Sunday, April 30, 2023

Layering your personal & business property with motion sensors- to stop a new criminal trend

 


The recent incident in Lynwood, Washington, where thieves cut through a bathroom wall of a coffee shop to gain access to an Apple Store and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, highlights a growing trend in burglaries. Criminals are becoming brazen and creative in their attempts to breach homes and businesses, and cutting through walls is an increasingly used tactic.

The reason behind this trend is simple: it's easy to get away with. Most people don't have any kind of detection system in place to alert them that someone has cut a hole in their wall. This means that the criminals can take their time without fear of being caught and leave no trace of their entry.

While it may seem daunting to protect your property from such a method of burglary, you can do a few things to make it harder for criminals to gain access to your property.

Installing motion sensors is one of the most effective ways to prevent this type of burglary. If your home has a security system, you want to ensure it has motion sensors. These can be as simple as standalone sensors or more advanced techniques with cameras that record when motion is detected.

The key is to capture video of the criminals cutting through the wall while being alerted in real-time so you can hopefully stop them. It's important to note that motion sensors are vital to any security system and should be used to their full potential.

Another important step you can take is to reinforce your walls. You can do this by adding metal grills or bars to the walls, making it much harder for criminals to cut through. This may seem extreme, but it's an effective way to deter burglars.

Additionally, it's essential to ensure that all your doors and windows are properly secured. Burglars will often try to gain entry through unlocked doors and windows, so ensuring everything is locked and secure is crucial.

The recent incident in Lynwood, Washington, reminds us that criminals are becoming more creative and brazen in their attempts to breach homes and businesses. Cutting through walls is an increasingly used tactic, and taking steps to protect your property is essential. Installing motion sensors, reinforcing your walls, and ensuring that all your doors and windows are properly secured can make it much harder for criminals to gain access to your property.

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Juice Jacking: How Criminals siphoning off your personal data using public charging stations

 


With the rise of portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, public charging stations have become common in public places such as airports, cafes, and shopping malls. These charging stations offer a convenient way for people to recharge their devices when they run out of power. However, what many people do not realize is that these public charging stations can also be used by criminals to siphon off your personal data.

Criminals can use a "juice jacking" technique to steal your personal data when you plug your device into a public charging station. Juice jacking occurs when a criminal installs malicious software onto the charging station or uses a USB cable that has been modified to steal data from your device.

When you plug your device into a compromised charging station or cable, the malicious software can steal your personal information, such as your login credentials, credit card information, and other sensitive data. Criminals can then use this information to commit identity theft or other fraudulent activities.

Criminals often use a stolen card to make a more minor purchase at a restaurant or store to see if it works. If the purchase goes through, they know the card is valid and can use it to make larger purchases or withdraw cash from an ATM. This type of fraud is known as "card testing" and is often used with juice jacking to steal credit card information.

In addition to juice jacking, criminals can use open Wi-Fi networks to access your bank accounts and other sensitive information. Open Wi-Fi networks are unsecured and can be easily accessed by anyone, including criminals. When you connect to an open Wi-Fi network, your device sends and receives data in clear text, which can be intercepted by criminals.

To protect yourself from criminals who use public charging stations to steal your personal data, you should avoid using public charging stations whenever possible. Instead, you should bring your charging cable and use a wall outlet to charge your device. You should also avoid using open Wi-Fi networks and a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data and protect your privacy.

If you must use a public charging station, use a USB cable that you trust and avoid using USB cables that are left lying around. You should also keep a close eye on your device and unplug it as soon as it is fully charged.

While public charging stations offer a convenient way to recharge your electronic devices, they pose a significant security risk. Criminals can use public charging stations to steal your personal data, including your login credentials, credit card information, and other sensitive data. To protect yourself, you should avoid using public charging stations whenever possible, bring your own charging cable, and use a VPN to encrypt your data and protect your privacy. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your personal data remains safe and secure.

Friday, April 28, 2023

Stand your Ground is built into the Virginia law

 


Virginia is one of the few states in the United States that does not have a "Stand Your Ground" law. Instead, the law in Virginia is centred around the concept of self-defence. According to the law in the Commonwealth of Virginia, if an individual is in imminent fear of bodily harm and reasonably believes they are about to suffer serious bodily harm, they are justified in using whatever force they need to repel that attack.

While this law may seem similar to Stand Your Ground laws, there are a few key differences. Stand Your Ground laws generally state that an individual has no duty to retreat from an attacker, even if they can do so safely. In Virginia, however, an individual must be in imminent fear of bodily harm before they can use force to defend themselves. Virginia law does not explicitly state that an individual has no duty to retreat.

It is also important to note that self-defence laws in Virginia apply to situations that occur outside of the home and to those inside the home. As one Virginia attorney noted, a house is about as secure as you can get, and it is not reasonable to expect someone to climb out a back window to escape from someone breaking into their home. However, the person in the house still needs to have a reasonable and justifiable belief that they are in fear of bodily harm.

While Virginia's self-defence laws may differ from Stand Your Ground laws in other states, they still allow individuals to defend themselves if they reasonably believe they are in imminent danger. Individuals must understand their state's laws and seek legal counsel if they find themselves in a situation where they may need to defend themselves.

Thursday, April 27, 2023

North Carolina, First in Freedom

 


Throughout history, acquiring land has been one of the most important goals of any empire or country. Britain was no exception and had three primary methods of acquiring overseas land. These methods were military conquest, the establishment of commonwealths, and colonization, each with its own unique set of rules and regulations.

Under the military conquest method, the British would establish a military governor who had complete control over the conquered territory. The territory's inhabitants had no rights other than those granted by the governor. This method was often used when the British needed to establish a foothold quickly, and the territory was strategically important.

The second method was the establishment of commonwealths, which were private companies with paid soldiers. These companies would establish a colony on behalf of the British crown, and the territory's inhabitants had limited rights. The company had the right to govern the settlement as it saw fit, and the inhabitants had to obey its rules and regulations.

The final method was colonization, where the colony was granted all the rights of Englishmen. This meant that the inhabitants of the territory had the same rights as English citizens, including political and religious freedoms, the right to import and export goods, the right to be tried in the colony for a crime committed there, personal and property rights, and a basic form of religious freedom.

North Carolina was established as a colony under the colonization method. On March 24, 1663, King Charles II granted a charter for land in America to the Lord's Proprietors, who were eight of his closest supporters during the Restoration of 1660. The king gave broad powers to the proprietors because a permanent English settlement in the new world was significant.

The powers guaranteed political and religious freedoms to the inhabitants of Carolina, which stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the South Seas, encompassing an area roughly from the middle of Albemarle Sound to what is now the Georgia/Florida border. Inhabitants of the new colony claimed many of the same rights as English citizens.

In 1665, another charter was issued, which amended the 1663 document and moved the northern boundary to include the prosperous and more populous Albemarle region. Although the Lord's Proprietors had control over the colony, their power was unstable, and many of the charter's provisions became the fundamental principles upon which American freedom was based.

The British had three primary methods of acquiring overseas land: military conquest, the establishment of commonwealths, and colonization. North Carolina was established as a colony under the colonization method. The colony's inhabitants claimed many rights as English citizens, including political and religious freedoms, personal and property rights, and a basic form of religious liberty. Although the Lord's Proprietors controlled the colony, many of the charter's provisions became the fundamental principles upon which American freedom is based.

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

North Carolina's "stand your ground" law, NC GS- § 14-51.3

 


North Carolina's "stand your ground" law, codified in § 14-51.3 of the state's General Statutes, grants individuals the right to use force, including deadly force, in self-defence without a duty to retreat if they reasonably believe that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others.

The law applies to a person's home, workplace, and car. If an individual is attacked in any of these locations and fears for their life, they can use deadly force to defend themselves.

This law has been controversial in North Carolina and other states that have enacted similar legislation. Supporters argue that it protects law-abiding citizens who find themselves in dangerous situations and have no means of escape. They believe the law deters criminals from attacking innocent people, knowing they could face severe consequences.

Conversely, opponents argue that "stand your ground" laws encourage violence and vigilantism, disproportionately affecting communities of colour. They argue that it can be challenging to determine whether the use of force was essential, leading to wrongful deaths and injuries.

North Carolina's law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability to a person who uses force as permitted by the law unless the person against whom force was used was a law enforcement officer or bail bondsman who was lawfully acting in the performance of their official duties. The officer or bail bondsman identified themselves by any applicable law, or the person using force knew or reasonably should have known that the person was a law enforcement officer or bail bondsman in the lawful performance of their official duties.

It is important to note that while the "stand your ground" law allows using deadly force in certain circumstances, it does not grant individuals the right to use excessive or unnecessary force. The law still requires that the use of force must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat posed.

North Carolina's "stand your ground" law permits using deadly force in self-defence without a duty to retreat in specific locations. While it has its proponents and detractors, it is essential to remember that the law still requires the use of force to be reasonable and proportionate to the threat posed.

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Legally defending against Intruders

 


As a North Carolina resident, knowing your rights regarding self-defence and the use of force is essential. The state law in North Carolina allows individuals to protect themselves with deadly force without any duty to retreat from intruders. This means that you have the legal right to defend yourself if someone is unlawfully entering your property or threatening your safety.

However, specific conditions must be met before using deadly force in self-defence. Under North Carolina law, a person can use "defensive force that is likely to cause death or serious bodily harm to another" to protect their home, motor vehicle, or workplace if:

  1. Someone is trying to remove you from the premises against your will: If someone is forcefully attempting to remove you from your property, you have the legal right to use deadly force to protect yourself.

  2. You have a reason to believe that an "unlawful and forcible" entry or act is occurring: If someone is breaking into your home, motor vehicle, or workplace, and you believe that they intend to harm you or commit a crime, you can use deadly force to protect yourself.

It's important to note that the law prohibits using deadly force in specific circumstances. For example, you cannot use deadly force against a person with the right to be on your property, such as an owner or tenant. Similarly, you cannot use deadly force against someone in your custody, such as a child or grandchild.

Additionally, the law prohibits using deadly force against law enforcement officers or bail bondsmen who attempt to enter a home, motor vehicle, or workplace to perform their official duties. If a person has stopped trying to enter your property forcefully and has left the premises, you cannot use deadly force against them.

In certain circumstances, North Carolina residents have the legal right to defend themselves with deadly force. If someone attempts to harm you or unlawfully enter your property, you have the legal right to protect yourself. However, it's important to remember that the use of deadly force is only permitted in specific situations, and there are limitations to this right. As always, it's crucial to consult with a legal professional if you need clarification on your rights or the appropriate course of action in a self-defence situation.

Monday, April 24, 2023

Constitutional Carry maybe Challenging in North Carolina

 


Constitutional carry refers to the unrestricted right of citizens to carry firearms without a permit or license. While many states in the US have embraced Constitutional carry, some states have struggled to pass such laws. North Carolina is one state where getting Constitutional carry is challenging.

From a legislative point of view, passing a Constitutional carry law would require significant support from the state legislature. The current law in North Carolina allows concealed carry of firearms only with a permit. Any attempt to change the direction would require strong arguments to convince legislators to alter the existing policy. Moreover, gun control advocates have been active in the state and would likely oppose any attempts to loosen restrictions on firearms.

From a historical perspective, North Carolina has a long history of regulating firearms. The state recognized the Statute of Northampton in 1776 as a misdemeanour. This suggests that firearms have been a contentious issue in the state for over two centuries. Additionally, the state has had various laws regulating firearms' sale, purchase, and possession. These laws and the state's cultural and political history could make it challenging to pass Constitutional carry in North Carolina.

Furthermore, the North Carolina Constitution provides a framework for regulating firearms. Article I, Section 30 of the Constitution reads, "The right of the people to bear arms in defence of themselves and the State shall not be infringed, but the General Assembly shall have the power to prescribe how arms may be borne." This provision gives the state legislature the authority to regulate firearms, but it also recognizes the right of the people to bear arms. The language of the Constitution could make it challenging to argue that citizens have an unrestricted right to carry firearms without a permit.

Passing Constitutional carry in North Carolina would be challenging. It would require significant support from the state legislature, which could face opposition from gun control advocates. The state's historical and cultural context and the constitutional framework could make it difficult to convince legislators to change the current policy. While it is possible to pass such a law, it would require a significant shift in the state's political and cultural landscape.

Sunday, April 23, 2023

General Richard B. Garnett: Why America has Monuments and Memorials to the fallen

 


Richard Brooke Garnett was a Virginia-born military officer who fought for the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Garnett was born on November 21, 1817, to a wealthy planter, William Henry Garnett, and his wife, Anna Maria Brooke. He attended the Norfolk Academy as a young boy before enrolling in the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1837. Garnett graduated from West Point in 1841, ranked 29th in his class of 52 cadets.

After graduation, Garnett was commissioned as a brevet Second Lieutenant and assigned to the 6th U.S. Infantry Regiment. He served with the 6th U.S. Infantry Regiment in the West for 20 years, campaigning against Native American Indians and helping settle territorial disputes. Garnett was promoted to captain in the U.S. Army in 1855. However, he resigned his commission in May 1861 to fight for his home state of Virginia in the Civil War.

Garnett quickly rose through the ranks of the Confederate Army, advancing to the level of Lieutenant Colonel of Cobb's Georgia Legion by September 1861. On November 14, 1861, Garnett was promoted to Brigadier General in command of the 1st Brigade of the Valley District of the Confederate Army of the Potomac. However, he ran into trouble at the First Battle of Kernstown when he ordered a retreat without authorization from General Stonewall Jackson. Jackson arrested Garnett for "neglect of duty" and relieved him of his command. Court-martial proceedings against Garnett lasted only one day and never rendered a verdict. However, General Robert E. Lee reinstated Garnett on September 5, 1862, and assigned him to the Army of Northern Virginia under the command of General James Longstreet.

Garnett commanded George Pickett's brigade at the Battle of Antietam in September 1862 and assumed permanent command of Pickett's division on November 26, after Pickett was promoted to divisional commander. Garnett did not participate in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862 and was not present at the Battle of Chancellorsville in April and May 1863. Following Stonewall Jackson's death at Chancellorsville, Garnett was a pallbearer at the stricken general's funeral. Garnett's brigade, part of Pickett's division, served as the army's rearguard during General Lee's Second Invasion of the North in June 1863. As a result, Garnett arrived at Gettysburg on the afternoon of July 2, 1863.

On July 3, 1863, Lee selected Pickett's division, which included Garnett's brigade, to participate in the ill-fated assault on Cemetery Ridge, commonly known as Pickett's Charge. Garnett suffered from a fever and an injured leg that prevented him from leading his men on foot. Instead, he led his men into battle mounted on a horse, making him an easy target. During Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg, Garnett was mortally wounded, probably by grapeshot. Although Garnett was dressed as a Confederate general, his body was never identified after the fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg. It is possible that Garnett was buried in a mass grave that Union soldiers dug for the Confederates who died at the Battle of Gettysburg. In 1872, the remains from that grave were removed to Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond. How many remain in the mass grave at Gettysburg? On both sides?

Saturday, April 22, 2023

The moment a fight becomes deadly

 


In a physical altercation, it's essential to be aware of the signs that indicate when a fight may turn deadly. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can mean the difference between life and death. This article will explore when a fight turns into deadly force, tips on what to look for, steps to retreat, and how to meet force with force if necessary.

The moment a fight turns into deadly force is when one person intends to cause serious bodily harm or death to the other. The situation can escalate quickly, and it's important to be aware of the signs that indicate a person's intent to use deadly force. These signs include:

  1. Hands reaching for a weapon: If you see a person reaching for a weapon, such as a knife or gun, this indicates that they intend to use deadly force.

  2. Elbows reaching for a weapon: Even if a person is not reaching with their hands, if you see them reaching with their elbows to their waistband or pocket, it could indicate that they are attempting to draw a weapon.

  3. Verbal threats: Verbal threats such as "I'm going to kill you" or "I'll show you" can also indicate a person's intent to use deadly force.

If you notice any of these signs, taking steps to retreat is crucial. The best course of action is always to avoid a physical altercation. If you can retreat safely, do so immediately. Put distance between yourself and the other person and find a safe place to call for help.

However, if retreating is not an option, you may need to meet force with force. If the other person is armed, and you are not, your chances of survival are significantly reduced. In this situation, you may need to accept that the other person intends to use deadly force and defend yourself accordingly.

If you are armed, it's essential to understand the laws surrounding self-defence and using deadly force in your state or country. If you are in danger and have no other option, using deadly force to protect yourself may be necessary. However, using deadly force should always be a last resort.

The moment a fight turns into deadly force is a critical moment that can have life-altering consequences. It's essential to be aware of the signs that indicate a person's intent to use deadly force and take steps to retreat if possible. If retreating is not an option, you may need to meet force with force or accept the deadly force for what it is. Remember, your safety should always be your top priority.

Friday, April 21, 2023

Henry Repeating Arms: The Big Boy Revolver

 


Henry Repeating Arms has introduced two new models of their popular Big Boy line of revolvers: the Big Boy X and the Big Boy All-Weather. These revolvers are designed to provide an outstanding shooting experience for hunting, self-defence, or recreational shooting.

The Big Boy X features a 6-round capacity and is chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special. It has a 5.5-inch octagonal barrel, an adjustable rear sight, and a fibre-optic front sight. The revolver weighs 48.4 ounces and is available in two finishes: blued steel or colour case hardened. The Big Boy X is designed with a sleek and modern look, featuring a black synthetic grip and a matte black finish on the blued steel model or a black synthetic grip and a colour case-hardened finish on the other model.

The Big Boy All-Weather is also chambered in a .357 Magnum/.38 Special and features a 5-inch barrel. The revolver has a 7-round capacity and is made with a corrosion-resistant stainless steel frame and barrel. The Big Boy All-Weather weighs 45.9 ounces and has a fully adjustable rear and fibre-optic front sight. This revolver is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want a reliable and durable firearm.

The Big Boy X and the Big Boy All-Weather are excellent choices for hunters, sport shooters, and anyone looking for a high-quality revolver. These revolvers are easy to shoot, accurate, and reliable. They are also designed to be comfortable and easy to hold, even for smaller hands.

In conclusion, the Henry Big Boy X and the Big Boy All-Weather revolvers are impressive additions to the Henry Big Boy line of firearms. They offer outstanding performance, durability, and reliability, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking for a high-quality revolver. Whether you are a hunter, sport shooter, or just enjoy recreational shooting, the Big Boy X and the Big Boy All-Weather are excellent choices that will impress. So, if you're in the market for a new revolver, check out these impressive firearms from Henry Repeating Arms.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

The flip-lock -effective counter-measure for home invasions

 



Home invasions can be a frightening and traumatic experience for anyone. The thought of an intruder entering your home and violating your personal space is enough to make anyone feel vulnerable and unsafe. Luckily, there are steps you can take to help prevent home invasions and protect your home and loved ones. One such step is to install a flip-lock on your doors.

A flip-lock is a simple yet effective device that can be installed on the interior of a door to provide added security. The flip-lock works by securing the door from the inside, preventing someone from opening it even if they have a key. It is an inexpensive and easy-to-install solution that can provide peace of mind to homeowners who want to take an extra step to protect their property.

Installing a flip-lock is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. All you need is a drill, screws, and a flip-lock kit. First, you'll need to measure the height of the lock and mark the spot where the lock will be installed. Next, you must drill a hole for safety and attach the lock mechanism to the door with screws. Once the lock is in place, you can flip it into the locked position to secure the door.

Flip-locks come in various styles and designs, so you can choose one that matches the look of your door and complements your home's decor. Some flip locks even come with additional features, such as an alarm or a motion sensor, that can further enhance the security of your home.

One of the benefits of a flip-lock is that it provides added protection against forced entry. Even if an intruder manages to pick the lock or break the door handle, the flip-lock will keep the door from opening. This can buy you valuable time to call for help or escape through another exit.

Another benefit of a flip-lock is that it can be used with other security measures, such as a deadbolt or a security system. Adding multiple layers of security to your home can make it more difficult for intruders to gain access and increase your chances of thwarting a home invasion.

In conclusion, a flip-lock is a simple yet effective device that can provide added protection against home invasions. It is an easy-to-install solution that can be used with other security measures to create a comprehensive security system for your home. By taking proactive steps to protect your property, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones.