Technology now plays a part in almost half of all reported crimes.

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Cybercrime is a seemingly ever-increasing phenomenon. As a result, the cybersecurity industry has grown at a phenomenal rate over the past decade, and there is a now a huge shortage when it comes to qualified staff.

Police are gradually beginning to use technology more in the field (as witnessed by the increased use of the body worn camera), but are they doing enough to tackle and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to cybercrime?

Businesses such as Mortgage Advisor Gloucester company  https://www.palmermortgages.co.uk/mortgages/ work hard to ensure that all of their systems are compliant and take client data security incredibly seriously just as banking and medical institutions do.

The Scale of the Problem

According to an official survey, there were over two million offences recorded under the category of ‘computer misuse’ between October 2015 and September 2016. These incorporated any instances of unauthorised access to personal information (including hacking) as well as the spreading of computer viruses or malware and incidents such as distributed denial of service (DDos) attacks.

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So What Steps Are the Police Taking?

Those forces who can afford it are also increasing the training they provide officers about new crime trends and technology, and Reform are also pushing the Home Office to create a digital academy specifically to train specialist officers in dealing with digital crimes.

In 2015, the East Midlands Police Force collaborated with De Montfort University to help its officers obtain a better understanding of the cybercrime threat and how to profile and identify those responsible.

In August of this year, the West Midlands Police Force appointed its first ever Digital PCSO – one of only four in the country. The role involves offering advice to the general public, schools, businesses, and community groups about cyber-security and how to stay safe online. This also marks a switch to a more proactive rather than reactive approach.

Despite a number of police forces bringing in their own innovations to tackle the threat of cybercrime, budget cuts mean that the funds to bring in the required expertise to help are simply not available. This means that many forces are reliant on expert volunteers. According to the independent think-tank Reform, some 12,000 such volunteers are needed to boost the fight against the cybercriminals.

A prankster advertised his girlfriend for sale on eBay as a ‘noisy dishwasher’ after she complained about having to wash the dishes too often.  If this was just one of the many household jobs that need doing it might be nice to get a Domestic cleaning Cheltenham company found at sites like https://www.baytreecleaning.com/frome to come in once a week and do it for you so it allows you to relax.

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Karl Goddard, who lives in Southampton, posted the advert about his girlfriend Gabby Whitlock on the popular auction site while they were waiting for a meal to arrive in a pub. Gabby had remarked on it being nice she was not expected to do the dishes – which, she said, was unusual in their household.

Karl, a civil engineer, told Gabby he would sell her because she was annoying him – and as a joke actually placed the advert.

Sold as Seen

The eBay listing said Gabby was a ‘dishwasher’ which was for sale due to it becoming noisy. The advert also said that no refunds would be accepted, and the ‘dishwasher’ was ‘sold as seen.’

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Luckily Gabby, who is a carer, saw the funny side of the prank. She did, however, express her annoyance that the photograph her boyfriend used on the advert was not a flattering one.

Despite the advert simply being a joke, some people did bid for the human dishwasher – the auction reached £520 before eBay removed it because it violated their rules.

According to eBay, there are certain things you can’t sell on auction sites – and this includes anything illegal (such as fellow human beings).

Still Together

Perhaps surprisingly the couple, who have known each other for 10 years but been dating for around a year, are still together – and Gabby still mainly does the washing up. She did admit, however, that Karl does most of the cooking – and that she, too, is not above pranking him on occasion.

Maybe the pair would be best getting a proper, mechanical dishwasher to prevent any further arguments over this often tedious household chore.

Restaurants, hotels and other commercial businesses sensibly use commercial dishwashers in order to ease the strain of dishwashing which would otherwise be placed on their staff.

This not only ensures all dishes are properly and thoroughly cleaned – thereby making sure they are as hygienic as possible – but also means no member of staff has to complain about being stuck with the same, time-consuming job day after day.

If you have an event coming up, why not consider hiring a rodeo bull to make it memorable? These mechanical bulls can offer lots of fun and entertainment and hiring one of these from a rodeo bull distributor might even make you the talk of the town.

If this was organised as part of a big private event it would be the envy of others. Riding a rodeo bull is often regarded as a male testosterone exercise and this type of activity would compliment a stag do very well.

If you are looking to create a permanent event space that you can hire out for corporate and domestic events you might want to look at contacting a Lighting Specialists such as  https://encapsulite.co.uk/ who can add another dimension to your space with some incredible lighting solutions to compliment your space and vision.

Read on for more some useful information about these rides.

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Origin

In 19th-century America working cowboys developed a series of skills to help them to manage cattle and other livestock more effectively. They would test their skills against one another and in 1872 the first formal rodeo competition was held in Wyoming. The term ‘rodeo’ refers to a public exhibition of cowboy skills. According to cjonline.com, rodeo shows keep growing in popularity because they offer affordable entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Mechanical rodeo bulls simulate the rodeo experience and are designed to look, feel and move like real bulls.  So if you are your group fancy being cowboys for the night this would really make a fun nights activity.

Safety

There are risks when it comes to riding mechanical bulls, although injuries are rare, and it is standard practice for people to sign a waiver confirming they have acknowledged any potential risks. Operators should be fully trained in the safe operation of the ride and should be attentive at all times. The bulls themselves are designed to be as safe as possible and come with inflatable safety mats to cushion riders’ falls. As explained by the Health and Safety Executive, fairground rides such as mechanical bulls are statistically very safe and you are more likely to get injured travelling to a fairground than on any of the rides.  So if you are planning on a night out and haven’t had to much to drink at this time you should be pretty safe.

Adaptability

Manufacturers have designed these bulls in such a way that their speed and movements can be tailored for different users. Many mechanical bulls come with two modes: automatic and manual. The automatic mode, for example, offers a number of pre-set programmes, each designed for participants of different skill levels. The manual mode is controlled by the operator, who uses a joystick to determine the bull’s movements. No two rides are the same.
Hire a rodeo bull for your next event and everyone will be sure to have an exciting and memorable time! These rides are fun, safe, and can really liven up your event.

Winter is a difficult time for our homes, particularly our roof. With extremely cold temperatures, heavy rain and howling winds likely, the last thing we want is the sudden drama of a leaking roof in the middle of winter. That’s why it pays to get your roof ‘winter-ready’ with some quick work to provide peace of mind when bad weather sets in.

Conduct spot checks for leaks in areas where there may be weaknesses, such as where the chimney meets the roof and skylights or Velux windows. Have a walk around your home and look for areas that can be damaged or wear out – things that you probably will not see during the summer.

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Noting the fascia is important as well, as potential problems can occur from weak areas or damp. This should get checked in early autumn, so that any problems can be corrected before the start of winter. If you have any doubts, contact a Cheltenham Roofing like http://stormroofingltd.co.uk/

Make sure you check your gutters. When the autumn leaves fall, they can quickly clog roof gutters and drainpipes, blocking the flow and causing water to build-up where you do not want it. If rainwater is not being directed away by an efficient drainage system, the area can be weakened and saturated, causing leakage and moisture.

The leaves stuck in the gutters and on your roof will decompose, block the drainage and cause dry rot damage which can go unnoticed for a long time.

Any excess debris, dirt and mulch should be cleaned from gutters and damage or visible holes must be repaired. This is a difficult and messy job so you might want to call in a professional. If you have a flat roof then it is important to check your drains are not clogged because you need to have a very efficient drainage system to prevent potential leaks.

Any loose tiles need to be secured or replaced immediately.

Walk around the interior of your home as well and look for every little stain on the ceiling. You may have seen a small stain that is almost invisible and ignored but small stains, if left untreated, could become a major problem. The last thing you want is a leak and damage to the interior so sort out the problem as quickly as you can to save money and hassle in the long run.

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If your roof is old but never causes you problems, it’s still a good idea to have a routine inspection by a professional roofing company at least every 5 years. Even newer roofs should be regularly checked for signs of damage. A professional roofer will be able to tell you how much life is left in the roof before you have to think about having a replacement.

Duct tape is one of those uber versatile items that can be found in any toolbox, and used to hold all kinds of things together that would otherwise fall apart. It’s tough, it’s useful and it’s sticky. It is used in a variety of commercial and domestic uses and will be a staple in any handyman’s bag, Whether looking at rental properties as a part of the items identified on a Property inspection app such as https://propertyinspect.com/ or working in another domestic setting you can be sure that duct tape will feature somewhere. But there are more essential things to know about the handyperson’s best friend.

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Battle ready

Duct tape was invented to help soldiers. They used to receive ammunition in boxes sealed with inefficient paper tabs. A concerned mother pressed the government to develop a strong and waterproof tape that would protect ammunition but could be removed fast.

Water repellent

Originally the tape was called duck tape as it repelled water, just like water flowing off a duck’s back. Duct tape has three layers: glue, fabric, and a plastic coating on top.

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So sticky

Duct tape’s amazing levels of stickiness are the result of physics and intermolecular forces. It has a pressure sensitive adhesive that is really strong but also easily removed. Different adhesives work in different ways. Scientists have even been inspired by slug mucous to develop a new adhesive for wounds, according to this report in The Guardian.

Space saving

Duct tape helped save the astronauts on Apollo 13. When they had to transfer to a small lunar module after an explosion in the main vessel, duct tape and cardboard helped them filter out carbon dioxide and survive the experience in a tiny space where the carbon dioxide produced by their own bodies was their biggest threat.

No ducts

Despite its flexibility, one thing duct tape can’t be used for is holding ducts together in construction work. This is one area where duct tape is not recommended. If working with ducting, it would probably be better to get new duct than try and patch old duct together. Flexible duct in a range of hardwearing substances can also be useful in domestic and commercial settings.

It would be hard to imagine modern life without duct tape and its many applications. Duct tape isn’t just handy on this planet either. After its starring role in helping the astronauts from Apollo 13 survive their ordeal, duct tape has become a staple in space.

Vintage and retro furniture is classically designed with a timelessness that continues to appeal to a wide range of people. So once you have your new home through a Letting Agents Cheltenham company which you sourced from links including www.meandyouestateagents.co.uk Vintage furniture provides a unique and authentic aesthetic for the home.

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Furniture constructed from reclaimed wood is becoming increasingly popular due to its charm, rough-and-ready aesthetic and sense of authenticity. Consumers are also now on the hunt for bargains like never before, with reclaimed and second-hand furniture becoming extremely desirable.

Here are some top ideas for successfully using reclaimed furniture and creating a chic, vintage look for your home.

Choosing the Right Variety of Wood for Your Desired Style

The type of wood you choose for your furniture will affect the general vibe and aesthetic it brings to your room. This requires you to carefully select the specific wood species, think long and hard, and consider many different varieties before choosing your furniture.

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To view lots of different varieties of reclaimed wood and furniture, go to a reclamation yard.
Repurposed teak in furniture is a popular choice thanks to its charm and incredible versatility. Teak has a warm tone and unique grain in its wood, which makes it a perfect choice for adding warmth or a sense of cosiness to a room.

Choose the Same Variety of Reclaimed Wood in Your Home

Keeping continuity within your home is vital in order to form a uniform and harmonious aesthetic throughout your entire premises.

This consists of focusing primarily on one variety of wood and one form or style. However, this does not mean you cannot mix it up and create your own, unique aesthetic. Your aim should be to create a continuous look throughout your home that creates a neat, clean and simple style.

Choose Real Vintage Pieces and Avoid New Vintage Styled Items

It is important to be careful when choosing authentic vintage furniture and ensure it’s not reproduction vintage style instead.

One way to find out whether it is genuine is the wood’s age. Furniture created in a vintage style is crafted from new wood rather than seasoned, old timber.

New wood fashioned into vintage-style furniture is often distressed using sanding and chemicals to age its appearance, which can fool you into believing it is a genuine piece of vintage furniture.

With the rise in popularity of vintage-inspired weddings, it can be hard to make sure your wedding stands out from the crowd. Add something a little different to your big day with a vintage wedding cake topper to match your vintage theme. Here’s a run down of the best from fashion’s most fabulous decades.

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1920s

The 1920s were all about art deco, and art deco is all about rich, bold colours, geometric lines and intricate patterns. Choose classic his-and-hers models standing under an art deco arch in black or white with a touch of gold to get a taste of that Great Gatsby opulence.

1940s

If you’re going for a 1940s style vintage wedding theme, look out for antique toppers in antique shops and auctions. You’ll often find the couples in whimsical, romantic tableaux, with the brides in feminine dresses standing below arches of flowers.

Ask your hairdresser to style your hair in victory rolls for that post-war celebratory feel and add streams of bunting to your venue and, of course, lashings of ginger beer and victoria sponge to the spread!

1960s

In the 1960s, fashion got a little bit groovy, with shorter hemlines, higher beehives and a whole palette of bright colours. Reflect this in your wedding with a cake topper to match. While toppers are traditionally in pale colours, don’t be afraid of adding colour.

Alternatively, track down some of the cute doll-like toppers that were also popular in the 1960s. These chubby-cheeked toppers resembled cherubs all dressed up in classic top hats and tails, and they will add a dash of fun to any wedding.

Today

These days, it is possible to take the best parts of your favourite decade and create the vintage wedding of your dreams. Talented craftspeople can style toppers in the likeness of you and your partner and add vintage fashion and decoration to match. You can even forgo the models altogether and top your cake with flowers, lettering spelling out your names, or objects that mean something important to you and your spouse.

With all these ideas to choose from all you have to do is pick the right one for you, choose the location of your special day like Wedding Venues Northamptonshire found at kelmarsh.com/weddings-at-kelmarsh-hall Whether you go for antique toppers or choose ones that are inspired by your favourite decade, cake toppers are a great way to make your vintage wedding truly memorable.

Dealing with pests in an eco-friendly way that can also help sustain the soil’s quality and the health of the habitat is tricky, but the technologies involved in heat remediation are helping to make this an achievable aim rather than a pipe dream.

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What is heat remediation, and what are the advantages it offers compared to traditional methods that are causing some to herald it as the best hope for the future of the industry?

Taking on pests without the adverse effects

Taking advantage of heat and other techniques can allow for some truly impressive results. In fact, some experts argue that this could allow us to deal with issues as significant as climate change.

On a smaller scale, heat remediation can have huge benefits in a domestic or commercial setting where pests are proving to be a problem within a given structure.

In the past, pests have been taken out using dangerous chemicals that are harmful to all forms of life and thus have nasty side effects associated with their use. Switching to heat remediation as an alternative means that critters can be exterminated simply by increasing the temperatures beyond levels in which they can survive.

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This not only removes environmental concerns with pest extermination, but it also means that there is no risk of people or property being damaged.

Improving soil quality

Heat treatment of manmade premises is one thing, but pushing through positive changes in a natural setting is another matter. With soil remediation services, this is precisely what is possible.

Soil remediation services can help to combat contamination caused by hydrocarbons, and there are a lot of different processes by which the heat is applied.

Thermal desorption, for example, is available as either a low- or high-temperature solution that helps disrupt contaminants and allows them to be removed from the soil efficiently.

Pyrolisis and vitrification are higher-temperature examples, requiring heat of anywhere from around 400 degrees Celsius to in excess of 1,000 degrees Celsius.

Soil treatments can even include the injection of hot air or steam to enhance the speed with which the polluting materials degrade and thus dramatically reduce contamination timescales.

The versatility and effectiveness of heat remediation are making it a high-tech solution to some of the world’s most significant problems.

If you can’t manage to pay for legal advice, cheaper or free help might be available.

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Getting legal aid

If your case is serious and you are on a low income, legal aid may be available in cases of:

– Forced marriage or domestic violence
– Homelessness
– Family mediation
– Discrimination
– Attending court under the Human Rights Act
– Accusations of crime

Legal aid is available for both civil and criminal cases. For more information, search gov.uk; for family matters, try the Child Law Advice website. See the Law Society website for legal aid solicitors.

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Citizens Advice help

Your local Citizens Advice bureau may support you with issues related to:

– Benefits
– Debt
– Community care
– Disability rights
– Discrimination
– Employment rights
– Family law
– Immigration and asylum
– Mental health

Find a law centre

Your nearest law centre can be found on the Law Centres Network website.

Contact LawWorks

The charity LawWorks website has a free legal advice clinic.

A referral to Advocate

If your case will be going to a tribunal or court, consider getting a free volunteer barrister via Advocate (see their website).

Gloucester solicitors that can advise you include https://www.deeandgriffin.co.uk/.

The Law Society has some further advice at https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/for-the-public/paying-for-legal-services/getting-free-legal-advice/.

Exceptional case funding

If legal aid isn’t available to you, there’s an outside chance you may get ‘exceptional case funding’. See the Public Law Project website.

Using a solicitor cheaply

Solicitors may offer you a free or set cost appointment or a ‘no win, no fee’ arrangement. ‘No win, no fee’ arrangements are a way of paying for civil cases. These agreements are sometimes called ‘contingency’ or ‘conditional’. If you win your case, your solicitor is generally paid by the other side. If you lose, you’ll typically have to pay the costs of the other side and possibly your solicitor’s expenses. Insurance to cover your costs should you lose is available.

Finding a solicitor

Check whether your local Citizens Advice has a list of solicitors. The Law Society website covers using a solicitor and how to complain.

Membership or insurance help

Motoring organisations may offer members free car-related legal help. Subscriptions, trades union memberships and credit cards may also offer financial support. Check your policy to see whether you are covered.

When considering your survival gear, there are many important items to pack. We all need certain essentials to survive, such as water, food and shelter. Read on for some essential considerations when deciding what to pack for your trip.

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1. Water

Humans can only stay alive for around 3 days without drinking water, so finding a water source and being able to purify that water is vital for your survival trip. You can boil the water, use purifying tablets or try distilling water. You can also use a portable filter wherever you are. Portable filters can be small and light, so this is a bonus point when travelling.

2. Shelter

Exposure to the elements can be dangerous, so a shelter is important. With the right gear, you can build a makeshift shelter. Tents are great for camping, but are cumbersome and tarpaulin is lighter and more hard-wearing. Tarpaulin can withstand rain, wind and snow. Without this, you’ll need to create something with branches and leaves in sheltered spots, or if stranded in a snowy environment, you might need to know how to build a snow hole.

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3. Fire

You will need fire when you’re in the wilderness. Fire can be used to boil water, for warmth and for cooking food. It can also be helpful for scaring away wild animals, if you are camping outside. For making fire, you can use matches, lighters or self-igniting torches. It’s important to be able to start a fire even in damp weather.

4. Storage

When in the wilderness, you may need to move from place to place to seek food, shelter and materials for a fire. To carry all of your gear safely and comfortably, you will need a high quality backpack, and these are available from stockists.

5. Food

Humans can last about 3 weeks without food, but it is uncomfortable and hunger can also make you feel weak. If the need arises, you should be able to forage or hunt for your food. Slingshots can be useful for hunting small animals such as game birds. You could use small stones if you don’t have steel shots. You should practice using a slingshot, as it can be difficult to master.

6. Storage

Now all you need to do is think about where you are going to store all your new gear.  You won’t want it in your house taking up essential room so why not get some garage shelving from sites including https://www.garage-shelving.co.uk and store them in your shed.