Know Before Your Swim
by Jason Hanson
On Aug 14, 2018This week’s batch of must-read article touches on the unseen dangers lurking in your local swimming holes, how to become a master lock pick in minutes, what a record-breaking fire tornado looks like and more.
An article in Security, Health, Preparedness
Pros and Cons of Off-Body Concealed Carry
by Jason Hanson
On Aug 10, 2018With more and more people carrying concealed these days, I want to share with you some pros and cons of carrying a firearm off your body — but still within range so you can hopefully use it if needed.
An article in Security, Personal Protection
Best of the Drop — Spy Gadgets
by Jason Hanson
On Jun 30, 2018This “best of” edition of the Weekly Drop is dedicated to spy gadgets — voice recorders, hidden cameras, covert self-defense tools and more.
Meta-Description: This “best of” edition of the Weekly Drop is dedicated to spy gadgets — voice recorders, hidden cameras, covert self-defense tools and more.An article in Security, Technology, Personal Protection
Three Rules for Being Followed
by Cade Courtley
On Jun 15, 2018Now, you probably aren’t roaming the streets of Iraq or visiting villages in Afghanistan (I hope). But here are some techniques you can apply if you are walking or driving the streets of your city and think you have a tail.
An article in Security, Personal Protection
The Top 12 Mistakes Preppers Make (And How You Can Avoid Them) — Part II Author: 4Patriots
by 4Patriots
On Jun 13, 2018In Part II, you’ll discover 10 ways to protect your home from an unruly mob… nine ways to ensure your children or grandchildren stay safe even if you get separated… and one of the most underrated preps you can do right now that will make your life a whole helluva lot easier in an emergency.
An article in Security, Preparedness, Personal Protection
Concealed Carry on the Go
by Jason Hanson
On Jun 7, 2018If you are in the car traveling, you still want to be able to quickly access your gun in case you need it. If you have to leave it in the car, you should absolutely make sure it’s secured and out of sight. Read on for specific recommendations on concealed carry in your vehicle.
An article in Security, Personal Protection
Best of the Drop — Road Safety
by Jason Hanson
On Jun 1, 2018Before you embark on a road trip this summer, there are a few aspects of car safety you should take into account. In today’s “best of” edition of the Weekly Drop, you’ll discover several ways to stay safe on America’s roadways.
An article in Security, Preparedness, Personal Protection
The Weakest Link of Your Home Security
by Jason Hanson
On May 3, 2018The bottom line is a good door is your home’s first line of defense against brazen criminals. This is why I want to share some stronger options for your front door.
An article in Security, Home Security
Safeguard Your Identity From Meth-Dealing Crime Gangs
by Owen Sullivan
On Apr 25, 2018These days, identity theft is so easy to pull off that just about any thug can get in the game. And the drug gangs are taking full advantage of that. Use these strategies to keep criminal hands off your identity.
An article in Security
Identity Thieves Are Stealing Thousands of Dollars in YOUR NAME
by Owen Sullivan
On Apr 24, 2018When Paul retired from the police force, he thought his days of hunting criminals were over. But just two years later, the 67-year-old was being personally targeted by an identity thief… and it made his life a living hell.
An article in Security
I remember when I got my first set of walkie-talkies — I felt like James Bond. Little did I know that as an adult I would have the opportunity to work with way-cooler gadgets while working for the CIA.
In that spirit, this “best of” edition of the Weekly Drop is dedicated to spy gadgets — voice recorders, hidden cameras, covert self-defense tools and more.
If you have a safety or survival question — or you’re looking for a specific product recommendation — send an email to SPYfeedback@LFB.org.
Now let’s dive in.
Can you recommend some spy camera glasses and a spy recorder able to pick up faint sounds?
— James Y.
That’s a great question, James. There are many different choices when it comes to spy camera glasses. One brand I recommend is the Toughsty hidden camera video glasses, which sell for around $70.
These glasses record HD-quality video and audio — and they have a micro SD card slot, so you can use a 32GB card for more storage. They operate on a rechargeable battery that lasts for about an hour of recording time.
For recording only audio, you can find spy audio recorders that resemble key fobs, pens and even USB flash drives. The only drawback to these tiny recorders is that they aren’t the best choice for picking up faint or faraway sounds.
One USB recorder I suggest checking out is the SpygearGadgets voice-activated professional-grade audio recorder. It sells for around $99 and is also a functional USB drive, so you can store important files on it as well.
I lost the keys to the rear gate of my Ford wagon; I hope your lock pick kit will get me in. Will it?
— George H.
Unfortunately, George, most car door locks are nearly impossible to pick without destroying the lock.
However, if you purchase my Escape & Evasion Training Lock and Lock Pick Set, you’ll also receive the following 10-piece set of covert jiggler keys, which can open the doors on some older-model vehicles:
These jiggler keys are made of durable stainless steel and work on both pin tumbler and wafer locks. I recommend trying them first because trying to pick the lock with traditional lock-picking tools will only damage your vehicle and won’t put you any closer to unlocking it.
Do you think that you will ever offer the compartmented (zipper pocket) belts again? If not, who makes them?
— Ron P.
Yes, Ron, we do still offer the Escape & Evasion Gun Belt. These belts are handmade in Cedar City, Utah, and are incredibly tough — we’ve even used this belt to tow a vehicle.
The belt also comes with a lifetime guarantee. For more information or to purchase one for yourself, click here.
I think you mentioned something about waist wallets in one of your emails. Which one do you recommend?
— Lewis H.
Personally, I use the Shacke Hidden Travel Belt Wallet, which costs around $15 on Amazon. You simply thread your belt through the durable belt strap and let the wallet hang down inside your pants.
The covert design of this wallet means criminals can’t grab it or cut it loose from you. And as an added feature, it’s lined with RFID anti-theft material to protect your credit cards and passport.
I always recommend having at least $300 in cash on you when you travel — one $100 bill, several $20 bills and a few smaller denominations.
Carrying cold, hard cash has gotten me out of a lot of jams and made my life much easier. The fact is if you are in a dire situation, giving someone a $100 bill will certainly motivate them to help you.
I need the best security camera for my small, one-bedroom apartment. What do you recommend?
— Yvonne W.
I know there are a ton of options out there when it comes to indoor security cameras. One camera I recommend looking into is the Amazon Cloud Cam, which sells for $119. The latest model can be integrated with Alexa, Amazon’s virtual voice assistant.
This indoor security camera offers 1080P picture, night vision, two-way audio, notifications and free storage. In other words, you won’t have to pay a monthly fee for video storage like you do with most other security cameras — although there are a few bonus features you can activate with a Cloud Cam subscription.
I bought one of your tactical pens a couple of years ago. I keep it with me all the time and have used the pen for just about all my writing. Here’s the problem: I cannot find a replacement cartridge anywhere — and I mean anywhere. Do you have any idea where I can purchase a few extra cartridges?
— Dale P.
I’m glad you enjoy using your tactical pen. I’m also glad that you keep it with you. The tactical pen truly is one of my favorite self-defense tools because it’s so covert you can take it virtually anywhere. Everyone in my family carries one with them.
The refill for the tactical pen is the Schneider Slider 755 XB ballpoint pen refill. You can purchase a two-pack in black or blue on Amazon or in most office supply stores for about $6.50.
Is there a place online or in Los Angeles, California, where I can get a body camera that is not very expensive or other equipment that is comparable?
— Mario S.
I recommend the Transcend DrivePro 30 1080p HD Body Camera. Now, these aren’t cheap — but when it comes to investing in a body camera, a quality device will cost a few hundred dollars.
You can buy one of these cameras online at a few different places such as Amazon or B&H Photo for around $300. This camera comes with a 12-hour battery, 64 GB of internal storage and a built-in microphone, and it records in 1080p. Plus, it’s rated for outdoor use, so you can travel with it anywhere.
Stay safe,
Jason Hanson
P.S. Remember — I’m here to help you. Be sure to send your safety, survival and product questions to SPYfeedback@LFB.org so I can address them in a future mailbag alert.