Check it out on Yahoo! http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/5-ways-to-make-your-home-safer.html

*Beware of Dog*  You don’t actually have to own a canine to scare a burglar into thinking you do.  Post a sign in your yard that says, “Attack Dogs Trained and Sold Here,” says Susan Bartelstone, host of the radio show Crime Prevention 101 in New York City. “Extremely Vicious Doberman” works too, she says.  “Then get a recording of a fierce-sounding barking dog and set it on a timer to go off periodically when you aren’t home,” Bartelstone says.

To give a burglar pause, leave a large dog bowl by the front door with the name “Cujo” or “Killer.”

During that time, the show has grown and developed in ways I could never have anticipated when I started in 2008.  I’ve met so many incredible guests (many who’ve become friends), and many others who’ve inspired me and taught me so much about the triumph of the human spirit under the most horrible circumstances imaginable. 

WE WON AWARDS in 2011.  Crime Prevention 101 was nominated for a US Attorney General’s National Crime Victims’ Service Award from the US Office for Victims of Crime.  The show was also given a prestigious Leadership Award for our contribution in educating people about domestic violence by the amazing Violence Intervention Project, the only organization in New York City working with Spanish-speaking and immigrant victims of domestic violence.  I’m so proud.

And, on a personal note, I was honored for my work on the Board of Directors of the New York Women’s Agenda at a breakfast attended by 700 people.  I was sitting on the dais behind Billie Jean King!  How amazing is that!!!

 THANK YOU.  My greatest honor, however, has been the many  emails and posts from my listeners over the years. I can’t possibly  express my gratitude for your support over these four years.  Know that it’s been my privilege helping you keep yourself safe! 

Please continue to post your comments on my Facebook page:  Susan Bartelstone or email me:  solutions@fightsafe.com.  I’ll be checking them regularly and I answer ALL my messages. 

My past radio shows are archived on my blog  www.crimeprevention101.com.  I post tons of safety tips and articles there on all sorts of crime prevention topics, so please use it as a resource.

Thanks also to my wonderful sponsors– MyForce and My Mobile Witness–two fabulous personal safety services for your smartphone.  If you don’t know about them, please check them out.  It’s been so rewarding working with you guys and I look forward to much more collaboration in 2012.  

UNTIL CRIME PREVENTION 101 IS BACK ON THE AIR, STAY TUNED AND STAY SAFE!

To Listen:  http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/58882/surviving-and-thriving-pt-2-ex-cons-give-back

Also available on iTunes:  http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/crime-prevention-101/id419406006

Sad but true:  two-thirds of ex-offenders relapse into crime within three years after they’ve been released from prison.  Against heavy odds, however, some DO turn their lives around and this week, I’ll be speaking with some former bad guys who are not only law-abiding citizens but are inspiring other ex-cons to do the same.  Spend some time with us and become hopeful.

Larry Lawton, convicted for armed robbery and extortion in 1996, who, after spending 11 years in some of the country’s toughest federal prisons, founded The Reality Check Program for at-risk kids that shows them what prison life is really like.  He’s affected thousands of troubled lives so far.  

 Former drug abuser/dealer Randy Kearse, now the author of five motivational books based on his personal experiences, inspires other ex cons trying to go straight to find their own voice and transition back into society. 

 And, Ryan Holly from Defy Ventures, the organization founded by former Wall Street venture capitalist Catherine Rohr, stops by.  Defy Ventures helps ex-cons with an entrepreneurial bent go into business for themselves.  Based on the highly successful Prison Entrepreneurship Program in Texas, where over 600 ex-cons graduated with a recidivism rates of less than 10%.  Defy Ventures also teaches good citizenship and family skills, provides business internships and even start-up capital to a lucky few!

Resources:

• Larry Lawton: www.realitycheckprogram.org, www.lawton911.com
• Ryan Holly & Catherine Rohr:  Defy Ventures  Entrepreneur Program:  http://defyventures.org/
• Prison Entrepreneur Project:  www.prisonentrepreneurship.org
• Randy Kearse:  www.randykearse.net
• National Human Trafficking Awareness Day:  The Somaly Nam Foundation:  http://www.somaly.org/
• ECPAT-USA, organized against sexual exploitation:  http://www.ecpatusa.org

To Listen: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/58313/surviving-and-thriving-pt-1

Also available on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/crime-prevention-101/id419406006

For an optimistic perspective on a sober subject, this week Crime Prevention Specialist Susan Bartelstone speaks with two very courageous young women who’ve been the victims of terrible crimes–the kind that are the stuff of nightmares. But, they’ve survived and thrived and are now helping others do the same. Spend some time with us and be inspired!

Fifteen year old Jamie Isaacs endured years of bullying, starting at age 7, by more than 22 kids in her school. Today, she heads the Jamie Isaacs Foundation for Anti-Bullying that has already saved the lives of 8 kids.  

Ten years ago, Alicia Kozakiewicz, then 13, became the victim of an Internet luring by a 38 year old man who imprisoned, raped and tortured her. Today, she’s a nationally-known crusader against child trafficking and pornography and started The Alicia Project  to advocate for changes in the law.

 Also, got travel safety tips for those who are going places and some great holiday gift suggestions with a crime prevention point of view for last minute shoppers.

Safe and Happy Holidays from Crime Prevention 101!

  Missed the Live Show?  Listen Now! 
http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/58313/surviving-and-thriving-pt-1

Also available on iTunes 
http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/crime-prevention-101/id419406006

Resources:

• Jamie & Ron Isaacs, Isaacs Foundation for Anti-Bullying:  www.jamieisaacsfoundation.org
• Alicia Kozakiewicz:  www.thealiciaproject.com
• MyForce:  www.myforce.com
• Crime Museum:  www.crimemuseum.org

 http://bit.ly/ChildResists

Identity theft is a huge and growing problem and since November is the start of the holiday shopping season, beginning with Black Friday and then Cyber Monday, Crime Prevention Specialist Susan Bartelstone speaks with Paige (Pederson) Hanson from LifeLock, the identity theft prevention company, discussing what you can do to protect yourself from this scourge and what to do if you’ve been victimized.

Then, after you learn how to shop safely, she visits with Kevin Burton Smith from The Thrilling Detective website where you can shop for that person in your life who likes to read (and watch) good crime fiction.

But wait, there’s more: Be sure to stick around for her safety tips for shopping in malls with young children; and she’s got some great gift suggestions.

 This week, I spoke with Jennifer Storm, Victim Rights Advocate and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Victim/Witness Assistance Program, fresh from a two-part appearance on ABC Nightly News with Diane Sawyer, who was the first person to call for the removal of Paterno and Spanier. 

 And, better start making out your holiday shopping list, because I’ve got lots of suggestions for personal safety products make great gifts and will help keep your loved ones safe as well. Don’t forget to check out my shopping safety tips during the month of November (online and in malls!) on my blog CrimePrevention101.com or on my Twitter @crimeprevent101 and, of course, my Facebook page: Susan Bartelstone. 

Show Resources:

• Jennifer Storm, Victim’s Rights Advocate & Penn State Alumna: www.jenniferstorm.com
• RAINN:  www.rainn.org
• www.heroproject.com
• Irene van der Zande: www.kidpower.org
• Kitty Kat Key Guard:  www.ifightformylife.com
• Screaming Personal Alarm:  www.corporatetravelsafety.com
• Fuzz Crime Scene Scarf:  http://www.curiocityonline.com; www.perpetualkid.com (also other crime-themed gift choices
• Crime Scene bandages:  www.wastesomecash.com; http://www.curiocityonline.com/

Turn your computer off after you finish shopping or when you’re not using it.  Leaving your computer on gives scammers the opportunity to install malicious software on your machine and control it remotely to commit identity fraud, Identity theft and other cyber crimes.

For more *Shopping Safety Tips,* go to Crime Prevention 101

There are lots of bargains online but if you’re using an unfamiliar website call the contact phone number listed on the site first to make sure it’s a working number and that you can reach them if there are any problems with the order.  Then check them out on your favorite search engine or Yelp or a similar online resources.  If you don’t like what you read, take your business elsewhere. 

For more *Shopping Safety Tips,* go to Crime Prevention 101 

Look for signs a site is secure, such as a closed padlock on the browser’s status bar, before making your purchase.  When you put in your credit card information make sure the website’s URL address changes from http to shttp or https.  That indicates the information is encrypted or secured.  Sadly, however, even the most secure website can be hacked so you may want to use gift cards for online purchases rather than your own credit or debit cards.  If anything goes wrong your cards are safe.  Just save the gift cards you used in case of returns. 

For more *Shopping Safety Tips,* go to Crime Prevention 101