By Peter Day
Senior Reporter
LUCERNE VALLEY — With the area's theft rate inching higher, residents must do everything they can to prevent becoming a victim.
Last Tuesday, Mike Ward of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department gave a "Refuse To Be A Victim" presentation at the monthly meeting of the Lucerne Valley Economic Development Association. Initially designed for seniors, the presentation has been expanded and soon county employees will receive the training.
Ward began with a story of two ninjas and a ninja master.
When asked how they were fight someone who assaulted them in a dark alley at 2 a.m., the two ninjas answered with fighting techniques and approaches. But when the master was asked he answered that he wouldn't have to fight them. Why?
"Because I wouldn't be in a dark alley at 2 a.m. in the morning to begin with," the master said.
Like the master ninja, Ward encourages everyone to prevent being a victim by taking important steps and being prepared
"Don't put yourself in that position to start with," Ward said.
The following are Ward's recommendations:
Locks: Change your home door locks for ones that have keys on both sides so that a burglar won't be able to easily leave. The locks should be made of one solid piece of brass. "Think about your locks," he said.
Alarms: Home alarms should emit a loud audible sound. "Bad guys don't like noise."
Keys: Instead of a front door lock with a single keyed lock, Ward suggests one that uses keys on the outside and inside.
Front door: Get a peephole for your front door — and use it.
The following are other suggestions by Ward.
If a stranger knocks on your front door, don't open the door. If the person needs help, call 9/11.
Get a safety deposit box. Don't keep expensive valuables such as jewelry at home.
Checks, such as those from work or others, should be direct deposited.
Get a postal box, even if you have a mailbox. "Mailbox theft is on the rise. They're taking advantage of all that mail."
Don't become a victim of telephone scams such as one saying you have a loved one in jail needing money to get bailed out.
"Don't give out personal information on the phone to people that you don't know," Ward said.
Also, he said, "There's a wonderful device, it's called a dog."
When you leave your home, turn on lights, radio or TV to give the appearance you are home.
Put engraved identification on your valuables.
If someone is following you in a car, don't go home, go to a public place or Sheriff's station.
When asked about California's a concealed weapons permit, Ward said, "If you're afraid of life and limb you're allowed a sidearm."
For more information on services provided by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, visit http://cms.sbcounty.gov/sheriff.