I watched the Dateline special tonight featuring your various "setup sticks." Thank you and MSNBC for that segment. It was very alarming and I would like to think that I would have reacted differntly than those who chose not to get involved. It is good reinforcement in and around the community, for my personal and home safety. This is something I wish many more friends/family and others could also view.

Last year my jeep was stolen at the mall in broad day light it was even facing the street. When I went in to report it to mall security the guy who was suppose to be watching the cameras had his feet kicked up on the desk and was talking on the phone. I don't know if he got in trouble because for all I knew he could have been that way when my car was stolen. Where are good places to park when your at the mall so that doesn't happen again? Also what other than low jacks and alarms stop car theives because now a days nobody really pays attention to car alarms they just find them annoying and they look the other way. What do you do for your home other than alarms, lights and what not cause i live in an apartment and I have lost my key and they just gave me a key because I told them what apartment I was in they don't even ask for an ID to put with my name on the lease. I live in a pradomenantly military apartment building, so we're not always home, so what can I do to make sure my home is safe when I'm gone?

What do you do when it's the police who are apathetic? I've lived with a meth lab behind my house (my neighbor's) for five years. I've taken license plate numbers, recorded the midnight to dawn activity, and called 911 when the smell of ammonia in the air was so strong it burned your eyes and nose. I had two different police officers tell me they'd look into it and then--nothing. I even found drug paraphernalia on the vacant lot next to us and took it into the local sheriff's office and met with a detective (on two different occasions) and still--nothing. That was nearly two years ago now. Now, when I smell ammonia, I don't call 911. When there's unusual activity next door I ignore it. I also know exactly where they've dumped the waste (I followed them once), but what good is my diligence when the local authorities do nothing? What's a mother of two, with a husband who works nights, to do in a situation such as this?

In the last segment of your story I was proud of how the girls reacted with Wild Bill but wondered, what if the "bad guy" was a "bad girl"? Would a women have triggered the same apprehension in the girls? I worry that were teaching our childern that the "bad guys" are just that...guys.

I do agree, people Don't get involved because it isn't Them such things are happening to. But when it Is the peron it has Happened to , they are the ones who Wish someone would have called 911 or taken action of taking a Lic. Plate down , discription of the people , a picture on there cell phone , just something that could result in a important piece of information to what is taking place. I would do that in hopes someone Brave enough there would do that for Me.

Dateline this evening, Wednesday, is about fear. The stats are not with your program, stats that say the chances of kids being snatched are small. Yes, it is good to be smart, but NO - kids don't need to live in fear. I watched basketball, not your program. I'm not interested in fear!

Bill, I found the episode helpful. However, I have seen several televised scenarios when children have been receptive to strangers. Has anyone tried the same technique with adults? How many people would be willing to help a man or woman look for a lost puppy especially in daylight and/or in a crowded place? Would a person's willingness to help be gender-specific? Might a woman be more willing to trust another woman? Thanks.

Hi, Bill - it's interesting that I saw your segment tonight. I just received notice that my 18 unit condo complex was broken into on Monday for the SECOND time in two months! Somehow, I felt that once was somewhat "accepted" as something that happens in all neighborhoods, but it appears that this burglar has returned. The way the units were broken into were exactly the same (using a crowbar to pry open the door). We live in a great neighborhood...this is a real shocker. A lot of people work during the day, so I wonder who actually sees anyone walking around here. The police will try to "monitor" our area more, but who says that it will happen. I guess I just wonder if it's likely that a burglar would come back a THIRD time?? I'm pretty nervous in my own home...what a shame..

Renae from Orlando Florida wondered about his strategy: he drives an old car thinking it less likely to get stolen. Yes -- insurance company sites on the Web do actually have lists of the most stolen or 'hot' cars. People should consider factoring that in before buying.

One more reason that people may not want to "get involved" when witnessing a crime is that they may have had an experience such as mine with the court system. I was called to witness against a burglary suspect and waited for 2 hours for the case to come up. Then it was postponed for several days because the defendent's lawyer wasn't prepared. Fortunately, he pled out and I didn't have to lose another day of work dealing with this. I would still get involved but I would try to do so anonymously next time. (I have also stopped voting primarily because of the inconsideration of the court system for the juror's time -- our courts pull juror names from registered voter lists.)

To the folks who commented saying previous less-than-pleasant experiences with 911 or getting involved -- Not calling 911 is a cop-out (pun intended). If you were in trouble, wouldn't you hope that someone would go through the trouble and call 911 for you? Minor or major crime, what exactly are you sacrificing by making that call?

Most web sites you won\'t have everything you\'re searching for.

Hi Bill,
I have not provided my building a copy of my keys.  And I have reason to believe my super 'bumped' my lock.  I have a Garrison for the upper lock and a Medaco Freedom lock on the bottom.  Can these be 'bumped'?  Is there a key that can't be 'bumped'?
Thanks
MC

Just watched you spray paint a wall on the Today show and you were upset that no one said anything. In todays time and even when graffiti wasn't considered an art form, most of these acts of "vandalism" were caused by young thugs who just spray their name quick on a wall in the middle of the night and run at the first sign of an adult. You on the other hand didn't seem like a threat. No gang colors. No "street" clothes. You looked like a painter/ responsible adult who might have been hired by the person who owns the wall to create something. Esp when you are talking to people on the street while you are doing it. Today people hire spray paint artist to do all types of advertising for a message or a business. Next time use a young thug looking character and see if you get the same response.

Bill,  Just watched your segment on grafitti.   I think you were asking the audience to make an assumption:  that the grafitti was vandalism.  It could have been art.  As an artist, I wouldn't have called 911.  I would have viewed the scene as "art in progress".    Maybe I would have asked the store owner if he/she knew what was going on, but my first reaction would have been "cool".

The sad fact is that I have seen what were once safe and peaceful communities where young women could walk alone late at night and cars be left unlocked turned into violent places and the greatest cause is this insane war on drugs.  When law enforcement has a friendly relationship with the community, citizens are very willing to come foreward and report crimes.  On the other hand when citizens become fearful of reporting crimes because they're afraid of being prosecuted themselves because they're easier targets, crime rates skyrocket and honest law enforcement personnel are placed in increased danger.

A good friend of mine is being poisoned by her former husband who lives in another state. The police don't believe her. She has high levels of mercury in her blood. Her heart and kidneys have been damaged. Her garage door opener and her burglar alarm have been compromised. They have put a GPS on her car and spray her with poison whenever she goes out. I'm afraid it will take her death before the police do anything! Please, can you help?

I just caught your show for the 1st. time tonight (9/3/07) I love it! Figures it would come from a "Bronx Boy"

Bill,

I beleive you serve a great purpose .  I see this stuff in my paranoid mind where ever I go.  But what about the personal responsibility of some some victom(or should I say idiot) who thinks they can get a cruise for free.  There is always a price and a 1/2 hour tour aint bad.  As for these girls at 1038 this evening and the date rape drug, I have two daughters and am scared, but the only difference between today and yesterday is TV.  It is everywhere.  This shit is always going to happen.  I would like to here back from you.  

We must teach each and every person to be responsible for them selves.  Never lose sight of this.  That is why 60 minutes jammed that soldier yesterday.  

What did you think

I just seen your show on Dateline about the Ramada vacation package, I have one of these packages "How do I get out of it and get my money back" any help.

So impressed with your protection of woman, almost like a big brother.  Thank you for showing the disregard that men have for a womans safety. Had that been there sister? God Bless you. Tammy

Will Bill U R my hero!!!!
My answer to all this b.s. that dudes pull on us women is that every woman needs to belive that men can be predators. That's why U gotta be sharp out there!! Every 6 mins. a woman is raped and there r more than 90 serial killers on the streets at once in NY alone. Be safe ladies!!
Rock On dude!!

Hi Bill,
I would really love to know how I can pick up a few of those drink testers for myself and friends. I believe that it is a great thing to have handy.

Date Rape Drugs - They are not just being used by heterosexual males to take advantage of a woman. Druggies are using these to "borrow cash" ROBBING people. Gays are doping people straight or not, even bar tenders are doing it to overcharge people, even writing their own tips. EVERYONE needs to BEWARE and CAREFUL! My inventive mind makes me think about a possible additive to Ice Machine Filters so that the ice changes colors or similar.. perhaps a violent fizz reaction to the date rape drugs..?

As many other people on this page have commented, I am extremely interested in a tape or school program to help promote "stranger danger".  I am a mother and a school teacher.  Even though I role play I am still unsure how my kids would truly react when faced with the real deal.  

Do you have any videos or school programs?  I would love to hear from you.

Just curious if you have any of the topics on the air date 9-3-07  Especially about the children and strangers? could you email any and all tips on keeping my children safe at all times.Different scenerios on what to act out with my children too.   Tips for single parents to watch out for. And do you or could you come to the elementry school out here to talk to the children on the safety issue and such regarding these issues?

Thank you so very much! Its good to know that there are still some good people in this crazy world.

Thanks again
Danielle R.

My 16 year old daughter talks regularly with a 24 year old man on the internet. She says that he only wants to share with her his interest in art. He seems to want to share persnal info. about his life, lives in an apartment with his mother and communicates with my daughter daily.
My daughter feels that he is a really nice guy. I am concerned. What can I do?

That was amazing.  I am going to give my kids my own test now. The balloons and puppy would bring my kids to their knees...thanks again "Wild Bill"! I can't wait for the next report...(oh by the way, the bar in Jersey was the Beachcomber in Seaside. A known spot for the lonely).  Take care...XOXO

Mr. Stanton, In your episode that aired Labor Day evening one of your stories focused on GHP or Date rape drugs for which I applaud you. The two ladies spoke of a Date Rape Drug testing card as part of their survival kit for an evening out.. I would be forever grateful if you could tell me how and or where to purchase these date rape drug test cards As I have an niece, who happens to be a knockout, that is a freshman in college who could really use the extra protection... Thank You so much for your hard work...
J Hobbs

Hi Billy,Your doing A great job,keep up the good work.I just can't believe how bad,the bad person can be.Male or female.Please tell people bad is not a gender. It can be anyone.If your ever in Palm Beach say hi.Best to you and your family.Good Luck,Always,Lori Burke

Thank you for presenting so clearly the problem that victimizes unsuspecting women...GHB and date rape.  It can happen to anyone.  I know because it happened to me.  What is surprising is the attitude of other males in attendance that drugging a girl's drink is somehow "ok".  Please do more stories pertaining to this.

Dear Billy,Great show glad to see you do such good work.Hope to see more of you in the future!Good Luck,Lori Burke

I saw the latest Dateline Wild Bill piece tonight. I feel I learned a lot from the pickpocket piece,so I called my daughter in to watch the "roofie" section, but the info seemed to go by too fast. Does the survivor who now does outreach to prevent date rape, have contact info? I'm especially interested in those d.r. drug test/info cards; where/how can I obtain them?  

What do my children if a stranger comes to the front door with one of are dogs??  Were do you get the cards to find if your drink has been ruffed?

I am looking for information on the women who come and teach other women how to stay safe in bars. I believe that this would be helpful for a women's group I belong to and would love to contact them. Can you please pass along information? Thank You

I watched your program about drugging women's drinks this evening. It's the complicity of the men that bothers me. I have had this happen to me twice, and both times I was lucky enough to have my girls with me to take me straight home and watch over me. But it was still shocking to see men not only stop you, but applaud  you. Coupled with news articles detailing the violence and murder men inflict upon friends and c-workers when heavily under the influence, it's small wonder I would rather be alone than risk suffer such indignities. Sad, really.
I'll admit, I have my own scale of good and bad - I'm sure I'd watch you tag a wall and not think much of it, but I've jumped into a beating to give first aid to a homeless man under attack. All of this, is undeserved violence.
So I encourage your work. And I work hard not to paint all men with the same brush. I can say that it does not get easier with time.

Wild Bill I like watching you specials and we all learn great tips to protect our selves and keep us safe.  However after watching you on Date Line on September 3 I would like to ask you why you think it is alright to drive with a dog on your lap?  It is not safe for you the dog or anyone on the road around you,  furthermore it is against the law.  

Can you give me more information about the Ramada Inn Vacation package scam that is going on in South Florida that includes a trip to the Bahamas.

Hello Bill,
I have watched many of your stories on safety and precautions on Nightline and the Today show. I find them informative, but I must say that I am frustrated. I'm frustrated because you always go to suburban households to use white kids being home alone or whatever. Don't you know or care that black kids are getting snatched also? That black folks live in suburbs also? I was disappointed to see that you didn't hesitate to go the "hood" when you demonstrated the apathy of folks while you graffitied their neighborhood. Why is it that? Why don't you do more stories for the urban dwellers on safety?
Thank you for you time.

The report you did last night, Sept. 3rd, on the Resort/Cruise/Time-share Vacation package with Ramada, is the same one I booked a few years ago. I paid half at first and then got apprehensive about it and asked for my money back and was told absolutely not, but they would upgrade me to an outside stateroom free of charge. A few months later I tried again to get my money back and ended up with a manager on the phone and they said the same thing, "Non-refundable" even though I had NOT signed a thing, and then offered me a room ON THE BEACH! Then They called me a few months later (right before X-Mas) and I told them I had wanted to cancel and get my money back and there was no way I could come up with the balance ($898.00) that close to X-Mas, Oh and of course they would extend my trip to 10 days! I have not used this package deal, I have NEVER signed anything...do you know of a way I can get my money back?

Hello Mr. Stanton -

I just saw your segment on Ramada Plaza Resorts and was very glad to see that someone in the mainstream media is taking an interest in the fraudulent offers from this dishonest company.

I was contacted by Imperial Majesty with a phone call in late April 2007. After explaining the details to me for almost 30 minutes, I asked the customer service representative to repeat the information to my girlfriend who would be accompanying me on the trip. At no time during the entire call did the CSR say the words "real estate", "resort tour", "timeshare" or "presentation".

My girlfriend specifically asked the CSR's manager "Why are we being offered this deal? What do you and your company get out of it?" He answered "We get word-of-mouth advertising for our new cruise line!" Again, absolutely no mention of anything to do with a timeshare.

When our paperwork finally arrived (approximately 10 days before our departure date in late August) we read through every piece of paper. It directed us to exactly the same Ramada Plaza Resorts where you filmed your show and onto the same cruise ship. There was still no mention of a timeshare presentation.

Our vacation was nearly identical to the one you showed on your show, including our experience of running into many people who all felt they'd been lied to about the vacation and who were very angry that they had paid hundreds of dollars in airfare, additional fees, and for the "vacation" package itself while never being told of the obligation of attending a timeshare presentation.

While on the cruise, we were told dozens of times over the ship's intercom "There are no public beaches in the Bahamas. If you want to go to the beach, you must purchase an excursion package." While you opted for the Breezes resort excursion, we decided to skip the beach (which was disappointing but the excursion was too expensive for our vacation budget) and visited the Bahamanian tourism center where we discovered that the cruise line had lied to us; there ARE public (FREE) beaches and we were able to take a short shuttle ride directly to the beach for $8. We spent the afternoon lounging on the beach and swimming in the ocean before taking the shuttle back to the dock for $8 more and boarded our cruise ship in plenty of time for disembarkation.

Thank you for publicizing these sneaky liars!

Show is great. Swirling camera and fast cutting is awful. It was like watching Cirque de Soleil on acid.

G. W. Marsh

I only caught the last minute of your investigative report on the Ramada Inn Vacation package and very much enjoyed the rest of your show.I am interested to know more about your experience because I bought a package last summer. I was told I was getting the offer because of my good credit rating...I was searching for the perfect gift for my parents 50th Anniversary and was told I could purchase the vacation pkg and it was transferable as a gift. I stupidly went for this deal and when I gave the gift to my parents in Jan. they went online to check out the Ramada Holiday and what they discovered were many complaints about the holiday, including info on legal problems. It was past the time frame for asking for money back, however, I did contact them with my concerns. My parents were not going on this trip and I was now stuck with it. I have only paid half the amount towards the holiday and I asked if it was possible to have my money returned, being as the gift was not being taken due to the terrible reports. Again, I was told that there were just as many good testimonials about the holiday and that in order to have my money returned to me, I would have to take the trip. I have stayed in many Ramada Hotels and have always enjoyed my stays. I did not think to question the name. After hearing my complaints at Customer Service I was sent a letter upgrading the cruise portion of my trip to a 3 night Carnival Cruise. I was also sent a letter from Daniel Lambert, Vice President who states "if you are not fully satisfied with your accomidations, we will issue 100% of all your monies to us, except any money recived for upgrading your vacation, upon receipt of your letter after completion of your travel." I live in Vancouver, Canada. I just don't know what to do. My sister and I were going to do the trip, however, after catching the end of your report I am wondering if I should do that & if there is any way to get the deposit back?

I am being stalked by some form of organized crime ring. I go to visit my daughter in a city an hr from were I live & different people will stalk me. I go to visit a friend or family member about 45 minutes away from my home & I am being stalked there. Not to mention that in the city I live I am being stalked also. I have lived in another state & was being stalked there. I have alerted the authorities but they are telling me since no offense has occured then there is nothing thay can do about it. I have never been involved in any type of organizatied crime. Roughly 6 to 7 years ago I dated someone who had a jealous x-husband & he threaten me thru her. I was a victim of a carjacking in which the 3 individuals stole my car & my wallet. One was arrested a day in half later with possession of cocaine with the intent to deliver. I find my car with other individuals things in it in which I handed it over to the police. I also live by some influencial people.(?)The authorities mention to me that whomever this is maybe watching me because they feel that I know someting or have possible seen something. This has been going on for over 2 years now. It is sometimes hard for me to function in everyday life. What should I do?

My father is a retired homicide detective after 37 year on the force.  I grew up watching and hearing about all kinds of criminal activity through him. He has mention to me on several occassions that he wishes the media wouldn't advertise this kind of stuff because it just gives young criminals the way to do it and get away with it and then once they acheive that we all know that their crimes grow into worse crimes.

Bill your show that aired Monday Sept. 3rd the segment in Myrtle Beach at Planet Hollywood, I would like to know how I can get a copy of that show. My two daughters Jessica and Laura Mogel were in that segment. Laura's keys were taken.

Please let me know if it possible to obtain a copy.

Thank you,

Nancy Giordano

I saw your report last night which included the piece of drugging women to "score" easily.  This made me sick to my stomach.  As a woman that was raped, this piece reinforced the beliefs I've had for so many years, that given the opportunity to get away with it, men will take advantage of a woman.  It makes me unbearably sad and disgusted that these men would find themselves sufficiently excited sexually by a woman who is completely unconscious, to have sex with her.  It makes me even sadder to know that not one of these guys took a second to think of how his mother, sister, girlfriend or female friend would feel after going through this.  This is one of the saddest and most demoralizing things I've ever seen on television.

Bill or someone who is reading this.......Last night on Dateline I missed the piece about the Ramada Plaza resorts.  I bought the same package and really need to see what exactly you said about it.  I only caught the tail end of it.  They call me ALL the time changing the rules and pretty much harassing me about sending them another $700 to cover the cost of a second guest or I will loose the whole package.  I really feel taken and am nervous about taking the trip.  Will you please e-mail me back with information.  I truly appreciate it!  
Michele Griffin
carkay@connecttime.net

As the Aunt of an 18 year old girl heading to college, I was shocked and upset about the episode on drugging women's drinks. My niece is very naive, and I worry. Her mother is a police officer and neither of us had heard about the cards to test a drink for drugs. Where are they available? This information should be included in every university orientation. I applaud your efforts to educate the unsuspecting public regarding security. Thank you

How do I get you to come to my hometown or get someone to "test" my kids? I have always wondered if they would do the right thing.

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