Holiday Cautions

© COPYRIGHT 2009 BY BRADLEY J. STEINER - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Sword and Pen – December 2009 Issue

[Reprinted With Permission]

American Combato
Seattle Combatives


WHILE Christmas is the most beautiful time of year, and it is difficult for many to believe this, it is nevertheless a fact that at this time of year crime — especially violent crime — often tends to escalate. This is because of the deep-seated discontent of so many people who are embittered by their personal situation. Christmas time, when many people have loved ones and friends with whom to share the holiday experience, can be a lonely, sad, and very frustrating time for many. Some of those "many" lash out.

The present horrific economic situation that we ALL are in has affected some people much more than it has affected others. Hopelessness, which many, unfortunately, have been made to feel by that which is transpiring, can be an enraging feeling. Often, when people feel hopeless and a knowing sense of "what‘s the use" they see no reason to contain, control, or even make any further effort to understand their rage. They do not want to see others happy. They feel resentment toward others who are happy, and they want to attack.

This is a dark and often unacknowledged side to the festive Christmas Season, and we do not call your attention to it in order to dampen whatever happiness, joy, and satisfaction may be your personal blessing at this time of year. We raise this point in order to assist you in that which it is our mission to assist you on doing: PROTECTING YOURSELF, YOUR LOVED ONES, AND YOUR PROPERTY.

Robbery escalates at this time of year. Shoppers must be very careful when they park, exit, lock up, and later return to their vehicles. Here‘s a tip for lady shoppers:

ALWAYS KEEP A LARGE MAN’S HAT WITH YOU WHENEVER YOU DRIVE ANYWHERE, ALONE. PLACE THAT HAT CONSPICUOUSLY OVER THE WHEEL OR THE DASHBOARD SO THAT ANYONE GLANCING INTO THE VEHICLE IS IMMEDIATELY LED TO BELIEVE THAT A BIG MAN IS THE DRIVER. This can prevent some forms of crime that involve violence against women.

Do not leave anything on the seats or anywhere in your vehicle that might tempt any punk to pull a "smash and run".

Always LOCK YOUR VEHICLE DOOR the moment you enter. Always visually inspect the inside of your vehicle BEFORE you enter it. RUN if anyone is inside — NEVER attempt to confront any criminal when you do not have to do so.

Try to always park your vehicle as near as possible to the mall or store entrance. You do not want to walk any significant distance burdened with packages.
It is certainly our sincerest wish and hope that you and yours encounter only pleasant and joyful situations during this Christmas Season. But it never hurts to be cautious — just in case.