With the onset of the new fall semester at colleges and schools across the country, it is a good time to review good habits to help prevent your bike from getting stolen.  Bikes provide easier, affordable and efficient means of transport for college students.  They help you to save money on gas, keep you in shape, relax your mind and are a faster way of getting across campus between classes than walking.  However, they also provide a quick source of petty cash for bike thieves. Bike theft is perhaps the most common crime in college campuses today. 

Tips on How to Prevent Bike Theft

Lock your bike at all times-

This is one of the most important strategies to ensure safety of your bike. Nonetheless, it is important to note that a lock may not deter a determined bike thief but it significantly reduces the risk. Use the best lock for your bike. Most of the stolen bikes are either not locked at all or locked with cable or chain locks that are thin and easy to break. Use a U-lock, which is stronger. High quality U-locks may be quite expensive ranging from $8 to $14 but this is not much when compared to losing a bike.

Where to park your bike-

A bike locked with a U-lock and parked with others in a public place cannot be easily stolen. A bike thief will target only those bikes that are loosely locked or not locked at all. Lock the bike in a permanent structure such as bike racks or parking meters to ensure that the lock cannot be easily loosened or lifted over the structure. You may also lock it to the stairwell or inside the college dorm.

Do not ever park anywhere overnight-

It is dangerous to leave your bike parked overnight. This makes it easier for bike thieves to loot in the cover of the darkness by simply lifting the lock.

Register your bike with the college-

If your campus has these provisions, do not fail to register your bike as this may help deter thieves and helps in the identification of the stolen bike. Make sure any markings on the bike are documented for easier tracking.

Avoid very expensive bikes-

 Flashy looking and expensive bikes attract thieves because they are easy to sell. If it has to be the expensive model, cover the markings so they aren’t easily accessible. 

Alternate the parking place of your bike as often as possible- Some of the bike thieves identify a particular bike and track it for days or even months to find a vulnerable opportunity to steal it. By changing the parking places you deny them this chance. 

For those who have been convicted of bike theft, online theft classes are available to fulfill your court mandate. Taking the classes online has many benefits

1) You can manage your time well because you can take them at any time of the day or night.

2) It cuts on the cost you might spend traveling to the classrooms.

3) You remain totally anonymous during the entire course when you take it online.

4) You can take classes in the convenience of your home or dorm room.

5) Online classes provide the same information you would get in a classroom setting but generally at a lower cost. 

With a pompous attitude and a desire to travel, a 46-year-old man and his 70-year-old mother were arrested last week for allegedly stealing over $2 million dollars worth of toys from 30 Toys R Us stores in Florida.  Michael and Margaret Pollara are being indicted for more than a dozen counts of grand theft and dealing in stolen property, just for laws broken since June 1, 2012, but according to further investigation, these crimes have been taking place for over 10 years.   The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the South Florida Organized Fraud Task Force, overseen by the U.S, Secret Service, have joined together in the investigation and have uncovered similar crimes targeting other merchants as well. 

According to investigators, the mother and son duo were committing a scheme called “box stuffing”.  This may be a new term to many, but seems to have worked well for many years.  Box stuffing is when a less expensive item is removed from a box and replaced with a larger ticket item inside.  So, the two of them would take a cheap item in a big box, empty it and hide the contents somewhere else in the store.  They would then fill the box with smaller, more expensive items, seal it with tape and then purchase the item at the price on the box. 

They were finally caught after employees noticed boxes of Harry Potter legos were missing from inventory, although none were sold that day.  Employees reviewed video surveillance and began to put the puzzle together which led to further indictments.

Unfortunately, according to National Retail Security surveys, more than $30 billion worth of merchandise is shoplifted nationally and more than $100 million worth is stolen in Florida annually.  These facts impact society, as we all have to pick up the tab for the financial loss that businesses incur.  Meaning we have to pay more for general items because companies have to add in a cost for potential theft of the item. 

The duo is currently in jail facing a very unhappy future.  The son was very smug about his behavior and considered the “box stuffing” an art.  He spent most of his earnings on travel and appeared proud of his lifestyle.  On the surface, this criminal appears to lack any empathy or retribution for his activity.  Taking Theft classes online would have helped the two of them learn how to overcome their desire to steal, develop empathy for others, and realize the implications of their criminal behavior.  Classes are simple to take from any web-based computer and can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  A practicing and licensed therapist can be contacted during the workweek with any questions or issues that the individual might have.  While it’s too late for these two, it may not be too late for the individual involved in this impulsive behavior that hasn’t been caught yet.  Take online theft classes privately, from the convenience of your own home to help curtail and stop this behavior.  

Identity theft is rampant throughout America.  Over the past few years a new scam called "skimming" has been reported that everyone who drives a car should be aware of. Many people use caution when getting money out of ATMs but they may not be aware that they can have their money and information stolen at gas pumps as well. Often drivers will use their debit and credit cards to get gas at the pumps simply because it is the fastest and easiest way to get in and out of the station. 

Skimming is the theft of credit card information that occurs during an otherwise legitimate credit card transaction   A skimmer is a device that a thief will attach to the card scanner at the gas pump or ATM. It usually will slide over the original card slide so when you put in your card, the wrong scanner reads the information. A camera of some kind will be used to see what keys you press when inputting your PIN in the machine. This gives a skimmer all of the information they need to use your card. It is very easy to install skimming equipment and only takes a few minutes to install. So within minutes thieves are in business to steal your information.

The criminal activity of skimming has been accomplished all over the United States. There have even been reports of skimmers in ATM machines inside of banks. That means you aren't completely safe regardless of where you use your card. Gas pumps require the same key to be used to open the machines every day. This makes it easy for someone to access the inside of the pumps where they will install their scanner.  The consumer will often not be able to notice anything on the exterior of the machine to show they have been tampered with.  In order to protect yourself, before swiping that credit card go ahead and do the following simple things:

* You should only use gas pumps or ATMs that have a lot of traffic. If there are people present all of the time it is very difficult to attach the scanner that will skim your information.

* Check to be certain the card reader is secure. Try wiggling it. If it moves freely there is a good chance there is a skimming device attached to it. Don't use it. Report your findings to officials.

* When you are ready to enter your pin, cover the keypad with your other hand so no camera can get a view of what you are inputting. This will protect your PIN and your bank account.

* Keep a close eye on your account to be certain all transactions are yours. Report any discrepancies immediately.

You can be safe from identity theft and skimmers with a little knowledge. If you suspect a machine or gas pump has been tampered with, report to officials and the attendant immediately.

Billions of dollars have been taken using skimmers in ATMs and gas pumps making this a very real problem. Why is it so prevalent? Many think criminals look at skimming as a low risk crime that has a high payout. However, once you are caught, the punishment can be severe.  For example, in California the overall skimming rate is the highest at 26% and the state has therefore instituted Penal Code Section 502.6 which states that "any person who possesses and uses a scanning and/or re-encoding device with the intent to defraud will be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by no more than one year in county jail and/or a fine not in excess of $1,000.”

Taking a theft class for educational purposes and to show retribution will most likely be part of the punishment as well.  The most convenient and easiest way to take such a class is online.  They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so the perpetrator does not need to miss any school or work time to drive to a class.  Courses are offered in length from 4 – 16 hours in length based on what the court is requiring.  Upon passing the final exam at the end of the class, a certificate of completion will be issued to use as proof to the court that the class has successfully been taken. 

When the Unexpected Happens

It's late in the evening, and you're suddenly the only person left in your subway car- well you and one other person that is. You suddenly find yourself the victim of phone snatching thieves who have popped up across the U.S. in search of Apple Ipads, Iphones, and other Apple products. Sure, they'll take just about any Android or Smartphone- but your Apple Iphone is in a class of its own. Therefore, you must learn how to be proactive and protect yourself and your belongings. Don't give your Iphone the chance to become the Apple of someone's eye.

Protecting Your Iphone

Your Iphone can be the target of thieves just about anywhere- the grocery store, mall, bus, train, school, and even church- just to name a few. You could even be taking a stroll down your favorite street and become a victim. You can protect yourself by:

1. Paying attention to your surroundings

2. Not using your phone unless necessary

3. Having an Iphone Cover

4. Using Headphones

5. Avoid loud talking

6. Do not talk while walking 

Emergency Only in Public

When in public, it is important to only use your Iphone when completely necessary. Iphones are very popular, and thieves are waiting to grab yours- don't give them a chance, keep it inside your purse, pocket, or anywhere else as long as it is out of sight. If you must use your phone, do so and put it away. You're probably wondering what good it does having a phone that you can't use openly?  It's not about being completely paranoid and hiding the phone, but keeping it out of sight in certain situations.

Cover Up

There are Iphone accessories available at your phone store that may help to protect your phone. Covers, which are made to keep your phone protected, are a great way to be discreet. Unless thieves are looking noticeably hard, you may be able to hide what you are using when talking on your phone. Sure, they will know that you have a phone, but chances are they will be unaware of what kind of phone it is. 

Keeping Your Phone Out of Sight

Headphones allow you to talk on your phone without actually holding it in your hand. A great idea to protect your Iphone or any other phone would be to use the headphones to talk on, providing no inkling of what your phone actually looks like. However, keep in mind that headphones can sometimes block hearing, so be mindful of the volume and aware of what's going on around you.

Keep Your Tone Low

Many individuals talk loud on their cellphones while in public, without being aware of it. Doing so can draw unnecessary, and often times negative attention. Having attention being drawn your way provides another reason for cellphone thieves to see what you have and plot to take it. Be discreet when speaking on your phone, in an effort to avoid criminals from seeing you and your phone.

When On the Street

Recent Iphone and other cellphone thefts have taken place outside, as well as in subways and other enclosed places. In order to avoid your phone being snatched out of your hand, you must always pay attention to your surroundings. Although this is not completely theft proof, it does decrease your chance of being a victim. Also avoid walking and talking on your phone unless totally necessary. When walking and talking, one's mind is taken off of what is going on in their immediate environment, leading to unfortunate situations. 

Stay Safe

It is of the utmost importance to keep your phone safe at all times, in order to avoid theft. Should you find yourself a victim, call the police as soon as possible. Never try to fight a criminal in efforts to retrieve your phone; doing so could end up with unfortunate consequence. So remember, to be proactive in order to avoid becoming a victim of phone theft, but if it should happen do not try to be a hero, instead report it to the police. 

If you have been indicted for criminal activity involving theft and need to take a theft class, try taking them online.  Online theft classes are available on any computer with web-access.  They are completely private as no one can see you attending a traditional classroom setting.  Just be sure to check first with your judicial system to make sure that they will accept the particular online class you choose.  

What is a misdemeanor offense?

This is an offense that is considered to be less severe than a felony but more severe than regulatory offenses. Usually, misdemeanors are classified into a number of categories depending on how severe the crime is. The category system has dedicated punishments. If you are charged with a misdemeanor offense, it will affect certain areas of your life even though you will not serve a long jail term.  There are a number of crimes that are categorized as being misdemeanors. They include the following:

Petty theft - This is the general term used to cover larceny, embezzling and stealing. Basically, this offense happens when one takes something belonging to another person without permission. In most cases, this misdemeanor offense involves stealing something whose value is less than 500 dollars. Anything more than this is usually considered to be grand theft, which is a felony.

Simple assault - This is an example of the common misdemeanor crimes that people commit. It is defined as assaulting someone without the intent of injuring him/her. An example is invading the personal space of a person or attempting to harm a person physically. However, if one assaults a social worker, police officer or elected officials, it is considered to be a felony.

Public intoxication - This involves an intoxicated individual causing disturbances in public or private areas. It is also referred to as drunken disorderly conduct. It is usually handled on a state level since the penalties vary from one state to the other. Some states consider public intoxication as a misdemeanor while others consider it to be a felony. On the other hand, some states do not have public intoxication laws.

Indecent exposure - This is considered to be a misdemeanor that is widely diverse because of its broad definition. The term indecent can stand for many different things and for this reason it is up to the jurisdiction concerned to enforce the misdemeanor. An example of a misdemeanor is exposing your nude body to a minor.

Trespassing - You commit this offense when you enter, walk through or live in a property that you do not have permission to be on such as private property. Usually, such properties have "No Trespassing" signs on them to warn people that it is illegal to cross through them.

Even though misdemeanors are categorized as light offenses, they have negative ramifications. For example, you can spend up to a year in jail for a misdemeanor offense. This will take away your ability to go to work, school or enjoy life in general. This conviction will affect you and your family and it can also hold consequences on your future because of a criminal record that will follow you around. For instance, when future employers or college admission boards perform a background check on you, they will view your criminal history and find out that you have been convicted of a particular crime. This can keep you from getting admitted to college or finding a job.

If you have been arrested for committing the misdemeanor offense such as petty theft, you can take online theft classes in order to fulfill a court mandate. These classes are more affordable than those taken in classrooms and they carry great rewards. The classes are offered in modules so you can choose the length of the course you would like take. The modules give you information that makes you aware of your actions and how you can control compulsions. This will allow you to stop the behavior from taking place in the future.