Petty Criminals in the vicinity!

There are numerous cases of unreported petty crimes in the neighbourhood recently; vandalism and pickpocketing. Many neighbours are complaining of these vandalism and pickpocketing occurences. However these petty criminals are getting scot free and residents are starting to worry about their own safety. Why has the "once-saved" environment turned out like this?

Vandalism

Actions of vandalist can be ascribe to anger or envy, or to spontaneous, opportunistic behaviour - possibly for peer acceptance or bravado in gang culture or disgruntlement with the victim or society.

Here's a video on a woman vandalising car:

But not to worry, here are so advice and safety tips for everyone! For instances such as car vandalism which was mentioned above;

1. Park your car in a place that is well lit. If you have a driveway or a garage, put a security light up and if you have on-street parking, make sure your car is near a street light or other source of light that stays on all night long. Also, back your car into driveway, if you have one because anyone trying to hotwire your car will be visible to anyone who drives past.

2. Park your car in a garage, if you have one but make sure the garage is locked at night. And, if garage is detached from the house, make sure there is a light on between the house and the garage. 

3. Invest in a car cover. Vandalists have to lift cover to damnage your car which usually takes more work than a vandalist who wants to put into things.

4. Add a security system decal. This can often fool a vandalist into thinking you have an alarm sysem however make sure it's from a real security system and not one that is noticeably fake.

5. Get to know your neighbours. Frequently, people see suspicious activity taking place but failed to report it. By doing so, it reduces the risk of that apathy by being friendly with those who live in your community. Someone who knows you is far more likely to pick up the phone and call you when they spot someone spray painting your car.

Pickpocketing (Don't let them be easy picking!)

Pickpockets are very skilled and is one of the thieving where it requires more of a smooth act than brute force. There are three main things which pickpockets do - Scouting, Diversion and lifting.

Scouting

When pickpockets are in a crowded area (which they really like), they need to find a mark. Their mark would probably satisfy the following requirements:
- Loose pockets.
- Wallet at back pocket.
- Wallet sticking out.
- Opened latch handbags, those with no zips (for women).

Pickpockets do make use of the "BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS!" sign, as people would pat on their pockets to check after they saw the sign. But a few minutes later they'll forget about it, and pickpockets now know where their wallets are.

Diversion

Once they spot the correct mark, they would have to do a diversion. One of the most unsuspected diversion is the bump.

1. Bump and Lift

When a pickpocket bumps into their mark, they immediately use their 2 fingers (index and middle) to push the bottom of the pocket, to let the wallet rise to the opening of the pocket. Then with the other hand, they take out the wallet with their two fingers acted like a tweezer (do a peace sign, the wallet goes in between) or with thumb and index finger grabbing the edges of the wallet (that way the hand will be as flat as possible).

Tweezer Finger

2. Make a Mess

A pickpocket can "accidentally" spill juice or water over the mark, and apologize by helping them clean up. During the wiping process, the pickpocket can pretend to wipe or clean the mark using one hand, while the other gets the wallet. The mark is probably in a rage and is busy cleaning instead of worrying about their wallet.

3. Bait

Just drop some money or something valuable on the ground. When the guy reaches down to pick it up to satisfy his own greed, the pickpocket will reach for the wallet. This is also good as when you bend down, your back pocket is more exposed and opened, which makes it easier for the pickpocket to take it out quickly.

4. What about pickpocketing from a handbag?

Pickpocketing from an handbag is much easier for a their kind. This is because it's harder to feel the pickpocket's hands than it is to have a wallet in the back pocket. Same concept, but no diversion is needed. They just need to keep you looking elsewhere. Most pickpockets do this when the woman is moving, they follow her with the same speed while lifting. When the woman walks, she would not notice the movement caused by the pickpocket (opening, unzipping and lifting) as her movements also move the handbag.

Some tips to prevent from being pickpocket!

1. Always store valuables in a front pocket or secret pocket; make sure it's not sticking out from your pockets either.

2. Avoid walking through large crowds; pickpockets can easily blend in and snatch wallets without anyone noticing.

3. Shorten thr strap on any purse or bag you carry; don't dangle the purse loose below your waist. Strap should be short enough that you can keep the purse and its opening under your below.

4. Carry your purse across your chest; if strap is long enough, put it over your head so the strap runs diagonally across your chest, with the purse under your arm.

5. Leave nothing unattended; do not hand a bag or purse over the back of a chair (such as in a restaurant or cafe), and certainly do not leave your belongings behind while you walk off.

Each and everyone plays a part. Wait no and start today by doing your part and create a clean and green environment!