Latest news with #KGW8
CNET
3 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Experts Answer: 3 Times When Home Break-Ins Usually Happen
One of the biggest advantages of today's home security cameras and systems is the ability to watch over your home when you're not there or asleep. But that leads to an important question: When are burglars and break-ins most likely to happen? Do they really prefer the dead of night? CNET took a look at the research and expert opinions and arrived at some interesting conclusions. Burglars don't always strike when you think they would, and having a reliably armed security system may be even more important than you think to stop them. I've rounded it up into three times when thieves are most likely to strike at homes and why that helps you plan for better security. Read more: What Burglars Look for When Choosing Homes to Break Into 1. The middle of the day (especially early afternoon) Thieves have a lot to gain by acting in the middle of the day. Getty Images If you want to know when burglars try to break in to homes, it's a good idea to ask them. KGW8 out of Portland, Oregon, did just that, interviewing more than 80 (caught) burglars to find out how and when they struck. The answer? Most chose the middle of the day, the hours before or after noon: Homeowners are most likely to be gone at work in the day, thieves have great visibility when exploring a new yard or house, and it's easier to pretend to be a lost friend or family member if they get caught in broad daylight. Burglars commonly strike in the early afternoon -- one specifically said between "12:30pm and 2:30 p.m." People who go home for lunch or errands have most likely finished and are back to work during these hours, so there's a greater chance the home will be empty. Others KGW8 interviewed preferred the morning when there's also a guarantee people will be at work. That's similar to other studies that report burglaries are most likely to occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Curious about what burglars are after? Most hunt down cash, jewelry, medications and items that can easily sell for money -- notably guns and small electronics. Any signs that these items exist in a house may attract watchful thieves. They also reported that security systems and big dogs were big deterrents (although we don't suggest getting a dog for security purposes). 2. During the summer (between June and August) Burglars are caught trying to break in far more often in summer than winter. Arlo Burglaries are lowest at the height of winter, and highest during the hottest summer months. Since burglary is often a crime of opportunity and requires quickly casing residential neighborhoods, it makes sense that thieves would prefer longer, warmer days. It's also a lot harder to break into homes if there's ice or snow everywhere. That's why research from places like Arizona State University shows that burglaries reach their height in August, and are generally on the rise between June and August when the weather is warmest. 3. At midnight Amazon's Blink Wired Floodlight cam in action. Blink We know, we just said that burglaries are most common during the warmest, brightest times of day. But not everything is so simple. Research from companies like Vivint has shown that burglaries also spike around midnight, with data showing around 6% of burglaries occurring at 12 a.m. This is an interesting spike because late evening and early morning hours are the least likely times for burglaries. There's just something about midnight that makes some burglars think it's a good time to strike. They may also believe that homeowners are asleep at this time, or that it's easier to hide in the dark. Read more: The Best Tips to Prevent Burglars and Break-Ins With this info now in your brain, you're ready to make great decisions about when to arm your security system or when to make sure your smart lights and security camera floodlights are ready to work. It's also a good idea to make sure your smart locks are locked during these times because -- you guessed it -- most burglars start by simply trying the front door. To become a master of your home security, check out our guide on the best places to put security cameras, common home security myths you should stop believing, and what to do if someone you're living with is the one stealing.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘They were 2 feet away from having a dead 6-year-old': Portland family sues city for $4.7M over tree permit
A Portland, Oregon family was stunned when a 150-foot Douglas fir tree crashed into their home during the January 2024 snowstorm — with them inside. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Joel and Sarah Bond had filed for a removal permit back in January 2022, but Portland's Bureau of Urban Forestry denied the request, stating "no serious structural defects were observed," and that cutting it down would 'significantly affect the neighborhood character.' 'I saw wood and debris on the ground, a collapsing roof,' Sarah wrote in an account of the moment, reported KGW 8. 'I scream my daughter's name. Silence. Then I hear my husband say, 'I got her!'' The Bonds' six-year-old daughter was only a couple of feet away from where the tree smashed into the house. 'They'll still have to live knowing that they were two feet away from having a dead six-year-old,' their attorney, Joe Piucci, told KGW 8. The family, who are currently living in a rental while their home is repaired, are taking the City to court for $4.7 million. The Bonds said they feared the tree posed a danger soon after they bought the home a few years ago. In January 2022, they applied for a permit to remove it. According to court documents, the couple claim an arborist spent less than 10 minutes inspecting the tree and missed several signs that it was diseased. Photos taken at the time showed the tree visibly leaning toward the house. But the City denied the removal, saying it didn't meet the threshold for removal under Portland's tree code. 'They tried to protect their home and the City prevented them from protecting their home,' Piucci told KGW 8, '(The City is) not concerned about people's safety; they're concerned about keeping the tree canopy.' According to the government website, the city's tree code 'lets homeowners easily remove problem trees (those that are dead, dying, diseased, dangerous, nuisance species, or too close to buildings) with the provision that a new tree be replanted to replace the one being removed.' The permit denial included an option to appeal for a $200 fee, which the Bonds declined. 'They thought, 'Why would I pay $200 to the city to tell me that I'm wrong again?'' said Piucci. 'They're not arborists — the Urban Forestry Department is full of arborists.' Both the City of Portland and City Forester Jennifer Cairo are defendants in the case. In response to the Bonds' tort claim filed last fall, the City reportedly suggested the tree's survival for nearly two more years after the initial inspection indicated it wasn't in poor condition at the time. 'Although the damage of property is certainly unfortunate, we conclude that the City is not legally liable for that damage,' it said. Piucci called that response 'offensive' and added, "Their family has been through hell over the last 14 months." Read more: The US stock market's 'fear gauge' has exploded — but this 1 'shockproof' asset is up 14% and helping American retirees stay calm. Here's how to own it ASAP Denied a tree removal permit, but worried your tree might be hazardous? Here's what you can do to protect your home and your family. First, be sure to request written documentation. Ask the city for a detailed explanation of why the permit was denied. Take clear photos or video showing the tree and any visible defects, leaning, dead limbs, or proximity to structures and document all your communication by keeping emails and letters to show your attempts to follow process and raise safety concerns. Consider hiring an ISA-certified arborist who can inspect the tree and provide a risk assessment report. You can check resources such as the Find an Arborist tool on the International Society of Arboriculture. Many cities, including Portland, allow you to appeal permit decisions so you can also consider filing an appeal. If you're hitting dead ends but believe there's a real danger, consulting an attorney may be worthwhile. As for the Bond Family, beyond financial damages, they are also hoping to push the city to ease its restrictions on tree removal to improve safety. If the case is not settles, Piucci expects it could go to trial within the next 18 months. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
First-of-its-kind winery breaks new ground with unexpected tactic for growing grapes: 'It's a treat for people'
A winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley has a secret weapon that goes "baa" and loves to graze. It's a herd of sheep! The Ambar Estate winery is a pioneer in the state. It became the first certified regenerative organic producer in the region, and a herd of 50 Shetland sheep and two sheepdogs helped it get there, according to KGW8. Co-owner Pam Turner explained to the outlet that this sustainable model of growing grapes aims to foster a healthy and diverse ecosystem above and below ground. This means preserving soil instead of overplowing it, letting cover crops grow instead of weeding them, and encouraging animal grazing instead of using toxic chemicals. With this method, the soil's unique character stays intact, and you can taste the difference in the final product, Turner told KGW8. The sheep play a crucial role. By munching on the understory, stomping their hooves, and going to the bathroom, they help cultivate healthy soil. Animals can harm ecosystems if they overgraze, but Ambar Estate cycles its sheep around different areas throughout the winter. The vines are barren in that season, so the fluffy grazers focus on eating the other small plants growing underneath. The result is not only better wine; growing crops using natural collaborations instead of human-made interventions is also better for the planet. Fewer toxic substances get released into the environment, and it takes less planet-heating energy overall. "If you grow a cover crop and encourage biodiversity, then all the niches are filled," Turner told KGW8. "It's how people farmed 50 years ago, because they didn't have all these chemical inputs." Turner proudly affirmed that Ambar Estate is leading the way forward in Oregon winemaking, along with Troon Vineyard, the other regenerative organic winemaker certified in the state, KGW8 reported. Wineries in California and around the world are also trying other eco-friendly tactics. Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to buy a refillable product? Saving money Reducing plastic waste Using less shelf space at home Getting easy refill deliveries Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "People really like seeing the sheep in the vineyard," Turner said, per KGW8. "It's a treat for people who come to our tasting room to see sheep and sheepdogs." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Yahoo
Hundreds frantically search for 2-year-old boy who vanished while playing in his front yard
Police in Oregon are searching for a 2-year-old boy who went missing from his home's front yard, and hundreds of volunteers have turned out to join the effort, according to law enforcement. Dane Paulsen was reported missing around 4:25pm on Saturday, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. On Saturday, deputies and representatives from local police and fire stations searched the property for the boy and the area surrounding his home in Siletz, Oregon, according to CBS News. Siletz is a town of less than 1,300 approximately 80 miles west of Salem. Search and rescue teams continued the search on Sunday near the Siletz river just north of the town. Tracking dogs, drones, boats and divers were called out to the area to assist in the search. During Sunday's search the volunteers were asked to stay outside of the main search area. Approximately 300 have taken part in the search, according to the sheriff's office. On Sunday, more than 100 volunteer searchers joined in the effort to find Dane. An initial report suggested that a male driver who was unknown to Dane's parents was spotted near their home around the time the boy was last seen, but police have since located that individual and determined they were "no longer a point of interest" in their ongoing investigation. An Amber Alert for Dane has not been issued at this time. According to the sheriff's office, the boy's disappearance "does not meet the criteria to use the Amber Alert system," and added that "there is no evidence at this time to suggest criminal actions are involved in this incident." The Amber Alert system is typically put into use in cases of child abduction. "Dane is friendly and fearless, and is comfortable around strangers and water, but cannot swim. Dane is known to love water and vehicles," the sheriff's office said in a statement. The search continued on Monday, with air and water units deployed to help try to locate the missing child. Sheriff's deputies are also following up on credible tips provided by the public, and have asked that anyone with any information concerning the boy's whereabouts to contact them. Thus far, 88 search and rescue members have been deployed to help find Dane, as well as 40 law enforcement investigators, six human tracking dogs, four watercraft and divers, and four drones, according to KGW8. The FBI is reportedly also assisting with the search.
The Independent
03-03-2025
- The Independent
Hundreds frantically search for 2-year-old boy who vanished while playing in his front yard
Police in Oregon are searching for a 2-year-old boy who went missing from his home's front yard, and hundreds of volunteers have turned out to join the effort, according to law enforcement. Dane Paulsen was reported missing around 4:25pm on Saturday, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. On Saturday, deputies and representatives from local police and fire stations searched the property for the boy and the area surrounding his home in Siletz, Oregon, according to CBS News. Siletz is a town of less than 1,300 approximately 80 miles west of Salem. Search and rescue teams continued the search on Sunday near the Siletz river just north of the town. Tracking dogs, drones, boats and divers were called out to the area to assist in the search. During Sunday's search the volunteers were asked to stay outside of the main search area. Approximately 300 have taken part in the search, according to the sheriff's office. On Sunday, more than 100 volunteer searchers joined in the effort to find Dane. An initial report suggested that a male driver who was unknown to Dane's parents was spotted near their home around the time the boy was last seen, but police have since located that individual and determined they were "no longer a point of interest" in their ongoing investigation. An Amber Alert for Dane has not been issued at this time. According to the sheriff's office, the boy's disappearance "does not meet the criteria to use the Amber Alert system," and added that "there is no evidence at this time to suggest criminal actions are involved in this incident." The Amber Alert system is typically put into use in cases of child abduction. "Dane is friendly and fearless, and is comfortable around strangers and water, but cannot swim. Dane is known to love water and vehicles," the sheriff's office said in a statement. The search continued on Monday, with air and water units deployed to help try to locate the missing child. Sheriff's deputies are also following up on credible tips provided by the public, and have asked that anyone with any information concerning the boy's whereabouts to contact them. Thus far, 88 search and rescue members have been deployed to help find Dane, as well as 40 law enforcement investigators, six human tracking dogs, four watercraft and divers, and four drones, according to KGW8. The FBI is reportedly also assisting with the search.
