Some safety advice for the ladies

19 Dec 2006

Just gonna post an email I recieved today, originally sent from a police officer. Guess these arseholes will try anything for personal gain, anytime of the year!!!
ALL CAR OWNERS AND CAR DRIVERS PLEASE READ
Warning!!!! Be aware of new car-jacking scheme.
You walk across the car park, unlock your car and get inside. Then you
lock all your doors, start the engine and shift or put into reverse. You
look into the rear-view mirror to back out of your parking space and you
notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window.
So, you shift the gear stick back into park or neutral, unlock your doors
and jump out of your car to remove that paper or whatever it is that is
obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car that is when
the car-jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off!!
Your engine was running, you would have left your purse in the car and
they practically mow you down as they speed off in your car.
BE AWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED IN GLASGOW AND
MANCHESTER AND IS MAKING ITS WAY ACROSS THE COUNTRY!!!!!!!!
Just drive away and remove the paper later! It is stuck to your window and
be thankful that you read this email. I hope you will forward this to
friends and family especially to women! A purse contains all
identification, and you certainly do NOT want someone getting your home
address. They already HAVE your keys!!!
JUST BE AWARE AND TAKE CARE IT WILL PROBABLY SOON ARRIVE IN YOUR AREA

19 Dec 2006

Can somebody clear this up for me? Does anybody know someone who has ended up in court for defending themselves from a mugger or burgular. I mean actually know them not a friend of a friend or a bloke down your local says.
I always believed that the law allowed your to take resonable steps to defend yourself and that your response should be comensurate with the perseved threat.
Is the carjacking story true or another urban myth?

19 Dec 2006

Snopes says that carjacking is an urban myth-however there is still some sensible advice contained within ;)
I believe keeno (and don't quote me lol) that the law is more favourable towards someone defending their own home if a burglar/intruder climbs the stairs-possibly because any perceived attack could then be sexual? I am fortunate not to have first/secondhand knowledge of any cases though ;)
Minx x x
The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) gives citizens the right to use "reasonable force" to apprehend shoplifters, so I wouldn't imagine there's much difference when it comes to defending your home smile

19 Dec 2006

Quote by BiWelshMinx

Snopes says that carjacking is an urban myth-however there is still some sensible advice contained within ;)
I believe keeno (and don't quote me lol) that the law is more favourable towards someone defending their own home if a burglar/intruder climbs the stairs-possibly because any perceived attack could then be sexual? I am fortunate not to have first/secondhand knowledge of any cases though ;)
Minx x x
The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) gives citizens the right to use "reasonable force" to apprehend shoplifters, so I wouldn't imagine there's much difference when it comes to defending your home

Car jacking is not a myth... A close friend of mine has been jacked twice for a Subaru (scuby) Once at traffic lights late one night and once when he returned to collect his car after a night out.. Parked on the street.
He now drives a Van!

19 Dec 2006

Quote by mdr2000

Snopes says that carjacking is an urban myth-however there is still some sensible advice contained within ;)
I believe keeno (and don't quote me lol) that the law is more favourable towards someone defending their own home if a burglar/intruder climbs the stairs-possibly because any perceived attack could then be sexual? I am fortunate not to have first/secondhand knowledge of any cases though ;)
Minx x x
The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) gives citizens the right to use "reasonable force" to apprehend shoplifters, so I wouldn't imagine there's much difference when it comes to defending your home

19 Dec 2006

Quote by keeno
Can somebody clear this up for me? Does anybody know someone who has ended up in court for defending themselves from a mugger or burgular. I mean actually know them not a friend of a friend or a bloke down your local says.
I always believed that the law allowed your to take resonable steps to defend yourself and that your response should be comensurate with the perseved threat.

19 Dec 2006

I had to push this to the top, no apology.

Quote by winchwench
I tried to make this post last night- but SH was revolting & I was late for TKD. (student of the month BTW :bounce
Anyway, to reiterate what has already been said, reversing into the car park space is absolutely essential, and we should always do it. If you're off back to your car in the dark, do keep those keys in your hand as a defensive weapon & to get into the car fast. Familiarise yourself with the car park layout & park under a light when possible.
You are not legally obliged to carry your driving licence at all- it may make the cop's life easier, but that does not mean you need to carry it.
When walking, don't walk right next to bushes/hedges where an assailant could hide. Walk facing oncoming traffic when possible. If you feel threatened, ie you think you're being followed walk up to the front door of a house with lights on- if you're still really worried, knock loudly.
Don't walk like an easy target. Shuffling along hunched up & nervous looking means you're much easier prey than someone walking upright, facing the world head on & aware of whats going on around them.
Its the festive season, but don't get too drunk. I was in a situation myself which could have turned nasty fairly recently. I thought I was with someone I could trust, they were plying me with booze in a "matey" fashion with an alterior motive. Had I accepted one more drink, the situation could have been very different.
Remember, stilletto's hurt- either stamped on a foot or used to hit people with. The vast majority of fights end up on the floor, so use a shoe if you need to. An instructor can teach you how to get out of a grappling situation.
The elbow really is the strongest body part- I had to use mine to break a 1" board on sunday- my elbow is bruised, the board was broken.
The physical aspects of self defence are best covered in classes. Very similarly to classykatie, my best mate & I are going to be running courses next year too.
If you can't find anything specifically for self defence in your area, ring around local Martial Arts clubs- some wont suit you, but there will be some which have an emphasis on self defence.
Dont put it off- learning to defend yourself could save your life.

20 Dec 2006

The greatest defence is confidence, victims are born.
I know some will disagree, but the fact is if you walk with confidence you are far less likely to be attracted. Most villains target the weak. That means the lost, the indecisive, those who will react slowly.
Victims may be born, but you can learn to be confident, learn not to be a victim. Self defence classes can help. The very fact that you have taken them could stop an attack, and you will never know it.

20 Dec 2006

Quote by staffcple
Can somebody clear this up for me? Does anybody know someone who has ended up in court for defending themselves from a mugger or burgular. I mean actually know them not a friend of a friend or a bloke down your local says.
I always believed that the law allowed your to take resonable steps to defend yourself and that your response should be comensurate with the perseved threat.

Tony Martin's a very good example of what can go wrong with the law of self defense, i'm sure he felt his use of a shotgun was merely him, defending himself and his property. The key words are there, 'comensurate with the percieved threat' If someones in your home, unarmed and you use a bat to defend yourself, is that like for like? Always remember, what you class as 'reasonable' force, you may end up having to justify in court.
Staffys xxxxx
It is my understanding that Tony Martin waited up through the night sitting on his stairs with a gun waiting for the burgulars. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
As yet no-one has cited a friend who has been charged with assualt for defending themselves. I think this is another myth put about to frighten people.
The two examples of evil crimes listed here have proved to be urban myths. Yes crime does take place, yes some of it is violent but and it is a big but. The fear of crime is far greater than the actual risk. If you take sensible precautions you will more than likely be safe.
As the man on Hill Street Blues used to say
LETS BE CAREFUL OUT THERE

20 Dec 2006

The intention of this thread is definately a worthy one and we should all remember the advice at ALL times of the year, but lets not lose sight people - it really is worth going out and having fun, its Christmas after all!!!
So a 'safe' and Merry Christmas to you all :cheers: xxx

20 Dec 2006

A few peeps have mentioned people getting done for attempting to defend themselves during an attack, this happens quite frequently in this country and more so over the pond because people are not aware of the correct things to say in these incidents unfortunately!!
Just for reference this is what one should say to the police during initial investigation reporting and when under caution/arrest or filling out a witness statement:
"I felt that i was in a situation where the only way that i could save myself from possible injury or serious harm was to use self defence in the most minimal of capacities. I was only acting in self defence and used minimal and neccesary force to save myself from what i truly and honestly believed was a serious and real threat to my life and well being."
In the eyes of the law and all that cliqued stuff, if you honestly believe your life was in danger etc and you used only the force you deemed necesary to incapacitate tgose that meant you harm, you aint ganna get nicked ma san are ya! wink

20 Dec 2006

Quote by keeno
Can somebody clear this up for me? Does anybody know someone who has ended up in court for defending themselves from a mugger or burgular. I mean actually know them not a friend of a friend or a bloke down your local says.
I always believed that the law allowed your to take resonable steps to defend yourself and that your response should be comensurate with the perseved threat.

Tony Martin's a very good example of what can go wrong with the law of self defense, i'm sure he felt his use of a shotgun was merely him, defending himself and his property. The key words are there, 'comensurate with the percieved threat' If someones in your home, unarmed and you use a bat to defend yourself, is that like for like? Always remember, what you class as 'reasonable' force, you may end up having to justify in court.
Staffys xxxxx
It is my understanding that Tony Martin waited up through the night sitting on his stairs with a gun waiting for the burgulars. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
As yet no-one has cited a friend who has been charged with assualt for defending themselves. I think this is another myth put about to frighten people.
The two examples of evil crimes listed here have proved to be urban myths. Yes crime does take place, yes some of it is violent but and it is a big but. The fear of crime is far greater than the actual risk. If you take sensible precautions you will more than likely be safe.
As the man on Hill Street Blues used to say
LETS BE CAREFUL OUT THERE
It was some time ago now, but wasn't the shotgun Tony Martin used unlicenced? I seem to remember that fact featured large in the prosecution case..

21 Dec 2006

Quote by Srne
A few peeps have mentioned people getting done for attempting to defend themselves during an attack, this happens quite frequently in this country and more so over the pond because people are not aware of the correct things to say in these incidents unfortunately!!
Just for reference this is what one should say to the police during initial investigation reporting and when under caution/arrest or filling out a witness statement:
"I felt that i was in a situation where the only way that i could save myself from possible injury or serious harm was to use self defence in the most minimal of capacities. I was only acting in self defence and used minimal and neccesary force to save myself from what i truly and honestly believed was a serious and real threat to my life and well being."
In the eyes of the law and all that cliqued stuff, if you honestly believe your life was in danger etc and you used only the force you deemed necesary to incapacitate tgose that meant you harm, you aint ganna get nicked ma san are ya!

All true to the last word.

21 Dec 2006

Quote by GnV
Can somebody clear this up for me? Does anybody know someone who has ended up in court for defending themselves from a mugger or burgular. I mean actually know them not a friend of a friend or a bloke down your local says.
I always believed that the law allowed your to take resonable steps to defend yourself and that your response should be comensurate with the perseved threat.

Tony Martin's a very good example of what can go wrong with the law of self defense, i'm sure he felt his use of a shotgun was merely him, defending himself and his property. The key words are there, 'comensurate with the percieved threat' If someones in your home, unarmed and you use a bat to defend yourself, is that like for like? Always remember, what you class as 'reasonable' force, you may end up having to justify in court.
Staffys xxxxx
It is my understanding that Tony Martin waited up through the night sitting on his stairs with a gun waiting for the burgulars. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
As yet no-one has cited a friend who has been charged with assualt for defending themselves. I think this is another myth put about to frighten people.
The two examples of evil crimes listed here have proved to be urban myths. Yes crime does take place, yes some of it is violent but and it is a big but. The fear of crime is far greater than the actual risk. If you take sensible precautions you will more than likely be safe.
As the man on Hill Street Blues used to say
LETS BE CAREFUL OUT THERE
It was some time ago now, but wasn't the shotgun Tony Martin used unlicenced? I seem to remember that fact featured large in the prosecution case..
The fact that the gun was unlicensed has nothing to do with the 'murder'. I understand that he pursued at least one when he left the house and was running away. This meant that he was not in danger, therefore he did not act in self defence.

27 Dec 2006

Hey Classie Kate, thanks for writing such a fantastic post, it's a really useful thread - didn't read all of it but I also teach self defence and here are some useful tips.
1) If you are walking down a road at night on your own, walk facing ONCOMING traffic, so that if something happens or a car slows down towards you you can see it coming.
2) An FBI Survey in the late 80's found that in any sexual assault or attack there are two locations, the first location where the attacker locates his or her victim and the second location where the assault takes place. Most attackers will have scoped the area out and will know where they intend the attack to take place. NEVER let the attacker take you away from the area, scream, kick them in the shins, scratch them, punch them and shout 'FIRE' or 'MUGGER' - unfortunately it is true that most people will not come running if you yell ' '.
3) Whilst if you fight back you ARE more likely to be hurt by your attacker you are also about 2/3 less likely to be sexually assaulted.
4) Walk with your keys between your fingers as you walk home, they make a useful weapon, and you can claim 'reasonable' self defence if taken to court as it is a non-lethal item and cannot be described as a 'weapon'.
5) You are legally allowed to use 'reasonable force' to defend yourself if you believe that your personal space is invaded or that you are in danger of an 'iminent attack on your person'. This means that you DONT HAVE TO WAIT TO BE HURT to hit the attacker so, HIT THE B**STARD FIRST AND RUN.
6) If you are on a bus or getting off a train or getting out of a taxi, have your keys in your hands so that you can open your door as soon as you reach your home. Always look to see who is getting off your bus or near your taxi when heading home, be aware of your surroundings so that you are not taken by surprise. If you take a taxi home, never get out near your house, get off a street early so that the driver does not know where you live.
7) If you live alone and hang washing out hang out some big T-Shirts so it looks like a guy lives in the house as well.
8) DO NOT talk on your phone to look busy on the way home, this is a distraction in itself and an attraction to muggers, most opportunist attackers whether sexual or otherwise look for 'weaker' or more distracted victims, don't make their life easy.
9) It's harder than you think to hit a guy in the nuts, if grabbed from behind, headbut the fecker then reach behind you and nip his inner thigh or grab his balls and twist them, if grabbed from the front, around the throat, don't grasp his hands, kick his balls, jab his throat and use your arms to slam down over the top of his to break his grasp, or drop your whole body downwards to break his grasp and run.
10) if grasped from behind breathe in if you can as he comes towards you, then if he's using a bear 'hug' exhale, the extra space might allow you the room to drop down from his grasp.
11) The weakest point in a man or woman's closed grasp is between the forefinger and the thumb, pull out through this point, not towards the fingers as your instincts tell you.
12) Do not wear you hair in a pony tail, this is too easy for someone to grasp and use against you.
13) if someone grabs your hair on top of your head, put your hands on top of this graps, to losen it, then twist down and away, this will twist their grasp away and allow you to run away.
14) If you leave a drink in a bar, it's wasted. Buy another one.
15) Never EVER take a drink from someone you don't know, even on a first date, always buy your own or order something to your table - safe is better than sorry.
16) If travelling alone at night in a taxi, sit in the front seat - you can get out of the taxi a lot more easily and hit the attacker.
Right there are more but that should do for now.
Be safe,
Amber xxx

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