use in Eurotunnel's unique Tunnel Simulator training facility. The state of the art systems replace the previously used 'smoke generator' machines used in the continuous training of Eurotunnel on-board staff when dealing with railway incidents in a smoke filled environment.   The simulator is also used by other Channel Tunnel railway operators and the emergency services in their continuous training.

Cliff Taylor, Eurotunnel’s Training Crew Leader, reports; “We have now started this year’s training using the Bandits, after only one week it has been a great success with all involved stating how good the new system is”. 

To learn about how effective the Fog Bandit is in security situations visit www.thealarmingman.co.uk and click the link for fog.

Fog Bandit on the BBC News!

Fog Bandit was recently included as part of a Crime Prevention feature on national BBC News 24 and BBC Midlands last month.

Just in case you missed it see a copy of the BBC footage on the link below:

10 Items I Would Hate to Lose in a Burglary

Submitted by homealarmmonitoring.org/blog from one of their readers

Having been subjected to a burglary once, this should be to some degree an easy subject to write about.  First of all the idea that a stranger had been in my home and ransacked my house was disgusting and frankly sickening.  I did not want to sleep on the disheveled bed, I didn’t want to touch the bureau drawer’s contents that were strewn all over the room, or the closet items scattered through-out the house.  The general mess they left did make me wonder what kind of people they were that would try to destroy our home, yet not hurt our little dog!

My first thought was “Oh my goodness, my groceries are gone!”  I had gone to the grocery store that day for a couple weeks supply of groceries, and for a young growing family, it wasn’t a small amount of cash then and it sure wouldn’t be now.  I hasten to add, none of my groceries were gone, but a few other possessions were.

Now for items I’d hate to lose in a burglary?

1. Electronics
2. Jewelry
3. Cash
4. Tools
5. Collector items
6. Paintings
7. Automobile
8. Fuel from my car
9. Lawn equipment
10. Silverware

To put these in any kind of order would be left up to each individual.  Personally I would hate to start replacing any on the list.

LEWES JEWELLERS ‘SMASH AND GRAB’ ATTEMPT THWARTED BY FOG BANDIT

ANOTHER JEWELLERS ‘SMASH AND GRAB’ ATTEMPT

THWARTED BY FOG BANDIT

At 14h27, on Wednesday 6^th October 2010, a raider attacked a high street Jeweller in Lewes, East Sussex, with an axe.

Almost immediately sensors initiated the high speed security Fog Bandit which in JUST 2 SECONDS projected a 6 METRE LONG blanket of visually impenetrable yet harmless fog which screened the targeted display cabinets and forced the raider to flee the shop without any reward.

David Clark, Managing Director, W E Clark and Son, explains;

“The intruder attacked the window with an axe and the combination of the security fog and a lady’s screams for the intruder to leave meant they ran off and we are without any stock loss”.

Neil Chrismas, Sales Director, Bandit UK Ltd added;

“The Bandit UK Team are delighted that the Fog Bandit played its part in quickly driving the raider out of the shop, restricting damage to the premises and eliminating stock loss, whilst drawing the attention of witnesses”. 

The walk on by raid

The walk on by raid: How a smash and grab motorbike gang can strike the Queen's silversmith in broad daylight - and no one turns a hair

By Nick Mcdermott
Last updated at 1:50 PM on 10th March 2010

It could have been a scene from a gangster movie, one shop worker said.
And passers-by who witnessed this robbery in London yesterday certainly treated it like one.
While self-preservation may have stopped them from intervening, they weren't too scared to stand there and enjoy the show.
One older gentleman was so unconcerned (or so oblivious) that he strolled right past the motorbike riding gang breaking into the branch of jewellers Mappin & Webb at 11.20am.

Crime show: Four robbers break into a central London jewellery store as another stands guard, while witnesses simply watch or stroll past

The store's staff were probably a little more concerned as the robbers, still wearing their helmets, smashed the window on Old Bond Street. Luckily, no one was hurt.

The gang grabbed tens of thousands of pounds worth of loot, and then roared away.
There were claims that police officers took 25 minutes to arrive on the scene, giving the robbers plenty of time. Witness Petra Remias, 25, who works in a shop opposite said: 'The men started banging on the window with a huge hammer - it made a horrible noise.
'It was like a gangster movie. People in the street started gathering around in a semi-circle to watch.
'The raid lasted between five and ten minutes, it wasn't quick.'

Broad daylight: A gang member smashes the glass and then leans in to snatch fistfuls of gems and watches worth at least £50,000 each

Brazen: A forensic officer gathers evidence at the site where the gang member smashed through the glass

Gemma Flitton, 29, works in the Ralph Lauren showroom above Mappin & Webb. She said: 'It felt like an earthquake.
'We could feel the sledgehammer blows as they vibrated through our floor.
'It was extraordinary because there were dozens of people watching and taking pictures. At least 60 people were on the pavement opposite.'
Mappin & Webb has proved a popular target for smash-and-grab gangs. The same branch on the junction with Piccadilly suffered a similar raid last year.
And the Regent Street store was raided three times in 2008. In one attack a Vauxhall Vectra was driven through the front doors.
In 2006, two teenagers were jailed after stealing £26,000 of goods from Mappin & Webb in Fenchurch Street A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Westminster CID are investigating. We have not been informed of any injuries.'
The spokesman rejected claims that it took officers 25 minutes to reach the scene, saying they attended within two minutes of receiving the call.
Forensic officers yesterday refused to say what was taken from the store and what it was worth.

A spokesman for Mappin & Webb declined to comment. The chain acts as silversmith to the Queen and Prince Charles.
A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: 'At 11.17 police were called by a member of the public reporting a robbery in progress at Mappin and Webb, Old Bond Street, officers were immediately despatched.
'A call was also received at 11.18 by a PCSO who was in the area and had begun pursuing the suspects on foot as they made off down Pall Mall.
'At 11.20 details of bikes were despatched over the radio and at 11.21 the officers in the response car were pursuing the suspects in the direction of Duke Street.  Air support was also in attendance.
'Officers lost sight of the suspects in Wimbourne Street and returned to the scene at Mappin and Webb, arriving at 11.36.  During this time a number of PCSOs had already attended the scene at Mappin and Webb.'

Installation of our security systems may well have foiled this and similar raids. Call us to discuss your concerns and how alarms that bite back could help.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1256734/Motorbike-gang-strike-Queens-silversmith-Mappin--Webb-jewellery-heist.html#ixzz0hskZ90aQ

How long is a burglar in a house

Consider this anecdotal figure from an ex-policeman.

A burglar may well be in your house for less than a minute!

Be alarmed - there are people out there who hope you'r not.

Fit an alarm for Christmas.

Better still, fit an alarm that bites back - call me for details.

Burglary and theft account for a third of data security breaches

New figures from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) reveal that burglaries and theft are the single biggest security risks for organisations processing people’s personal details. 711 organisations across the public, private and third sectors have reported security breaches to the ICO since 25 million child benefit records went missing two years ago this month; 231 of these involved theft. Several organisations have signed formal undertakings to step up security at premises to ensure that people’s personal details are adequately protected. Over 200 private sector firms have reported breaches to the ICO and 209 NHS bodies, which tend to hold some of the most sensitive personal data such as health records, have identified breaches.

To protect your data from burglary and your company from fines for breaches in security, The Alarming Man suggests you install security fog in the storage area - if the thief cannot see it, he cannot steal it! Support this with a short video whenever the secure area is entered
Play the video to see the best security fog system in the world in action.



For old data, have the documents professionally shredded using organisations like Minishred

Protect High Value Assets

Let’s say your home or business alarm went off, what happens next? The siren makes a noise, the thief damages property and steals whatever and the cavalry arrive some time later. Oh, and the CCTV recorded the unidentifiable burglar for posterity. However, if the area was filled with dense fog in seconds would the outcome be different? If you have concerns and are serious about protecting that server room or the Aston parked in the garage, watch this video and ask for a free demonstration – you will be amazed at the level of protection at affordable prices.