Crime is on the rise: assaults, robbery, rape, and theft all spell trouble for law abiding citizens. With the increasing presence of gangs crime is bound to continue to grow.

Police departments' resources are stretched beyond capacity anyhow but with budget cutbacks thrown into the mix it just makes it worse. Police response times are constantly on the rise.

Individuals must assume more responsibility for their own safety and security by doing at least the following three things:

GET SOME TOOLS.By this I mean choose one or more self defense products to help in your own defense and that of your family. It can be pepper sprays, stun guns, personal alarms, tasers-whatever-but get some! There are many choices out there. Pick one you feel most comfortable with. Then learn how to use them.

GET SOME SELF DEFENSE TRAINING.Man does not live by the sword alone. Self defense products are a great start but when combined with even a basic amount of self defense training it is a fabulous combination that really builds your confidence.

For many it is impractical and too time consuming to go to classes. Enter the self defense DVD that allows you to learn in the comfort of your own home at your own pace from world class instructors.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.All the tools and training in the world are not worth much if you don't hone your skills. Get a friend and practice using your self defense training, practice using your pepper spray or stun gun.

Practice in different emergency scenarios so that when and if the time comes you REACT instinctively instead of wondering what to do.

If you do these three things you will take a giant leap in building your confidence in and your actual ability to defend your self and your family.

Jack Krohn is the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country. He owns SECURITY SOLUTIONS a one stop resource that provides solutions and answers for all your self defense and home security problems.