What's Bothering You?
Some of our readers will likely remember the local news show segment called “What’s Bothering You?” where locals could call in and off-load the things that were stressing them out. Some talked about rude drivers, others complained about backed up traffic. So today, I thought I would play off this idea and talk about some things that are bothering me from a security and safety perspective.
With near six-dollar gas and diesel prices in the Valley, we have seen a renewed interest in the reappropriation of fuel from one to another. That is my fancy way of saying thievery! I am sure it is not news to you, but it is one of the things that makes my blood boil. Stealing is not only biblical, but also against the law. Perhaps the thing that angers me the most, is that it is hard to combat unless you are vigilant in your personal habits.
The obvious place to start for the prevention of fuel theft is with a locking gas cap. Some vehicles are equipped with technology that will not allow the gas cover to operate unless the keys are nearby, but for those vehicles without a full technology package or for older vehicles, a locking gas cap is the next best option for preventing direct siphoning from the tank. Just remember that bad guys are creative. If there is a will, there is a way.
Bad guys have created a way around locked caps by drilling a hole in the bottom of your fuel tank and recovering the draining fuel with secondary containers. Using this method, they can literally drain you dry! What angers me is not the lost fuel as much as the cost of repairs. It may cost $200 or more on the low end, but much more for vehicles with expensive replacement parts and difficult-to-get-to tanks that take more labor. So how do we combat this growing trend? We become strategic when parking of our vehicles. Try to park close to the entrances of businesses where there may be a great deal of foot traffic, vehicular traffic, and camera systems to help deter perpetrators. Lighting is also our friend. Park in places that are well lit so activity around your vehicle is illuminated. Any vehicle that sits in isolation is a prime target for these thieves.
Along this same theme of theft, the price of precious metals has made the theft of catalytic converters a lucrative business again. For those who do not know what a catalytic converter is or where is it located, this device can be found on the exhaust system underneath your vehicle. Catalytic converters are part of the emission control system, and they help “scrub” the harmful gases that are generated during the combustion phase of engine operation. These devices have various amounts of precious metals, that when collected in sufficient quantities, will have some significant value. The strategies for preventing catalytic converter theft are like those for the prevention of gasoline theft.
In addition, catalytic converters can be locked with special devices designed to prevent cordless saw cutting. The wrapped wire design makes the cutting much more difficult, and that extra time translates into more exposure and greater chances of getting caught. And just like expensive damage caused by drilling a tank, you can expect a repair in excess of $250 for parts and labor. I know, I fell victim to this myself. It happened years back when bad guys first figured out the value of these devices. The proliferation of recycling centers also contributed to perpetrator education. When I suffered this loss, I was NOT practicing good prevention. I was more concerned about a door ding than theft deterrence. I parked my vehicle around the end of a shopping complex in a space far enough away that no one would park next to me. When I came back to my vehicle, it sounded like I was running my engine off straight pipes and no muffler…man, was it loud! Of course, I kick myself for not following best practices, but at the time, catalytic converter theft was not common. So, I lived and learned. Never let your guard down…it only takes a minute for bad things to happen.
The last theft scenario is one that we talk about all the time, especially around the holiday season. You guessed it, theft from inside a motor vehicle. The easiest way to avoid being a victim is to not store valuables in your vehicle and to never leave it unlocked. It always amazed me when victims reported high dollar losses because they left cash, purses, packages, and the like all in plain sight. The one stolen item that bothered me the most was when a person reported a stolen gun. People, never leave or store a gun in your vehicle. You can have all the gun control in the world, but bad guys will always have guns because they steal them from legitimate sources. DON’T BE THAT SOURCE! I shudder to think how I would feel if my personal weapon was stolen and then later used to harm another person.
So, there you have it, this is what is bugging me now. Soaring gas prices, inflation, and growing joblessness is driving crime once again. The best we can hope for is prevention. Do what it takes to avoid being a victim. Most of these recommendations are free, so be sure to use them.
Boss Security Screens is doing its part by protecting the home base. Our clients have never reported a successful break-in. We are so proud of this fact, that we back it with a no break-in guarantee. So, if you want to add more security in your life, be vigilant in your daily prevention habits and put Boss Security Screens on your home. This is a proven combination for success.
Until next time, be safe…
Michael Johnston
Chief Security Advisor
Boss Security Screens
About Michael Johnston:
Michael was born and raised in rural Nebraska. He began his law enforcement career in 1989 with the Lincoln Police Department, Lincoln, NE, where he worked as a patrol officer for nearly four years. Michael joined the Henderson Police Department in 1993, first as a Corrections Officer and later as a Police Officer in June of 1995. During his tenure, Michael has worked as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Officer in Charge, Crisis Negotiator, K-9 Handler, and Narcotics Investigator. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2005 and moved to the Investigations Division, where he supervised the Property and Special Victims Units. In 2009, Michael was promoted to Lieutenant, where he served as a Watch Commander in patrol and supervisor of the Community Relations Unit. In March of 2013, he became one of eight (8) Captains for the Henderson Police Department Command Team. Michael led the Special Services Division overseeing SWAT, K-9, and Motors but later took the lead as Division Commander of the Investigative Services Division until late 2017. Michael finished his career as the East Area Commander before retiring in early 2019. Immediately after retirement, Michael transitioned to the gaming industry, where he served as the Director of Security and Risk Assessment for Boulder Hwy Gaming and Water St Gaming, LLC. Michael created security strategies, training programs, and policies that reduced security risks and mitigated organizational liabilities. In late 2021, Michael opened Code 4 Consulting; Private Investigations (NV PILB LIC #3090). His company provides a broad spectrum of investigative services, case reviews, expert witness support, and executive protection. He also supports organizations with employee training, compliance, risk assessment, and prevention strategies to target organizational issues that create corporate risk and liability. Michael now joins Boss Security Screens as our Chief Security Advisor. Incorporating his training, experience, and expertise into our operation brings our customers valuable content and insight.
*The author is a paid consultant and product representative for Boss Security Screens. The information provided in this blog does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are the author's opinion and for general informational purposes only. It is recommended that you consult an attorney, certified trainers, or licensed providers before acting on any information provided. This website may link to other third-party websites. Such links are for the convenience of the reader and are not endorsed by the author.