Crime Prevention Tip of the Month

August 2005
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Greetings!

Welcome to the Crime Prevention Tip of the Month. First, a little about me. I'm a working Police Officer in my thirtieth year with a major North American Police Service. I've been involved in Crime Prevention for 9 years and specialize in CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). In fact, I instruct other officers in this at the Police College. In my position as Crime Prevention Officer, I consult with homeowners, businesses and developers in their attempt to design out crime.

I am delighted to contribute to Mr. Goodbar's website. I firmly believe that physical security is the best kind of security because it leaves no question in the mind of the criminal as to the premise's level of protection. In my opinion, the use of window bars is the next best visual deterrent to having a Police Officer standing on your lawn.

Dogs and Home Security
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If you're considering getting a new best friend, why not look into one that will double as a security system? I'm talking about dogs, of course. The traits that make a dog such a loyal buddy can also make him a good addition to your security system.

First, never rely completely on your dog for security. The very dog that keeps your mother-in- law from stepping out of the car could welcome an intruder with wagging tail and big sloppy kisses. But used along with proper physical security measures and common sense, dogs can be great additions to a home security system.

Dogs have a couple of advantages. Many breeds will let you know when someone is approaching your home, giving you lots of time to take the appropriate actions. The noise they make is also a deterrent. Remember that your everyday criminal likes to take the easy way whenever possible. A dog, even a small one, is a major complication, possibly drawing unwanted attention from the neighbors and holding the threat of physical harm should the thief attempt entry.

The best breeds in terms of protection can be divided into breeds that make good guard dogs and breeds that excel as watch dogs. Guard dogs are large breeds capable of doing serious damage. They have highly developed protective instincts and are often trained to provide security. These dogs must be socialized and trained at a young age in order to contain their aggressiveness. Unethical breeders will train them to be mean; never purchase a dog from such a breeder. Dogs with bad dispositions are dangerous to you and others and could leave you mired in criminal charges and lawsuits for failing to maintain control of the animal.

Good guard dogs include Bullmastiffs, Dobermans, Rottweilers and German Shepherds.

Watch dogs are typically smaller dogs that may not be able to physically protect the premises but will bark, growl and snarl when someone approaches your property. Terriers, Chihuahuas, Poodles and Miniature Schnauzers all make great watch dogs.

Some dogs are meant for other things. If you are looking for a bit of home protection along with someone to cuddle, walk and throw a Frisbee to, you won't be interested in Bloodhounds, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards or Bulldogs. These breeds are unlikely to make noise, even when the thief walks right past them carrying the family jewels.

Click here to learn more about window safety.

Mr. Goodbar Meets Mr. Handyman
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What's the biggest complaint we hear from our customers? Why don't you install?

We can't install because we'd spend most of our time flying across North America, following the products we sell. We'd even have to go to the Carribean several times a month (actually, we could handle that!).

But we understand why you want an installer. Sometimes you're just too busy to get the installation done. Sometimes you don't want to hunt for your tools. And sometimes, well, you just don't really consider yourself very handy.

Finally, we've found a solution!

Mr. Handyman is a national home handyman company, with franchises across North America. They are established, respected and professional. Participating Mr. Handyman outlets have received the MR. GOODBAR training manual and are ready to install any of your MR. GOODBAR products.

Click here to learn more about dogs and security.

Featured Products
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Windows in doors provide one of the fastest ways to gain entry into a home. It only takes seconds to smash the glass, reach in, and turn the lock.

The Door Security Grille is a fast, easy way to protect yourself. Made of solid steel rod with a beautiful powder coat finish, the Door Security Grille blends into the decor of your home while giving potential intruders the clear order to "STAY OUT".

It only takes minutes to install your Door Security Grilles on the interior or exterior of all your vulnerable doors. The peace of mind will last a lifetime.

Learn more about Door Security Grilles!

Protect Your Friends and Family
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