Don’t get me started on the US Congress and its involvement in theft. That is a subject for a series of well-researched articles. But man, our politicians sure do seem like a bunch of thieves. With respect to the following “wanna-be” politician that is exactly the case.

A Real Winner

A former Southern California congressional candidate was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for identity theft. If that was not bad enough she was sentenced for ID theft while she was in jail for fraud.

Orange County prosecutors say 49-year-old Delecia Holt violated parole by committing identity theft while she was serving a 708-day sentence for defrauding hotels and a Mercedes-Benz dealer. She had been convicted of nine felonies in the fraud case.

Adding further insult to injury Holt was sentenced Tuesday to six years and eight months in prison for preparing a false federal tax return opening bank accounts and writing bad checks while she was in jail.

Holt ran as a write-in candidate in Orange County's 47th Congressional District in 2005 and San Diego's 53rd Congressional District the following year.

The sad thing is, if look hard, many of our state’s and nation’s elected officials are guilty of many of the same offenses. Society sure would be a better place if we all did not steal.

Kid napping is just the latest in the theft of pets. Portland, Oregon is the latest location where goats have been “kid-napped.”

According the American Kennel Club’s Companion Animal Recovery National Pet Theft Database reports about 224 pets have been stolen so far this year. That’s compared to 150 at the same time last year.

The reports are based on customer and media reports to CAR.

They claim they are receiving reports almost daily of pets stolen during home invasions, out of parked cars while people are running errands and even snatched from dog lovers out for a walk in the park.

The group is even seeing dogs stolen from shelters and adoption events, a new trend this year.

Like everything else these days, the economy may be to blame. People may be stealing dogs to resell or even hold for ransom. Others may want to keep the animal for themselves or offer as a gift without having to pay a purchase or adoption fee.

Here are a few tips to try and keep the “kids” and other pets safe!

At Home

• Keep your dog on a leash
• Don’t leave your pet unattended in the yard.
• Be wary of strangers asking questions such as how much your dog cost or where you live.
• Don’t forget to microchip your pet, which provides identification even if thieves remove collars and tags.

On the Road

• This is one more reason not to leave your dog in a car unattended, even if the doors are locked.
• Don’t tie your dog outside a store.

Recovery

• Enroll your pet in a recovery service, such as AKC CAR. 
• If you think your pet was stolen, immediately call the police or animal control officer in the area your pet went missing and file a police report.
• Canvass the neighborhood and talk to people who might have seen the theft.

Don’t buy stolen pets

• Never buy a pet online or from a flea market or roadside van.
• Also be wary of newspaper ads selling animals or people seeking compensation for the purchase of their pet.
• Seek out reputable breeders or rescue groups.

More than once in the past few weeks I have read an article about pet theft. Why would someone steal man’s best friend?

To the millions of dog owners in the United States, the thought of their beloved pet getting stolen is a nightmare. Unfortunately, pet theft is on the rise and owners need to be vigilant about protecting your beast. Thieves not only steal dogs from backyards, but have been known to break into a home or even yank the animal right out of a child’s arms.

There are definitely some things you can do to protect your dog or other pet.

Be Kind Use A Leash and Be Vigilant

Rule number one is to keep your dog on a leash. Keeping your dog close to you reduces the likelihood he will wander off and catch the unwanted attention of thieves.

Second, don’t leave your dog unattended in your yard. While those of us with fenced yards feel safe letting Rover comb the yard alone, thieves are on the prowl. Leaving your dog outside for a long period of time makes him an easy target, especially if your fenced-in yard is visible from the street.

I hate to say it, but you have to be extra careful with giving out information on your mutt.  If strangers approach you to admire your dog during walks, be careful with how much information you give. Keep how much your dog cost and any other specific details to yourself.

Suffice it to say you should never leave your pooch or other pet in an unattended car, even if it's locked. Not only does leaving your dog in the car alone post obvious health risks to him, it's also an invitation for thieves, even if you are gone for only a moment.

In the old days, guys would tie their horse outside the saloon, and dog owners have been known to do the same with their pup. This popular practice among city-dwelling dog owners can be a recipe for disaster. If you need to go shopping, patronize only dog-friendly retailers or leave the dog at home.

Technology

Do you have a Lo-Jack for your car in case it gets stolen? Technology is a great thing and adding an inexpensive and unintrusive locator chip in your pet is a great way to find him if he gets stolen or just gets lost. Collars and tags can be removed so make sure you have permanent ID with a microchip. Keep contact information current with your microchip recovery service provider so you can always be found should your dog be recovered.

I hope this helps keep families together because after all, dogs are important parts of our lives!

There is a saying – where there is smoke there is fire. Most people go their entire lives without the slightest brush with the law. For others trouble with the law is like fly paper – they are constantly getting stuck. I happen to fall in the latter category (at least not for that last 5 years).

Another person who seems to find himself involved with law enforcement officials is American Jeremy Dodson, a member of the US track team. Is Dodson guilty of theft or is he a victim of identity theft?

Dodson was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of identity theft, days before he was scheduled to leave for South Korea to represent Team USA in the 2011 IAAF World Championships.

As a witness to a shooting in 2010, Dodson, 23, was visiting the Victim Witness Office in Boulder, Co. to report the dates he would be out of the country. Various issues with alleged identity theft brought Dodson's name up in an arrest warrant. He was arrested, but quickly released after posting $10,000 bond and will appear in court at the end of this week.

Several instances of identity theft allegedly involving Dodson were detailed on the arrest affidavit. In 2009, three reports of stolen credit cards were made to police. During investigations, detectives traced the purchase of a computer, HD television, an iPod Touch and other electronic equipment to Dodson's home. Despite this information he was not arrested at that time.

Earlier this year a woman reported her wallet missing and that she had discovered $2,000 in pending charges on her credit card, including an Amazon Kindle e-reader and an Apple MacBook, which were both delivered to Dodson. Dodson claims that he has also been a victim of identity theft and that the purchases were made in his name through a third party.

As per the conditions of his bond, Dodson was required to surrender his passport. He is supposed to be participating in the 200 meter run at the IAAF World Championships, which begins on September 2.

It all sounds fishy as Dodson claims he has lost his wallet at least three times on Pearl Street. He also claims to have lost his social security card. For Dodson’s sake I hope he has not committed theft. But there certainly is a lot of smoke around him right now!

Few will argue that advances in technology have not had many beneficial effects on individual’s lives and society in general. Technology has also helped deter theft by making it more difficult. This seems especially true with car theft.

Gone are the days when a simple wire coat hanger could gain entry into virtually any vehicle. Gone are the ridiculously heavy “Club” or “Gorilla Grips” attached to the steering which forced thieves to have strong bolt cutters to get them off.

With so many vehicles now fully electronic, a new mode of entry has been discovered that I am sure experts are working on finding a way to prevent.

Theft by Text

Have you heard of car thieves using text messages to break into cars? Neither had I until recently. But the scary truth is hackers have learned to unlock a car's doors and start its engine simply by sending text messages to the vehicle's security system.

Don Bailey and Mat Solnik, researchers from security firm iSec Partners, demonstrated the attack on a Subaru Outback, using a laptop to send their messages and break into the vehicle. The hack could apply to high-end security systems like OnStar, although Bailey and Solnik wouldn't reveal whose system they cracked.

Reason to Fear?

Like I said, scary stuff, but in reality, the cause for alarm is practically nil.

Hackers need a specific phone number to break into an in-car security system. To get that number, they must run a certain kind of network administration program, which can probe for vulnerable security devices by make and model. Then, the thief must get close to the target vehicle and run a hacking tool to see if that car is using a vulnerable security system.

After all that effort, the car's steering wheel may still be mechanically locked, preventing the hacker from driving away after breaking in. Besides, Bailey and Solnik are already working with the maker of the security system they hacked to plug the holes.

Keep in mind that this high-tech car hack is just a proof of concept, and it's not the first. In March, researchers described using a Trojan Horse on audio CD to break a car's defenses. To my knowledge, no car theft epidemic has resulted from either of these methods.

Bailey and Solnik are more concerned with how their text message hack could be used for more nefarious purposes, such as hacking of ATMs, medical equipment or even power plants. Those are valid concerns, but if your car uses a high end security system, chances are it'll still be there when you get back from the parking lot.

Technology – a great and scary thing. The moral of all this is to not steal.

There is really nothing more important than friends and family. A person who has close ties and strong relationships with friends and family is the lucky one. Life is all about close, interpersonal relationships.

Trust

I have always believed that never lie to anyone who trusts you, and never trust anyone who lies to you. That said meet Leron Magilner. He is total scum!

Claiming he had terminal cancer and only months to live, the 34-year-old managed to scam co-workers, friends and others out of approximately $11,000.

Magilner, who worked at the Wooden Indian Smoke Shop, is now behind bars charged with theft. He allegedly claimed to have concocted the scheme to get “emotional, moral and financial support” from friends.

Magilner’s scam began to unravel last week after he took a tumble and ended up at a local hospital, where he refused medical testing for his cancer.

Last week police received information from an employee of the Wooden Indian Smoke Shop that he suspected a former co-worker of committing fraud. The employee told investigators that back in March, Magilner announced that he was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer and would be dead within six months. Magilner allegedly used his Facebook page to perpetuate the hoax.

In early June, one of Magilner’s co-workers organized a benefit for Magilner at Casey's in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. The benefit brought in approximately $5,500. But instead of using the money for medical expenses, police say Magilner used it to pay his rent and utilities.

A second benefit was held at the Trevose Fire Hall on July 29 and raised another $5,500, police said. Magilner allegedly received $3,480 in cash after expenses were paid. Part of that money was raised through contributions of local business owners who donated items to be raffled or auctioned at the benefit.

Police allege that Magilner had a "bucket list" and has been getting people to finance trips by telling them that he is terminally ill.

The co-worker had already become suspicious of Magilner but became convinced he was not being truthful about his illness when he refused to have tests done at the hospital in reference to his pancreatic cancer.

Investigators obtained additional information that led them to the conclusion that Magilner’s illness was a fabrication. A search warrant for Magilner’s residents was obtained and executed. During that search, detectives located fraudulent documentation that Magilner had offered to his friends to show them he had pancreatic cancer.

Magilner surrendered to authorities on Thursday. He allegedly told detectives that he fabricated the hoax to gain emotional, moral and financial support from his friends. Magilner also allegedly admitted he used the money raised at the two benefits to cover his living expenses.

Magilnerwas arrested and arraigned on charges of theft by deception and identity theft. He remains at Delaware County prison in lieu of $20,000 cash bail.

Nice guy, huh? Stealing from friends and family is totally rotten. A Pennsylvania Theft Class Needed?

For the second time in a week a story of theft comes out of a town called Fremont. Previously I wrote about a 19-year-old serial thief who could spend serious time behind bars if he steals again. This story comes from Fremont, California.

A Fremont man was convicted of leading a theft ring and coercing two women to attack a 63-year-old U.S. Postal Service carrier with a stun gun. For his crimes he will spend the next 10 years of his life behind bars.

Mustafa Rahim, 29, supplied methamphetamine to his girlfriend Denae Hartsinck and her friend Jamie Salvo to get them to commit the stun-gun attack and other crimes. Hartsinck, 23, received a 41-month prison sentence. Salvo, 22, was ordered to serve two years.

They each were sentenced last week in a federal court.

Authorities said that Rahim ordered the assault last year so they could steal a post office master key, giving them access to mailboxes.

After the May 21 attack, the women fled in a stolen vehicle driven by Rahim. The trio then set the vehicle on fire.

Eleven days later, Hartsinck and Salvo were arrested when they crashed a stolen vehicle after leading California Highway Patrol officers on a chase.

Officers discovered evidence in the vehicle that linked the pair to the postal carrier attack and to an identity-theft and auto-theft ring led by Rahim. A few weeks later officers arrested Rahim.

Apparently Rahim ordered the women to steal vehicles and documents were found inside the vehicle about identity-theft crimes in San Leandro, Hayward and Oakland.

Rahim also sent the women into health clubs to steal house and car keys from lockers, authorities said.

This sounds like one bad apple. Maybe 10 years in the slammer will teach him to respect his fellow man!

I am sure it will come as no surprise that under the influence of drugs and alcohol poor decisions can be made. Take the case of 19-year-old Zachary Dunlop.

The Nebraska teenager who broke into a house in Fremont while he was awaiting sentencing for a burglary was sentenced to prison.

Judge Geoffrey Hall sentenced Dunlop to 1 to 3 years for burglary, a Class III felony. The sentence will run concurrent with Dunlop's sentence in Douglas County.

Dunlop was arrested after he was found going through a purse at a home where a husband and wife were sleeping.

History of Theft

Dunlop was first convicted of burglary back in 2002, at the age of 11! He also Committed another burglary after bonding out of jail. His attorney, said his client made bad choices because of drugs and alcohol.

The judge admitted he was taking a chance by letting Dunlop serve his sentences at the same time, but warned Dunlop to change his ways when he returns to Fremont. He threatened the 19-year-old with an extremely long prison sentence if he continues to be on the wrong side of the law.

A good online theft class as well as an alcohol awareness class would be a step in the right direction.

I have asked the question in the past and I will ask it again – is theft just theft or are some theft crimes worse than others. While I agree that all theft is bad, I will say unequivocally that one theft can be worse than others.

Somalia

If there was one place on Earth where everything was so bad you might find it hard to see the humanity – Somalia would be that place. The images from Somalia recently are bleak. Starving people, political unrest and pirates that prey on the high seas like it was the 14^th Century!

The theft I am talking about, the theft that is one of the worst in human history, is the theft of food and other life-saving subsidies provided by the United States, Japan and other countries for the suffering people of Somalia.

World press are reporting that thousands of bags of food intended for starving families is being stolen by militia and resold in the markets of Mogadishu.

Where are the Troops?

How can the United Nations stand by and not use whatever miniscule military force to help this food get to the people that need it? Oh yeah, it is too busy getting its rear end handed to it by the mighty Libyan army.

While all theft is equally wrong at heart, this theft of food in Somalia is attempted murder! The thieves should be dealt with swiftly and harshly.

Oh those Kardashian sisters, could they be any more popular? I was one of those who hoped they might have their 15 minutes of fame and then fade away into obscurity. Why the heck are so many people interested in them?

As a sports fan, the most interesting about these buxom beauties (besides their buxom beauty) is their connection to sports figures. First, their step-father is US Olympic Decathlon champion and the face of Wheaties cereal Bruce Jenner. The sisters have dated numerous professional athletes including New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush and los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom.

So, how are they involved in theft? The Kardashians are into many different things including clothing and other accessories, namely handbags. A fellow designer, Monica Botkier, has accused the sisters of stealing designs for their Kardashian Kollection handbags.

I have to admit I do not feel good about giving these publicity mongers any more ink, but this may paint them in a negative light. Botkier is accusing the sisters of stealing the design of the “Botkier Clyde” purse.

Kardashians Fight Back

No one has ever accused the Kardashian sisters of rolling over! They have fought the claim on three fronts – all of which are equally comical.

First, they have not yet received a cease and desist letter. Second, their potential-copycat bag was “independently created” and is not yet available for public consumption (or “we just licensed our name out, so our hands are clean, and since the bag wasn’t available anyway, it will make it more difficult for you to sue us”). Finally, they are pointing fingers and saying that Botkier’s a thief too .

Long story short, Sears is not taking any chances and already has removed the bag from its website.