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Masked robbers target Windsor Castle

Two masked men have targeted Windsor Castle and took off with two vehicles that were stored in a barn. The men used a stolen truck to break through a security gate at night and then scaled a two-metre fence to gain entry into the royal grounds. According to reports by The Sun, King Charles and Queen Camilla were not at Windsor at the time, but it is believed Prince William and his family were residing in Adelaide Cottage, part of the Windsor Castle estate. The cottage is five minutes away from where the break-in occurred, and the family are regularly seen using the wrecked gate, the nearest exit to their home. Local police were called to a report of a burglary on Crown Estate land in Windsor, west of London, just before midnight on October 13th. “Offenders entered a farm building and made off with a black Isuzu pick-up and a red quad bike. They then made off towards the Old Windsor/Datchet area,” Thames Valley Police told the newspaper. “No arrests have been made at this stage and an investigation is ongoing.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Legal

New Zealand tourist brutally slain in front of husband while on holiday

A tourist from New Zealand has been tragically killed during an armed robbery while on holiday with her husband in America. Patricia (Trish) McKay and her husband, prominent Auckland businessman Doug McKay, were exploring Newport Beach in California when they were set upon by two men in a shopping centre. The couple were shopping when the armed robbery began, as a struggle ensued before the men dragged Ms McKay to a carpark, according to local authorities. It was there she was allegedly run over by a third person driving a white Toyota Camery before the trio reportedly made a getaway from the Fashion Island mall. Mr McKay luckily walked away uninjured from the incident, although three shots were reportedly fired during the ordeal, however no one was struck by the stray bullets. Speaking to media, Heather Rangel from LA’s Police Department said an investigation continues however three male suspects, one aged 26 and two aged 18, had been taken in to custody. The three men were arrested after a lengthy car chase through the streets of Newport Beach, and eventually along highways to Cypress, where the suspects ditched the car and tried to run away before being captured. In a new statement released by those close to Ms McKay, family say “no words can express our sadness as we try to come to terms with the loss of our mother, wife, and friend Patricia”. “We ask for privacy at this time as we work through this as a family.” New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called Ms McKay’s death “an absolute tragedy”. Auckland’s Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson also paid tribute to Ms McKay, saying the 68-year-old was “amazing, funny, loyal, and loving” and that she was “beyond devastated”. “Trish was amazing – funny, loyal, and loving. My absolute deepest sympathies to Doug and her family. In absolute shock.” Image credits: ABC7 LA

Caring

"While I was home": Goldie Hawn robbed twice in four months

Hollywood star Goldie Hawn recently opened up about a harrowing experience she and longtime partner Kurt Russell endured: two home invasions within the span of just a few months. Hawn shared the details of these incidents during a candid conversation on Kelly Ripa's podcast, "Let's Talk Off Camera". The first robbery occurred while Hawn and Russell were out for dinner. "I went up the stairs, I walked into my closet, and I just lost it," Hawn recalled, describing the moment they returned home to find their house had been burglarised. The intruders had broken in from the balcony, targeting their bedroom and closets. "They completely knocked down my door, which is a safe door, so they're very, very sophisticated, and they got a lot of my goodies," she added. Following the initial invasion, Hawn believed the chances of a repeat incident were slim. However, just four months later, she faced another terrifying experience – this time while she was alone at home. "I hear this big thump upstairs, and I was alone," she reflected. Initially dismissing it as a sonic boom or some other unusual noise, she later discovered that intruders "were trying to get in my bedroom while I was in the house". The dual invasions profoundly impacted Hawn, prompting her to enhance her home security measures significantly. Despite the increased safety precautions, the traumatic events have left a lasting impression. In light of these experiences, Hawn expressed a desire to relocate to Atlanta, where her family resides. "It's so lovely there, I said, 'Hey, guys, why don't we all move there?'" she shared. The idea of a family compound has always been a dream for Hawn and her loved ones. "We've always said if one moves, we all have to move together. That's what we've always said." Image: Instagram

Legal

Soap star killed in robbery gone wrong

General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor has died at the age of 37. The soap star was killed in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday morning when he stumbled across three men allegedly breaking into his car, according to <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/05/26/general-hospital-actor-johnny-wactor-dead-shot-killed-robbery-attempt-car-catalytic-converter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TMZ</a>. His mother, Scarlett, told the outlet that he was with a co-worker when they “saw three men messing with Johnny’s car”, but he didn't attempt to confront or fight them. Unfortunately, he was shot as the group took off. Paramedics arrived at the scene around 3am and took Johnny to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to the outlet, the description matched a reported incident in the area where three men were attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle. The suspects have not yet been found, and police have yet to release descriptions of the alleged thieves. Johnny's agent, David Shaul, has paid tribute to the actor and remembered him as “a spectacular human being” in an interview with People. “Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him,” Shaul said. “Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back," he added. “After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.” Johnny began his career in 2007 playing various roles on the show Army Wives. He most notably played Brando Corbin on General Hospital, appearing in almost 200 episodes of the show. He also appeared on hit shows like NCIS, Criminal Minds, Station 19, The OA and Westworld. Fans have taken also taken to social media to pay tribute to the actor. “How sad to learn of the death of Johnny Wactor so young and in such conditions! A star will shine brighter tonight [star] Condolences to his family and all the actor’s fans,” one tweeted. “RIP #JohnnyWactor. This world is such a cruel place. :(,” another added. “I am beyond words about Johnny Wactor, a life that was taken without cause. I hope whoever did this spend the rest of their life in prison," a third wrote. Johnny is survived by his mother and younger brothers Grant and Lance. Image: Ouzounova/ Shutterstock editorial

Caring

10 dumb hiding spots burglars always find

Under the mattress Burglars will make a beeline to the room with the most valuables. “The good stop is always going to be in the master bedroom,” says Chris McGoey, CPP, CSP, CAM, president of <a href="http://www.crimedoctor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">McGoey Security Consulting.</a> “That’s where you have your clothes, your jewellery, your extra cash, your prescriptions – anything of value.” Hiding things under the mattress is one of the oldest tricks in the book, so a thief will likely check there for hidden treasures, he says. Bedroom closet A thief might rummage through your entire closet – pockets and all – looking for cash or other valuables. If you do decide to store valuables in your closet, leave them in a box purposely mislabelled with a boring name (think: “uni textbooks 1980” or “baby clothes”) to keep sticky fingers out, suggests McGoey. Dresser drawers While burglars are in your bedroom, a jewellery box on top of the dresser is a hot commodity. Even if you don’t store your jewellery in plain sight, a thief will probably hunt around in dresser drawers for a shoebox or other unique box that could be filled with watches, jewels, and other valuables, says Robert Siciliano, CSP, security analyst with <a href="https://www.hotspotshield.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotspot Shield</a>. Instead of putting your high-value belongings in an obvious box, ball them up in a sock, he suggests. Pick a pair with a bright pattern that will stand out to you but won’t look fishy to a crook. Portable safe You probably want to keep your precious items locked away, but it won’t do much good if the safe isn’t attached to the floor or a wall. “If it’s closed and locked, it implies there are things of value in there,” says McGoey. “If it’s small and portable, they’ll take the whole thing.” On the other hand, burglars are generally trying to get in and out as quickly as possible. They won’t bother using a stethoscope to crack the combination, so a heavy safe they can’t lift is your best bet, he says. Medicine cabinet Robbers want to make quick cash off your belongings, so they’ll be sure to browse your medicine cabinet for prescription pills they can sell. The pills might not be a concern because you can get a refill easily, but be careful what you store nearby. “You want to avoid putting anything of significant value around medication of any kind,” says Siciliano. For instance, using an old pill container as a hiding spot for jewels could actually make them a target. Freezer If you’ve thought of the freezer as a sneaky hiding spot, chances are a robber has, too. A burglar won’t rummage through your entire stack of frozen peas and fish sticks, but if you leave your treasures in something out-of-place, such as a sock, the thief will be onto you. “If you’re going to put something in the freezer, you want to put it in with something that looks legit, like wrapping it in a bag that used to have blueberries in it,” says Siciliano. Use the same rule of thumb if hiding anything in a pantry. Just give a loved one a heads up so that if anything happens, your valuables won’t be trashed with the rest of your food. Office drawers Think twice before stashing important papers like birth certificates or passports in your office drawers. “People want to be convenient. They have a file labelled,” says McGoey. Unfortunately, that also means you’re leading burglars straight to everything they need to steal your identity. Use a locked drawer to keep sensitive data safe, recommends Siciliano. Vase An empty vase could act as a hiding place for valuables, but swindlers are onto your tricks. They’ll likely tip the vase over or even break it, hoping to find goods inside. “Have something additional in it, like flowers, that would obscure somebody looking in it,” he says. They’ll also be less likely to empty your vase if it means dropping flowers all over the floor. Liquor cabinet A liquor cabinet might not seem like an obvious spot for thieves to hunt for valuables, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe. “It’s a target for kids looking for [alcohol],” says Siciliano. You might not be devastated if your whiskey goes missing, but you don’t want to lose an heirloom along with it. Suitcase Your luggage might seem like a waste of valuable storage space when you’re not travelling, but don’t keep anything irreplaceable inside. “Suitcases are common things people use as a safe even though it’s not a safe,” says McGoey. Criminals will open a suitcase up if they find one in your closet, he says. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/home-tips/10-hiding-spots-burglars-always-look-first" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

Thief asks woman out on date after robbing her at gunpoint

A US woman has gone through the harrowing experience of being robbed at gunpoint, but it was what happened after the fact that was almost as eerie. Amber Beraun was checking the mail one night at her Indianapolis home in May when she was approached by a man with a gun. The gunman was later identified as Damien Boyce. Speaking to WRTV, Beraun said she was confronted by Boyce, who attempted to enter her home. She refused and gave him all the cash she had handy, which came to $100. Before he made his escape, Boyce asked Beraun a very unexpected, and quite frankly bizarre question - to add him on Facebook. The thief also noted he was planning to pay her back. Beraun responded, telling him she “believed” him and that “times just get rough”. Boyce proceeded to ask the woman to “come chill”. He was later arrested by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and charged over a separate armed robbery on June 12, where two people got shot and one was hit in the head with a brick. He was also charged with his robbery of Beraun. Beraun said her local neighbourhood has been affected by the terrifying incident. "It makes me a little on edge knowing that people walk up and down the street, looking for places to commit crimes," she said. "It makes it a little different when you hear noises at night." Beraun insisted she "never" thought something like this would happen to her. "He took away my sense of safety from my home." Image credit: ABC America

Legal

Senior bank robber’s unexpectedly polite note

A 78-year-old woman has caused some commotion with her bizarre Missouri bank heist. Bonnie Gooch, who already has two bank robbery convictions to her name, has collected a brand new charge - one count of stealing, or attempting to steal, from a financial institution - for her actions at the Goppert Financial Bank in Pleasant Hill. However, it’s the note that Bonnie had for the bank’s teller that has drawn the most attention around the world, with the senior bank robber allegedly stating that she “didn’t mean to scare” anyone. As The Kansas City Star reported, Bonnie supposedly entered the establishment just after 3pm, ‘disguised’ by her facemask and sunglasses. After approaching the counter, she is said to have handed over a note that demanded “13,000 small bills”, and another that read “thank you sorry I didn’t mean to scare you”. Prosecutors in Cass County said surveillance video from inside of the bank showed Bonnie banging on the counter and demanding that the teller hurry up. Bonnie made her getaway from there, but was ultimately caught by law enforcement officers, who reported that her car smelled of alcohol, and had money spread across its floor. Despite this, she is not facing any alcohol related charges. Pleasant Hill Police Chief Tommy Wright described the incident as “just sad’, and noted that Bonnie - as far as they were aware - had not been diagnosed with any notable ailments. “When officers first approached her, they were kind of confused ... it’s a little old lady who steps out,” he explained. “We weren’t sure initially that we had the right person.” He also noted that in his three decades as a police officer, he had never encountered a robbery suspect of a similar age to Bonnie. But it wasn’t Bonnie’s first rodeo, with Bonnie having been convicted for her actions in California in 1977, and again in another Kansas City suburb in 2020. Her probation for the latter only ended in November 2021. At the time of her 2020 theft, court documents cited by Fox 4 note that Bonnie’s son explained she had left the house “angry” and had declared that she was “going to rob a bank”. She is now being held on a $25,000 USD (~$37,500 AUD) bond at a Cass County detention centre for her 2023 crime. And as Police Chief Tommy Wright also revealed to Fox 4, he and his team were evaluating whether or not Bonnie would require further services as her case progressed through the criminal justice system. Images: Facebook

Legal

"You don't do that to a hearse": Thieves blasted over despicable act

A funeral home has been the subject of an unusual robbery after thieves stripped the wheels of a hearse - and its owner has a message to share with those responsible. Arriving at work on Sunday at Te Awahou Funeral Services in Foxton, New Zealand, owner Jayden Moore discovered that one of his hearses was missing its two rear wheels. "In between Saturday and Sunday, we had boy racers out past the funeral home doing skids – obviously we don't know if it was them, but putting two and two together we can imagine they've needed wheels for their car,” he said. The hearse had been sitting out, ready to be used for a service that morning, with Mr Moore telling the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/thieves-steal-wheels-from-hearse-at-foxtons-te-awahou-funeral-home/52LRSJUVM4GLPSVRE7D5ABRBSM/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald </a>that he had to run around to find an alternative. "We came into work to do a service for a family and we've had to run around and find a new [hearse] - we have two but they're set up for different reasons,” he told the outlet. In a message for the thieves, Mr Moore urged them to consider the implications of their actions. "You've not ripped me off, you've ripped these loved ones off," he said. Mr Moore told the Herald that his staff and the local community had been left fuming at the theft. "Everyone is a bit p***ed off, you don't do that to a hearse – these a***holes don't know or don't care that it's tapu (‘sacred’ and prohibited) to touch anything to do with funeral services – they've got some bad karma coming their way." He added that the community had been incredibly supportive and his business and “fully backed up” the funeral home. “The community has been right behind us especially our local – fully backing the whole 'what a***holes would do that' kind of mentality,” he said. Mr Moore isn’t aware of any cameras that could have captured the theft and has urged anyone in the community who saw anything or who has information to come forward. “If anyone has any information, please get in touch with us,” he said. Image: NZ Herald

Legal

Daylight robbery: Men arrested for nicking a bridge

Eight men have been arrested in the Indian state of Bihar for stealing an iron bridge in broad daylight. When several men arrived in the village of Amiyavar with an excavator and gas torches, locals believed the government was finally removing an old metal bridge that had become more of a nuisance than useful. The men, including some from the state government’s irrigation department, arrived at 7am and worked until dusk for three days. They cut the iron with gas torches and loosened the ground with excavators before taking the metal away in a rented van. However, a local journalist told the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61066473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a> that no one knew the men were actually stealing the metal, before depositing it at the warehouse of a local scrap dealer for a profit. “No-one suspected it was a heist,” Jitendra Singh, a journalist who lives “200 metres from the bridge”, told the outlet. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Unique theft in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a>, thieves became officers of the irrigation department and stole a 60 feet long iron bridge In Nasriganj, Rohtas, thieves posing as officers, with the help of local personnel, 1/2<a href="https://twitter.com/UtkarshSingh_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UtkarshSingh_</a> 📽️ <a href="https://t.co/jhnTbUSYDw">pic.twitter.com/jhnTbUSYDw</a> — Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) <a href="https://twitter.com/sirajnoorani/status/1512521001719894017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2022</a></blockquote> The operation was reportedly supervised by Arvind Kumar, who worked part-time at the irrigation department. He allegedly told anyone who asked that “the work had an official sanction”. Ashish Bharti, the senior police official leading the investigation, said Mr Kumar was one of the men arrested. “Irrigation department official Radhe Shyam Singh, the van owner and the owner of the scrapyard are also among those arrested. We are looking for at least four more people,” Mr Bharti said. “Even three days ago, the structure of the bridge was there but suddenly it disappeared and we informed local officials,” Amiyaway local Suresh Kumar told <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/thieves-make-away-with-500-tonne-iron-bridge-in-bihar/article65305774.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Hindu</a>. Pawan Kumar, who lives in a neighbouring village, made the discovery that the operation wasn’t legitimate after he tried contacting Mr Singh and couldn’t reach him. “I tried calling irrigation department official Radhe Shyam Singh, but when he didn’t answer, I called a senior official to ask why they had not followed procedure - the authorities are expected to issue a tender and the work is given to the lowest bidder,” Mr Kumar told the BBC. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The remnants of the 500 tonne bridge that was stolen in Rohtas, Bihar. Pic via <a href="https://twitter.com/AmarnathTewary?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmarnathTewary</a> <a href="https://t.co/AaB3Ohc41x">pic.twitter.com/AaB3Ohc41x</a> — Nistula Hebbar (@nistula) <a href="https://twitter.com/nistula/status/1512713303797035011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2022</a></blockquote> The official told him he was unaware that the bridge had been taken down, prompting a complaint to be lodged with police. After conducting several raids, police have recovered 24.5 tonnes of iron scrap from the bridge, as well as the pick-up van and tools used to strip the bridge, per <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-bridge-theft-case-water-resources-dept-official-seven-others-arrested/article65310750.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Hindu</a>. The bridge in question was in a serious state of disrepair and had been out of use since the early 2000s, when a concrete bridge was built nearby. Journalist Jitendra Singh said the head of the village had sent a petition to authorities to remove the bridge since it had become a health hazard. He said bodies of cattle and even people would get stuck under the bridge after floating from upstream. “Over the years, all the wood used in the bridge had disintegrated and the iron had rusted. Thieves had stolen bits and pieces of the metal to put it to other use or sell it as scrap for a few rupees,” Shailendra Singh, who lives in the village, told the BBC. “But what happened last week was daylight robbery.” Metal is stolen in many parts of India, as well as the US, UK and parts of Europe. In India, manhole covers and water pipes are common targets, while signalling and power cables, overhead line equipment, and clips to hold train tracks in place in England have caused thousands of hours of delays each year. Image: Twitter

Legal

Two US cops fired after abandoning a robbery to play Pokemon Go

Two US police officers have been fired after they went off to chase virtual Pokemon creatures instead of responding to a robbery. Eric Mitchell and Louis Lozano were cruising the streets searching for Pokemon in the augmented reality smartphone game, and abandoned their jobs in the process. An in-car recording revealed that the pair heard the call for help during a robbery at a Los Angeles department store, and decided to drive away. “Officer Mitchell alerted Lozano that ‘Snorlax’ ‘just popped up’,” legal documents show. “For approximately the next 20 minutes, the (recording) captured petitioners discussing Pokemon as they drove to different locations where the virtual creatures apparently appeared on their mobile phones.” The officers caught the virtual Snorlax before turning their attention to a much harder creature to conquer. “Holy crap, man. This thing is fighting the crap out of me,” Mitchell said of the Pokemon, according to the documents, which were published last week. Both officers were charged with multiple counts of misconduct, and admitted to failing to respond to the robbery, but denied they had been playing Pokemon Go. The smartphone game took the world by storm in 2016, with users searching for fantastical creatures using the real world through their smartphone screens. Despite challenging the court’s ruling and upholding the notion they were not playing the game at the time of the robbery, both men were charged and fired from their jobs with the Los Angeles Police Department. Image credits: Getty Images

Technology

The most sought-after items on every burglar’s hit list

Jewellery When you hear the word burglar, you’re probably already envisioning a masked man with a burlap sack full of jewels in hand. As it happens, this archetype arose because jewellery is extremely easy to resell illegally. Security Awareness Expert Robert Siciliano says that it doesn’t even matter if your bling is authentic: “Burglars aren’t generally sifting through what’s real or fake until they get back to their evil lair,” he says. “They try to quickly get in and get out. But once they do, they can generally differentiate, and if they can’t, the pawnshop where they go can make the determination.” Your AI assistants “Your electronics are another prime target,” says home security expert Christina Mullen. “When it comes to electronics and appliances, the burglar is going to take the most accessible items. They do not want to spend more time trying to take an appliance that is mounted on the wall, hard to reach or hidden items.” Mullen says that burglars tend to like small yet expensive devices such as AI Assistants, like Alexa-enabled devices and Google Homes. Cash Maybe switching to credit or debit cards is the right idea – burglars love to sift through your drawers and purses for cold, hard cash. Unlike traceable debit and credit cards, once it’s gone, cash can’t be cancelled or found again. In addition, cash loss can be hard to prove to insurers, especially when excessive amounts are stolen. Prescription drugs Although the most popular items burglars are looking to steal are cash, jewellery and electronics, prescription drugs have become valuable, says investigator Patricia Vercillo. “If not for personal use, the burglar won’t have a hard time selling them on the street, which can make for a dangerous situation.” She recommends that homeowners dispose of old, leftover or expired medications so that they do not become a victim of this kind of theft. Unmounted TVs and other electronics Your child’s new Switch? Your PS4? These cutting-edge gaming consoles are sleek, powerful, and most of all, extremely portable. These two items – which could fit cosily in a briefcase – are high-cost and low-density, making them the perfect steal for any home invader. Thieves also love to steal TVs, but only unmounted ones. “Remember, convenience is key,” says Mullen. “If your TV is mounted on the wall and bolted in, it’s no longer an easy target and is less likely to get stolen.” Power tools Mullen notes that some of the least expected items might go missing in a robbery. “You wouldn’t expect the power tools in your shed to be a target, but they’re decently valued and easily re-sold…even kitchen appliances can fall victim to the burglar’s sweep of your house.” To prevent this theft, smart homeowners should check that they’ve locked their outdoor sheds and aren’t leaving their cars – which often contain garage door-opening remotes – unlocked overnight. Personal information Your burglar might just be someone you know. In more than half of all offences, the perpetrator is someone that homeowners know or trust. “What they steal may have more to do with their disdain of the homeowners,” says Leonard Sipes. “I know of a case where a laptop was stolen just to pry into the lives of the occupant.” According to Sipes, the homeowner’s dogs were also present at the scene of the crime, but the thief simply fed the dogs because they recognised him. Your safe isn't safe Safes and strongboxes aren’t guaranteed to protect your valuables, especially if they’re light, small or not installed in a wall. “Keep a small safe under your bed? They’ll probably check, and they just might carry the whole thing with them,” says Mullen. If you’re looking into buying a safe, remember that some new electronic safes can be hacked, and old-fashioned safes can be cracked open with enough force – finding a better hiding place might be the key. Scrap metal According to Dr Ben Stickle, scrap metal is a valuable material to home intruders. Since metals such as copper are valuable and can be easily resold, Dr Stickle says that scrap metal thieves target “air conditioners, hot water heaters, electrical cables, plumbing materials, and more.” Burglars will target homes under construction, but they don’t always stop there. “Be careful who you let work on your home,” says Stickle. “Many metal thieves had current or past experience as roofers, plumbers, electricians…and would often return after seeing items of metal that were valuable.” Kitchen appliances Do you love your NutriBullet? Your electric mixer? Your slow cooker or your Soda Stream? Well, so do thieves. These items can be re-sold and will easily fit into a duffel bag. “Even kitchen appliances can fall victim to the burglar’s sweep of your house,” says Mullen. Some thieves have even been known to steal refrigerators and stoves because of their expensive market prices, but it’s far harder to make a stealthy get-away with a stainless-steel fridge. Your old iPod Nervous thieves aren’t picky, and whatever’s visible is fair game. “[Thieves] won’t spend their time looking for specific items that are in-vogue – you’d be surprised at some of the low-profile items that get stolen, like corded headphones or even an iPod,” Mullen says. Most thieves are just trying to be speedy, but we like to think that some are into vintage tech, or just left their earphones at home. Written by Dani Walpole. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/home-tips/the-most-sought-after-items-on-every-burglars-hit-list" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Money & Banking

Zoom class captures terrifying moment student was held hostage

An online Zoom class captured the terrifying moment a young woman was held hostage in a home invasion. The scary ordeal took place during a live English lesson that was being broadcast during Zoom due to the strict coronavirus restrictions placed on citizens in the State of Durango, northwest of Mexico City. The horrifying footage showed Ariana Sofia Hernandez Aldama on the left hand side of her screen with her hands tied and her face covered. Throughout the video Ms Aldama remains motionless so as not to egg on the intruder. Her fellow classmates watched on as the man moved silently in the background wearing a baseball hat. The man lowers the camera so his movements can no longer be recorded. The suspect then allegedly stole a set of keys from inside Ms Aldama’s home and used them to steal a car. A number of the girl’s horrified classmates contacted emergency services to report the crime but by the time anyone arrived at Ms Aldama’s house, the attacker had already fled in the stolen vehicle. While Ms Aldama was physically unharmed, there is no doubt she will be haunted forever by the incident and has undergone counselling to help recover from the invasion. The Durango Prosecutor's Office reported the alleged perpetrator has been identified, and they are working to find his whereabouts. The authorities also maintained that the vehicle stolen by the assailant has already been recovered.

Legal

Australia’s most famous bank robbery

Bank robberies and dramatic ‘hold-ups’ make for gripping movie plots – but to what extent does this mirror real life? Just last week, a <a href="http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/02/12/14/08/commonwealth-bank-attempted-robbery-market-street-sydney">botched bank robbery took place in Sydney’s CBD, right in front of visiting celebrity Kelly Osborne</a>, who found herself caught up in the drama. The unidentified man entered the Commonwealth Bank on the corner of Market and Castlereagh Streets last Friday. Armed with a knife, the man lunged at terrified customers and staff, demanding cash, but ended-up fleeing empty-handed towards Hyde Park. Kelly Osborne was being interviewed in the area at the time. The assailant is still on the run. Modern banks have sophisticated surveillance and security systems, and hold-ups have become relatively rare; with robbers focusing on other businesses and the internet to make their money. And while the would-be robber in the above case left empty handed, many have gotten away with a whole lot of loot. Let’s look at what was perhaps the most publicised bank robbery in recent Australian history – the <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/copshooting-bandit-hakki-atahan-meets-a-bloody-end-on-a-1984-dog-day-afternoon/story-fni0ffnk-1226814784658">1984 bank robbery and hostage crisis</a>. Australia’s Most Famous Bank Robbery The man behind the robbery, Hakki Atahan, wanted to get rich quickly, and, like many before him, decided that targeting a bank was the solution to his financial predicament. Between March 1983 and January 1984, Mr Atahan committed not just one, but an estimated 17 robberies, pocketing large sums of cash in the process. He spent the money on luxury apartments, expensive jewellery, fancy holidays and gambling. But his spate of robberies was ended on 31 January 1984 when he brazenly attempted to rob three banks in a single day. The first and second went off without a hitch, but by the time he got to the third bank, police were hot on his heels. Before Atahan demanded the cash, one of the bank employees managed to set off the alarm, with police arriving just as Atahan was stuffing the notes into his suitcase. Police swarmed on the bank, but couldn’t get in. When Atahan was ready to make his escape, he surrounded himself with five hostages and made his way to the getaway car. The bank manager was forced to walk in front, with a gun held to his head, while the others were so close that police could not get a clear shot. Five people, including Atahan, got into the car and the bank manager was ordered to drive. They travelled to Atahan’s home, where they picked up his girlfriend and set one hostage free. They attempted to set off again, but police cars had blockaded the area, and a helicopter hovered above. Atahad directed the bank manager to smash through the blockade. He then shot at police, hitting one officer in the face. Although injured, the officer was fortunate enough to survive. Other officers started shooting at Atahad, who was hit several times and died. All of the hostages survived, although one suffered a wound to the leg and others were cut by shattered glass. Atahad was a keen habitual gambler, and had just $467 to his name at the time of his death. Penalties for Robbery There is no specific offence in NSW for ‘robbing a bank’, but the offence of ‘<a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/offences/robbery/">robbery</a>’ – or stealing from a person using threats or actual violence – is covered by <a href="http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ca190082/s94.html">section 94 of the Crimes Act 1900</a>. It comes with a maximum penalty of fourteen years’ imprisonment. If aggravating factors are present, such as being in company (with another) when committing the offence or being armed with an offensive weapon (such as a knife), the maximum penalty jumps to 20 years. And if another person is wounded or seriously injured, the maximum penalty rises to 25 years. As the maximum penalties suggest, the offence of robbery is taken very seriously by the courts – so much so that a ‘<a href="https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/549f9d993004262463b218be">guideline judgement</a>’ has been handed-down by the courts for ‘<a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/crimes-act/robbery-in-company/">robbery in company</a>’ to ensure that sentences are consistent and harsh. ‘<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrIAGrRpcBM">Standard non parole periods</a>’ may also apply; which are guideposts or reference points for the sentencing Judge when determining the appropriate ‘non parole period’; ie the time which must be spent in prison before an offender is eligible to apply for release. It is therefore crucial to take any allegations of robbery very seriously – whether you are innocent or guilty of the charges. A <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/about/">good criminal defence lawyer</a> with a <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/recent-cases/criminal/no-prison-for-4x-robbery-in-company-and-detain-for-advantage/">proven track record in robbery cases</a> will be able to draw on a wealth of experience and expertise to obtain the <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/recent-cases/criminal/no-prison-for-3-armed-robberies/">best possible result</a> in your case. Written by Ugur Nedim. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/australias-most-famous-bank-robbery/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a>

Movies

Protecting your home while you're away

Planning your summer escape, or heading off soon for a well-deserved break? Read up on these simple and cost-effective security measures to ensure your home and property remain safe while you’re away. Many people leave their homes and cars unattended when they head off on their summer holidays and that can be a green light for burglars. It’s important to take as many precautions as you can to ensure you don’t return from your holiday to find you’re a victim of crime. Tips to help boost your home’s security 1. Get a security alarm: If you have the time - and the budget - before you go away, consider installing a burglar alarm. This is still one of the best deterrents to break-ins. For most burglars, an alarm simply makes your home too difficult to try and enter. Be sure to display notices about the alarm system prominently at doors and windows. 2. Lock all doors and windows:It sounds obvious, but people in a rush to head off can easily forget to close a window or secure a door. A lot us have done it! If possible, fit deadlocks to main doors and windows, as these are a major hurdle for a would-be burglar. 3. Create a ‘lived in’ look:While away, make sure your home still looks ‘lived in’. Leave a pair of old shoes at the back door, some water in the dog’s bowl or an old towel on the washing line. Make sure a trusted neighbour or family member collects mail and regularly adjusts curtains and blinds. If possible, ask a friend or neighbour to regularly park in your driveway or outside your home, to suggest activity. 4. Set timers:Timers are available from hardware stores and allow you to switch your TV or radio on at various times during the day and some lights on at night. Tune your radio to a talkback station so there’s the sound of many different voices. If someone is snooping around, it will make it harder for them to know if someone is inside the house. 5. Sensor lights:These are anther inexpensive deterrent that remain useful throughout the year. Install them at all external doorways. 6. Secure the shed and garage:Put away and secure items such as ladders, tools and gardening implements as these can assist in forced entry and make sure the garage is locked. Store away any valuable outdoor items, such as bicycles and the barbecue. 7. Turn down the phone volume:An endlessly ringing phone can be a give-away that there’s no one home. Turn down the volume, and make sure the voice message gives no clue that you’ve gone on holidays. 8. Spare keys:These should be left only with a trusted family member, friend or neighbour. Don’t ever keep them under a flower pot or a door mat. A burglar will easily find them. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/property/protecting-your-home-while-youre-away.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Travel Tips

Signs your house is vulnerable to being robbed

How secure is your home? Here’s how to make sure your home doesn’t become the latest crime statistic. It takes burglars on average five minutes to enter your home, so learn which aspects of your property put you at risk. Your front door This may seem too obvious to be true, but the majority of intruders come in through a door – and many of them are already open. Why? It’s easy access and burglars are all about doing whatever is easiest, says Jacob Paulsen, security expert. One in four homeowners confesses to frequently leaving the front door unlocked and half do it occasionally, according to a Nationwide Insurance survey. And considering that the majority of home burglaries happen in the daytime, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., knocking on your front door allows thieves to pose as salesmen or delivery people while covertly checking your doorknob. So, yes, it’s obvious, but we’ll say it again: Lock your door! In addition, replace any hollow-core or sectioned doors with ones made from a solid piece or wood or metal, Paulsen suggests. Your porch People stealing packages off your front porch – aka porch pirates – is one of the fastest rising crime trends. Nearly ⅓ of people have had packages stolen and over half of people say they know someone who has, according to a survey done by Comcast. Thieves have even been known to follow delivery trucks around neighbourhoods, stealing packages almost as soon as they’re dropped off. Having a doorbell camera may deter some would-be pirates but your best defence is not having your packages delivered to your porch, Paulsen says. “Have packages delivered to your office or to a neighbour who is home most of the time,” he advises. “If those aren’t options, consider putting delivery instructions on the order form to leave the package at a side door or in a special box.” Your garbage The good news: Property crimes have been decreasing steadily for the past decade, according to recent data. But that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. Setting out the box from your new 60-inch HDTV or high-end gaming console on the kerb is basically advertising the fact that those items are in your home. As electronics are the second thing burglars go for (cash is number one), this makes your home a very attractive target, according to the study. So buy a cheap box cutter and invest the 30 seconds it takes to break down large boxes and bundle them together so their labels can’t be seen. Plus, your garbage collector will thank you! Your street Thanks to better lighting and increased traffic, homes in high-visibility places, like on corner lots, are far less likely to be broken into, Paulsen says. There are simply too many potential ways to be seen. But townhomes, houses in the middle of the block, or houses in a cul-de-sac are much better targets. This is especially true if your property backs up to a forest, open lot, or another unguarded area. The trick, he says, is to make your house as difficult as possible to access from all sides. How much? “You don’t have to be Fort Knox, you just have to be less appealing to a thief than your neighbour is,” he adds. Your health As the opioid epidemic rages, thefts of drugs, particularly prescription painkillers, are on the rise. And as heartbreaking as it is to say, both professional thieves and junkies know that people who are elderly or chronically ill often have lots of medication lying around. So if you are in these circumstances, it might be worth taking extra precautions (such as installing a good home security system) to make your house a less attractive target, Paulsen says. Written by Charlotte Hilton Andersen. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/think-your-sex-life-over-after-40-hardly">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Retirement Life

Man robs banks with avocado – flees with $12,000

A man will sit trial after being accused of robbing two banks with an avocado. The 47-year-old has been arrested after allegedly robbing two banks in Beershaba, Israel using a whole avocado, according to the <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/man-holds-up-two-banks-armed-only-with-an-avocado/">Times of Israel.</a> The man entered a Postal Bank branch at a shopping mall in May and handed over a note demanding she hand over cash. “Hand over the money in the drawer,” the note read according to 112 News. When the cashier hesitated, the robber spoke, saying: “Put the money in the bag quickly or I’ll throw this grenade.” The “grenade” however turned out to be a piece of fruit he painted black. The performance happened once more at another bank a few days later. The accused will stand trial for stealing more than AUD$12,000 in total. Police were able to track the robber down using his mobile device.

Legal

Canine criminal mastermind pulls off diabolical robbery

When we think of robberies, we usually picture balaclavas, dark clothes and bags emblazoned with dollar signs. But forget everything you thought you knew about thieves – this one’s certainly not your stereotypical kleptomaniac. A pet store in Brazil, Agro Pet Paraí, caught a canine criminal on camera casually strolling out of the premises with a bag of pet food securely in its mouth. The bemused owners didn’t take action to stop the fluffy felon, instead recording as it happily walked back home. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAgroPetParai%2Fvideos%2F656894611166053%2F&show_text=0&width=225" width="225" height="400" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> We think we’ll let this one slide, too. Who could resist that face?

Legal

6-year-old girl tries to stop axe-wielding robber

This is the heart-stopping a fearless young girl tries to stop an axe-wielding robber attacking an employee at her family’s store. CCTV footage captured six-year-old Sarah Patel at her parents’ electrical shop in Auckland, New Zealand, running towards a masked robber as he threatens an employee with an axe. The video shows the masked intruders attacking other employees, but it is one scene that has captured the world – the moment a fearless Sarah runs towards an attacker, who is standing over a store employee with an axe, and pulls his leg in an attempt to stop him. She’s pushed away and her grandfather quickly picks her up to take her to safety. Sarah says she was "trying to save" the 19-year-old employee Jordan Byrt, and that she wasn't scared of the "bad guy". Thankfully, Sarah wasn’t hurt by the incident, but is a bit shaken up by the whole ordeal. Her dad Suhail Patel, told the New Zealand Herald: "The whole incident is not only disturbing mentally it's also too much disturbance in life. She couldn't sleep last night, she has got a bit of nausea and anxiety." “Last night she was very upset. Was in shock. We’ve been trying to say to her ‘You’re the bravest girl’, that sort of thing,” he said. The suspects escaped by car but were caught by West Auckland police after a car chase. Five 16-year-old males have appeared in court charged with aggravated robbery, injuring with intent and breaching bail. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/the-importance-of-family-gatherings/">The importance of family gatherings</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/remembering-the-1960s/">A walk down memory lane: Growing up in the 1960s</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/lessons-i-learnt-from-my-grandmother/">21 lessons I learnt from my grandmother</a>

News

US swimmer Ryan Lochte robbed at gunpoint in Rio

Gold medallist Ryan Lochte and his US swimming teammates have been robbed at gunpoint just hours after collecting gold in the 4 x 100m medley relay. Lochte and his fellow swimmers Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger and Jimmy Feigan were celebrating their win at Club France, a nightclub in the city, when they were set upon by men dressed as police officers while making their way back to the Olympic Village. “They pulled out their guns, they told the other swimmers to get down on the ground — they got down on the ground,” Lochte told reporters. “I refused, I was like we didn't do anything wrong, so — I'm not getting down on the ground. “And then the guy pulled out his gun, he cocked it, put it to my forehead and he said, ‘Get down, ‘and I put my hands up, I was like ‘whatever,’” he added. “He took our money, he took my wallet — he left my cell phone, he left my credentials.” After the attack, Bentz tweeted, “We are all safe. Thank you for your love and support. P.S. the gold medal is safe.” The armed holdup is not the first incident to occur in Rio, with two Australian rowing coaches, a Portuguese spectator and a Russian swimmer all robbed in separate attacks. Tell us in the comments below, what do you think needs to be done to improve security in the final week of the Rio Games? Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/08/rio-olympic-pools-turn-deep-shade-of-green/">What on earth is going on with the pools at Rio?</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/08/british-grandma-who-is-tweeting-the-olympics/">The adorable British grandma who’s tweeting the Olympics</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/08/royals-special-message-for-britains-olympians/">The young royals have a special message for Britain’s Olympians</a>

News

86-year-old British woman uses bacon to fend off thief

A rather feisty 86-year-old in Manchester, England, saved herself from a robbery using a pack of Bacon. The incident took place in a supermarket in Altrincham. A post on the Greater Manchester Police Facebook page on Tuesday morning reads “Whilst shopping, the lady was challenged by an unknown female who grabbed her trolley and demanded the money she had withdrawn”. See the full report below. <img width="499" height="250" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/24673/bacon_499x250.jpg" alt="Bacon"/> Some Facebook users responded to the news with some rather “hammy” jokes. One wag wrote: "Her actions were quite Rash, lucky the perp didn't have a gun she could've been 'smoked”. Do you have a funny pun to contribute? Let us know in the conments below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/06/how-to-build-your-legacy/">How to build your legacy</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/06/the-simple-yet-powerful-tool-to-plan-your-retirement/">The simple yet powerful tool to plan your retirement</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/06/retirement-doesnt-have-to-sap-your-self-esteem/">Retirement doesn’t have to sap your self-esteem</a>

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Protecting your home while you're away

Signs your house is vulnerable to being robbed

Man robs banks with avocado – flees with $12,000

Canine criminal mastermind pulls off diabolical robbery

6-year-old girl tries to stop axe-wielding robber

US swimmer Ryan Lochte robbed at gunpoint in Rio

86-year-old British woman uses bacon to fend off thief