Qui Custodes

911 Alarm

I'm indebted to one of my readers, Greg Broiles, who called the following to my attention:

Apparently the new cell phones make a loud (very loud) alarm sound if 911 is dialed.  There's a story about this about Verizon phones but it may cover other phones as well.  For more details about this you can visit a cell phone users discussion board.  Apparently, the cell phone companies are claiming that this alarm is required by the government.  I don't know. 

But I do know that this can be the biggest idiocy I've heard in quite a while.  What if there's a home invasion?  Do you really want your cell phone to send out an alarm revealing exactly where you are hiding?  Of what if you are being forced into the trunk of your car?  There are many cases of the police tracking you by cell after being called on "911".  The alarm just tells the bad guys you have a phone and begs them to throw it away. 

There may be a way to deactivate this "feature" but I don't know it.  If someone has it, please post it or tell me where it is and I'll post it for you.  In the meantime, you should complain to the carrier and to the FCC about this absolute idiocy. 

Shopping tip

If you are carrying a lot of bags and packages, you won't notice if one wanders off will you?  Worse yet, you could lose your wallet or purse and never notice.  The moral of the story--consolidate, consolidate, consolidate!  Don't be like the shopper in the comic books, so overburdened you have no idea what's going on around you. 

Pickpocket 9

Fer Pete's Sake!  You put your wallet in your pocket & then you pat the wallet to be sure it's there.  What a great signal that a) "Hey Guys!  Guess where my wallet is today?" and b) "I've got something I'm worried about losing" so it must be worth stealing.  Good Job!  In case any reader doesn't get the sarcasm, don't do that!

Pickpocket 8

If you decide to carry out my previous suggestion and use a money belt or neck pouch, conceal it under your clothes and leave it there.  Several times I've seen people dip in to the concealed pouch in front of the whole world.  If any potential thief is watching, you just told her/him/it where to find the good stuff.

Pickpocket 7

To avoid losing everything, divide your money into separate stashes and needs. In one secure place, carry enough money to cover that day's expenses; if you are going to a market or busy place where you will be dipping into your wallet often, carry only what you need. Elsewhere (around your neck or in a sock, for example), place a second pile of money and other valuables.

Modern technology gives advance warning

Something I just noticed when I was looking at YouTube.  There are a lot of people out there who are fighting or looking for fights for fun.  Or looking to "Bitchslap" people at random for fun.  Nothing new there. But now there's a modern twist:  they bring along a film crew to record the action and put it on YouTube.  So, after looking at a bunch of these things here's a new tip:  if you see a bunch of people around you pointing there cell phones or cameras at you, look around.  There's a reason and it could be an unpleasant one. 

Pickpocket 6

It can look disgusting but some people recommend that you don your shoulder bag before you put on your coat.  I'm not in favor of it myself because it inhibits other key protective abilities (like running) but you should know what others have suggested. 

Pickpocket 5

If it is your habit to use handbag, hold it close to your body, not dangling from a hand or wrist.  Personally, I don't think much of looping it over 1 shoulder either.  Any of these 3 ways to carry a handbag makes it easy to snatch.  I suggest wearing your bag diagonally, like a messenger bag, and carry it to one side or the front.  [If you carry it behind you, someone on the bus or subway could open it and you would never notice.]

Pickpocket 4

Some things you can do to make it harder to pick your pocket:

1.  If you carry your wallet in a pocket, try putting a rubber band around your wallet; the band's friction against the fabric of your clothes can act as an alarm.

2.  Informally, if you use a wallet chain, fasten it to your belt or another item of clothing or a purse.

3.  Don't put your wallet on top of your purse or pack--bury it deep so they have to reach in for it. 

Pickpockets 3

You should be aware:  The most vulnerable places to keep your wallet are in your back pants pockets, your inner coat jacket pockets, your backpack and/or your fanny packs (especially if the fanny pack is behind you).   At the same time, pickpockets often avoid front trouser pockets, especially if they are buttoned or zippered.