General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSome home defense alternatives
Slingshot: A steel ball bearing in the head will bring down an intruder.
Crossbow: This could easily be fatal.
Bow and arrow: It worked on Custer.
Baseball bat: If you know where to hide and can hit from behind, why not?
Broadsword: If the intruder is unarmed someone with a good sword can bring him down with just a little training. Even a light fencing foil can be awfully intimidating if you file off the button and learn how to use it.
Cellphone: Just hide and call 911. You do know where to hide in your house, right?
Super Soaker water gun loaded with something nasty that would hurt the eyes, but not damage the furniture, like strong soap, or tabasco sauce.
Darts: Could be anything from very painful (in the knees) to very fatal (in the face or head)
Blow gun: And you probably wouldn't even need poison darts.
Tranquilizer gun: It worked on werewolves for Buffy, why not on intruders?
Laser pointer in the eye. A burglar sneaking in at night, temporarily blinded by a laser pointer could then be clubbed with a baseball bat before he saw it coming.
A Panic Room: Expensive, and you'd need time to get into it.
What other ways can we come up with to defend your home and family without needing assault rifles?
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oldhippydude
(2,514 posts)
zappaman
(20,627 posts)I recently had some hot wings at a local restaurant.
I can handle super spicy foods, but these were made with ghost pepper.
Only 3 could be eaten.
Amazing how hot those things are!
oldhippydude
(2,514 posts)bhut jelokia is several orders of magnitude (not degrees) hotter than culinary varieties, and is hotter than the pepper spray used by law enforcement. by several orders of magnitude....
in their native environment they are used to repel wild elephants... mine are still on the plant from last summer I will harvest them with disposable latex gloves and pot them in glass jar for now
Auntie Bush
(17,528 posts)I know someone who made that mistake in my company...we laughed till we cried...he just cried!
lastlib
(28,121 posts)oldhippydude
(2,514 posts)avoid touching eyes and nasal membranes too...
Speck Tater
(10,618 posts)I only made that mistake once!
derby378
(30,262 posts)NoOneMan
(4,795 posts)
LWolf
(46,179 posts)
Posteritatis
(18,807 posts)Whisp
(24,096 posts)I don't think it would work as well where a window can just be broken instead of a door broken into.
What we have for our garage back door, the small normal door, is seat belts. yeh, seat belts.
Went to one of those pick a part auto places and cut off two seat belts, both parts - and bolted the two sets into the door frame and then onto the door itself and latched them to lock.
The intruder would have to rip apart the door frame before he could open those fuckers. Prior to this method we had our garage broken into by that door at least 3 or 4 times, after the seat belt fix - not once. Frame was dug at a few times here and there but no entry.
fleur-de-lisa
(14,704 posts)shoots up to 20 feet. Shoot an intruder in the face and there's so no need to engage in person-to-person combat.
Mira
(22,682 posts)
Fawke Em
(11,366 posts)than a gun.
Here it is!
fleur-de-lisa
(14,704 posts)Fawke Em
(11,366 posts)He's allergy-free. That's why the Obama's got him. IIRC, one or both of the girls had dogs allergies, so they choose a Portuguese Water Dog.
P.S. The point of the dog is to merely bark. That deters more criminals than weapons. And, I'm not making light of dog allergies - I have allergies, too (though not to dogs) and they're miserable, but, from my understanding there are several breeds that don't invoke those kinds of reactions.
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)or at least dogs that shed - my brother has a Lab and I can't pet her too much or I break out in a rash and my asthma kicks in and that's my usual reaction around most shedding breeds (huskies seem to be the worst for me). However, I owned a small maltese/cockapoo cross for 12 years with no issues, and my parents own a maltese/poodle/bichon cross and my brother also has a maltese/bichon and I have zero issues around those dogs.
I read that the best breed for break-in deterrent is a chihuahua because of all the yapping, but a toy poodle is just as yappy without the allergens. We laugh that my brother has the best system - a big mean-looking lab and a small yappy dog.
However, dogs aren't always going to stick up for you in the case of a home intruder who choses your home despite the dog deterrent. The OP has some good ideas.
fleur-de-lisa
(14,704 posts)I have an alarm system, wasp spray at the front and back doors, as well as upstairs, and several 'fake tvs'. And I have two house cats. I'm not getting a dog.
The smell of dog makes me want to vomit. I just visited my sisters house today. Her dog died about 3 months ago and her house still smells of dog. Can't . . . do . . . dog!!!
StarryNite
(12,092 posts)
NashvilleLefty
(811 posts)unless I walk down to the end of the boardwalk, greet them, and walk them in. If they give him a treat without me there, he'll take it, drop it, and then keep on barking at them.
Mythbusters did a special on guard dogs, putting a fake safe inside an enclosed fence with a German shepherd inside the fence. They tried everything current myths called for to distract the dog, including a raw juicy steak. The ONLY thing that would distract him long enough to let them get to the safe was female dog hormones sprayed at the fence line. It distracted the dog long enough to let them get to the safe, but not to let them get back. They were trapped! The dog kept them there until the handler intervened.
exboyfil
(18,357 posts)That, given time, they go behind the safe door with my kids, my wife, and me. I have no doubt my big boy border collie would die for us (just not that big of a threat though but he is big and muscular). The little girl on the other hand will go for the hills. It would go behind the door with us as well. I probably would go and try to rescue my dogs from an intruder instead of letting them fight it out.
If we got a Malinois then the same thing would happen.
GobBluth
(109 posts)and if someone was to come inside, he would get excited, expecting kisses. I love him though. Oh, I take that back. He has barked a few times, when our cats got outside.
TorchTheWitch
(11,065 posts)It kind of stinks because when I'm upstairs and someone knocks on the door I can't hear it. The very few times they seem to bark is either just once or twice if a stranger gets to close to the backyard fence or in greeting someone they know. They're excellent protectors though, just silent bad guy hunters... or potential bad guy hunters. Once when I locked myself out of the house and had to call the locksmith I had to warn him that the beast was right on the other side of the door waiting to pounce, so he couldn't open the door himself when he got it unlocked and I had to do it so Boo knew that it was a mommy approved person and not to lunge at him and eat his face.
You know, recently I found out one of our neighbors farther down the street that has lived here for years and that I never knew very well at all has had a Rottie all this time and I had no idea since he's so quiet. I wonder if Rotties are silent stalker hunters, too.
GobBluth
(109 posts)I am deaf/hard of hearing. When he DOES bark my ear drums vibrate, so if he would bark it would help me know someone was at the door. Luckily if someone comes to the door he will pace back and forth, between me and the door, to let me know.
Also, he has barked at snakes (we live near 2 ponds in FL, so water moccasins are a concern), so maybe he would bark at someone he deemed a "threat"? Hopefully I will never have to find out!
I love the full Rotties in our neighborhood also, they come over to play with Max. Max will be our last dog, as much as we love him. I wish that wasn't the case, as I would love the neighborhood Rotties. But their owners are much better trained than we are! We lucked out with Max. We realized soon, as 1st time dog owners, that we really aren't cut out for it. But Max makes us all want to work for it, but it is a lot of work, and not sure if I will have the energy for a big dog in 15 years!
meow2u3
(25,248 posts)
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRYU4hpwxFxViW7saygOBCxrgMFOVKVnmsolnusK07IM4_WPdQH
This also should help doggie when he or she is doing the job.
TorchTheWitch
(11,065 posts)This is Nitro - a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix with his new partner. Nitro lives at his partner's house and wears that same kind of vest when he's on duty that one of your photos shows. The township is looking to get three more in 2013.
GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)An intruder with a gun can easily take down any dog.
rrneck
(17,671 posts)SWTORFanatic
(385 posts)
hobbit709
(41,694 posts)zappaman
(20,627 posts)Preferably cream, but some fruits like apples or berries might be effective as well.
Champion Jack
(5,378 posts)
backscatter712
(26,357 posts)And most of the time, it doesn't kill anyone. Just makes the target wish it did...
rucky
(35,211 posts)That right there is, by far, the funniest thing I have read today.
Well played!
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)
RedCappedBandit
(5,514 posts)
Bonhomme Richard
(9,536 posts)Auntie Bush
(17,528 posts)backscatter712
(26,357 posts)Burglars avoid homes with dogs. Even little dog. Any dog capable of barking is an effective deterrent.
Bonhomme Richard
(9,536 posts)problem even with dogs but for the average criminal if they hear dogs they are more likely to go find an easier target. Even if you are targeted they will, at the least, buy you time.
Me, I've got two one hundred pound dogs and no I didn't get them for security...rescues.
I don't live in fear..it's not my nature.
I am aware and that is in my nature.
Taitertots
(7,745 posts)
undeterred
(34,658 posts)Is your objective to stay safe and alive until the police can get there and deal with the situation? Or is your objective to kill?
Most of us want to stay alive and protect our families without killing.
Taitertots
(7,745 posts)Your home defense ideas are foolishly inadequate to achieve that goal.
The lives of people who are trying to harm me and my loved ones doesn't get taken into consideration.
Coyote_Tan
(194 posts)Stay right there for 10-60 minutes while we wait for the police to arrive!
Silly
Taitertots
(7,745 posts)Speck Tater
(10,618 posts)...until the coroner arrives."
Coyote_Tan
(194 posts)
TheMoreYouKnow
(63 posts)Firearm is to protect my family and myself against anyone who attempts to enter my home without my permission. I really don't care what intentions they might have when they break in. They're choosing their fate, not me.
undeterred
(34,658 posts)TheMoreYouKnow
(63 posts)Kicked in and I don't intend to let it happen if someone kicks it in again. I'm not interested in figuring out why someone is breaking in to my home, let the investigators figure that out.
GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)I qualified "expert" when I was in the service, with the .45 M1911A1 handgun. Most criminals are terrible shots. They don't get much opportunity to practice. And my pistol has a LED light and laser mounted to it. The light is bright enough to blind him while the laser tells me exactly where the bullet is about to go so I won't miss.
What makes you think that a criminal will automatically win such an encounter with an armed resident? I have personally known (Over my lifetime) several people who have grabbed their gun when someone broke into their home. In each case the intruder fled, no shots fired. One intruder even did a backwards dive out the window he had just climbed in through.
cbrer
(1,831 posts)My crossbow is <1" accurate out to 30 ft. And leaves the rack @ 220 FPS.
Jim Warren
(2,736 posts)going round these days about home defense, I have to wonder if anyone has ever experienced the discharge of a firearm in a closed space without noise suppression. Even small arm fire inside a dwelling without noise canceling can cause immediate disorientation and eventual semi to permanent hearing damage (from personal experience). It begs the question: will you have time and the presence of mind in an emergency to use ear protection?
guardian
(2,282 posts)9 shots of .40 and .357 in a closed room. It's very loud and will definitely make your ears ring for some time afterward. It certainly was not disorienting in any way. With adrenaline pumping you are not focused on the noise in the moment.
Jim Warren
(2,736 posts)Last edited Mon Dec 24, 2012, 02:46 AM - Edit history (1)
but with those calibers you were extremely fortunate. Retired now, but 22 years as an LEO I had two occasions where weapons were discharged in a closed environment and during the latter I was not as fortunate. I suffered an immediate 100% hearing loss in one ear, recovered to about 50% after two weeks but still have a 25% loss after a decade which I assume is permanent at my age. This was with a 9mm which was the standard issue service weapon at the time.
guardian
(2,282 posts)I developed tinnitus in both ears. Maybe related to that? Now if I could just get both ears to ring at the same pitch maybe the ringing wouldn't be so annoying. Now days I double up and wear both the foam earplugs and ear muff protection when target shooting.
blueamy66
(6,795 posts)I'm a girl. I have no need to own a gun to increase my penis size.
a la izquierda
(12,305 posts)That, three dogs, and the ability to overturn 500lb tractor tires. Oh, and a husband who doesn't take any grief.
blueamy66
(6,795 posts)nt
guardian
(2,282 posts)Extreme flatulence: Eat cabbage and beans 3 times a day. Intruders that don't run away will be incapacitated. I can also rent out my dog at a reasonable fee. She doesn't eat cabbage or beans; but still manages to have tremendous gas.
Death cap mushrooms: invite the intruder to sit down then make them a nice dish of cream of mushroom soup.
Fugu: if death cap mushrooms are out of season whip up a batch of blowfish sushi and feed it to the intruder
Barry Manilow: have the song "Mandy" playing on an endless loop. Most boy band songs will work too.
Cellulite: Used to 'blind' intruders by causing them to avert their eyes. If so endowed just wear short shorts all the time. A 'muffin top' with low rider jeans works well too.
Trebuchet: keep one aimed at the front door or down the hall (note: must have high ceilings to employ)
Bobby pin snapper: a close contact weapon as it must be pressed it up against someone's skin it to release. Good if the
intruder gets past your trebuchet defense
Russian Poetry: read a few passages of Akhmatova or Tsvetaeva to the intruder. The intruder will quickly become depressed and open a vein on the spot.
1980s era cell phone: the old cell phones were about the size of a brick and weighed nearly as much...just throw at the intruder
Jump rope: in a pinch could be used to make an impromptu garrote
Bacardi 151 and roofies: offer the intruder a 'cocktail'. After they pass out call 911.
Cadavers: keep a dead body just inside the front door. Be sure to mutilate it a bit for added effect.
undeterred
(34,658 posts)guardian
(2,282 posts)But you'd probably be prosecuted for cruel and unusual punishment.
LongTomH
(8,636 posts)While they roll on the floor laughing, I'd have time to call the police! 
BTW, I think Barry Manilow should be banned by international treaties!
arely staircase
(12,482 posts)eom
hack89
(39,181 posts)crazyjoe
(1,191 posts)rgbecker
(4,890 posts)You could call on the neighbors if you need to go inside, use the john or the phone.
LWolf
(46,179 posts)that somebody wants to come into your home to attack you to begin with?
oldhippie
(3,249 posts)"This can't be happening to me!"
"Why is this happening to me?"
"Damn, I wish I had a gun."
LWolf
(46,179 posts)I've ever experienced was perpetrated by someone I knew. I knew why it was happening, and I didn't wish for a gun. There was a better solution.
FrodosPet
(5,169 posts)Almost everyone I know has been the victim of at least theft. Personally, I have been strong-arm robbed 3 times and once at knife point. But fortunately never in my home.
As for home invasion: My dad and step mom were broke into 3 times, my grandparents about 5 times, but NEVER when home.
I suspect the number of home invasions of occupied residences is VERY small.
LWolf
(46,179 posts)I've experienced theft; I wouldn't shoot someone over it.
It's possible that I've been lucky because I don't have much that others would want, or at least, that would be worth violence to get.
Or because I don't spend much time in places I'm likely to experience violence. Even when I have, though, I've been lucky.
Back in the 90s, I was racing to LAX with a friend to pick up her child, who had been put on a plane to come home a week early, without advance notice. It was late. She was so upset she missed the exit, and we ended up in a neighborhood a few miles from the airport, where every business had barred windows. It was late, and the streets were mostly deserted. She was getting frantic, so I told her to pull into a gas station to ask directions. There was only one guy there. When she pulled up, he was using a crowbar to break into the booth that the attendant who took $$ would be sitting. She pulled up, rolled down the window, and called to him before we'd realized that the station was closed and he was robbing it. He ambled over, leaned down into the window, she asked him for directions to the airport. He gave us directions, and turned back to finish his task. We drove away. The directions were good.
I've always thought that my luck was connected to the fact that I'm not afraid of being assaulted, so I don't attract that kind of attention.
These days, I live rurally. My doors are never locked.
99Forever
(14,524 posts)80 lb white and 90 lb black and tan German Shepards. We wouldn't even need to lock our doors, but do anyway.
Taitertots
(7,745 posts)Or a stick to hit them.
Or pepper spray
Or a super soaker
Or a couple oranges in a pillow case
99Forever
(14,524 posts)I dare you.
Taitertots
(7,745 posts)It still doesn't change the fact that dogs are fairly easy to distract and/or deter.
99Forever
(14,524 posts)Doctors have a name for people who underestimate the speed and agility of canines.
They call them patients.
Taitertots
(7,745 posts)The biggest strongest dog is still no match for a person that is dedicated to distracting or hurting it.
99Forever
(14,524 posts)GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)I will restate it so you will understand it. The biggest, baddest, meanest, strongest, dog can be easily shot and killed by an intruder with a gun. Gun should be at least .38 Special or better.
99Forever
(14,524 posts)... IF said badass Rambo MFer, is FASTER than 2 GSDs that see, hear and smell hundreds of times better than any human being, react in tenths of a second and can cover a 300ft run in under 5 seconds, simultaneously.
We call the guy who would try, a chewtoy.
GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)About 25 years ago I worked as an armed, uniformed, security guard at an apartment complex. The complex had a central building that had the mailboxes for all the apartments. As I was walking my rounds a Doberman bolted out of the mail room, charging at me, growling and snarling. Since there was no way I could outrun him, and nowhere to go to, I drew my .357 and leveled it at the dog as he charged. At the last split second, as I was about to shoot, he stopped. I guess he was confused that I didn't run away. Then a lady stepped out of the mail room, saw the situation, and yelled, "He won't bite." The dog was still snarling. I replied, "Get control of your dog or I will shoot." I lowered the gun so she could approach, but kept it at the ready in case the dog decided to attack. Once she had control of the dog, I told her, "Lady, this city (Gulfport, MS) has leash laws. If I had shot your dog there would not have been anything you could have done about it. And I came very close to shooting him as he was charging at me." From then on, everytime I saw her with the dog, it was on a leash.
The Doberman started his attack run from about 100 feet away. I had my gun out and pointed at him before he was on me. Even if he had been close enough to jump me, I still could have finished the draw and shot the dog.
At the time of entry an armed intruder would likely have the gun already in his hand. He can also react in tenths of a second to pull the trigger.
An armed intruder would call your dog, an easy target.
99Forever
(14,524 posts)You're a reg'lar freakin' sharp shootin', quick draw legend.
GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)One second on a draw is rather slow. You think your dogs are faster than a bullet?
99Forever
(14,524 posts)Who do you think you are fooling?
NashvilleLefty
(811 posts)See my post #43
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022061427#post43
EDIT: wrong link.
wyldwolf
(43,891 posts)99Forever
(14,524 posts)You must have some extraordinary patience and a lot of time to spend with your friend. They are beautiful animals, but definitely not for your "average" pet owners, for sure.
wyldwolf
(43,891 posts)... yes, patience. I keep saying I'm getting a nice border collie.
99Forever
(14,524 posts)... was too smart to train, but he was lots of fun and surprisingly social.
Remmah2
(3,291 posts)
wyldwolf
(43,891 posts)grrr!
Remmah2
(3,291 posts)If you see the dog without the walker and don't know him you do a double take. The dog is 13ish and as playful as a pup. Totally non aggressive even towards the deer. This week he's lovin the snow.
abelenkpe
(9,933 posts)My aunt has always had two German Shepards. Always named baby in various different languages. No treat would ever distract those puppies.
StayFunky
(4 posts)But only if you believe in that sort of thing, of course.
Drale
(7,932 posts)is a pool filled with alligators.
oldhippie
(3,249 posts)nt
flvegan
(66,211 posts)Seriously, a laser pointer?
My shotgun works for me AND it's not an assault rifle.
wyldwolf
(43,891 posts)
trocar
(245 posts)Knew those little land mines would come in handy one day...
winetourdriver
(196 posts)Excelent post! I have the blow gun, crossbow, sword and sling shot- the other thing I might add is a good taser. The concept here is *defence*, you don't need an arsonal of offence firearms to defend you self/home.
Nevernose
(13,081 posts)Can get the tranquilzers used in tranq guns, though the guns themselves are cheap and readily available.
LiberalEsto
(22,845 posts)but the dosages vary greatly, depending on the size of the animal.
former-republican
(2,163 posts)It's not a burglar because that usually is done in the day time when the home owner is absent.
Home invasions typically consist of more than one perpetrator and
many have 3 or 4
These suggestions while they might make some feel more at ease to follow.
Are a bit silly in a real home invasion scenario.
flvegan
(66,211 posts)former-republican
(2,163 posts)The best suggestion made is to have 1 room in your home
that is secured by removing the typical indoor doors installed in homes and replacing it
including the door jams , locks etc..
That won't stop someone for long but it might be long enough for the police to arrive.
Speck Tater
(10,618 posts)that secured room also had a hidden escape hatch to the outside. While the bad guys are trying to break into the room, you're long gone and calling the police from the neighbor's house.
JaneyVee
(19,877 posts)
womanofthehills
(10,956 posts)It usually runs $30 or $40. It disperses large amounts of OC into the area in a very short time.
Spider Jerusalem
(21,786 posts)JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)The windows on that house are all barred. They look like the windows in the old-fashioned jails.
We had a break-in maybe 15 years ago and put the bars on a couple of our windows -- the one the thieves got in by. Those windows work. They keep you safe from intruders.
RC
(25,592 posts)Pryderi
(6,772 posts)
ileus
(15,396 posts)While I have taken several lessons using the sword in AIKIDO I sure wouldn't want to tackle trying to remove a threat with it. It is pretty impressive if you've ever taken a few lessons on how powerful the sword is as a weapon.
Crossbow is in the closet and remains unstrung when it's not hunting season, it takes way too much time to string and cock to actually use it against anyone that's not wheelchair bound.
While the compound is a great weapon if you're got some distance and plenty of time to get your release on, sights on and a good mechanical broadhead to get the job done.
Sling shot is not a bad idea as long as you have the time, probably not as good as a pointy stick unless your attacker is slow and mentally handicapped.
Baseball bat is great if you're facing an unarmed intruder and don't mind close quarters combat. I'd rather use my JO if I knew the attacker was kind of slow and dumb.
Most the others listed are great if you're physically stronger than your attacker and know they're not really wanting to harm you or your family.
Of all your choices I'd still pick my AR first. Why put my family at risk with half assed defensive weapons when I have access to one of several good firearms and the confidence of using them when the chips are down.
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)A lot of elderly people have distress buttons around their necks.
Many among the elderly would not have the physical strength to defend themselves with heavy guns. A distress button is much better.
cali
(114,904 posts)I don't lock my house. I don't even know where the key is. My dog is deaf and ancient.
What the fuck is all this insane concern?
Speck Tater
(10,618 posts)Or even wanted a gun for that matter. (Except when I was in the military, of course.)
GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)Speck Tater
(10,618 posts)Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.
Nobody can give you an absolute guarantee of anything.
You might be run over by a bus tomorrow.
You might be hit by lightning tonight.
You might catch some fatal disease next week, or suffer a heart attack, or be driving by a terrorist truck bomb just as he pushes the button.
Next time you're passing under a highway overpass an earthquake may knock down the bridge and flatten your car completely.
So, no. I can't guarantee anybody anything.
Can you give an absolute guarantee that everyone who buys a gun won't accidently shoot their own child, or their own wife, or even themselves? Nope. You can't guarantee that having a gun makes you safe, and I can't guarantee that not having a gun is safe. Asking for guarantees is simply ridiculous.
But I believe that statistics show that having a gun in the house is more dangerous than not having a gun in the house. You may not believe that, and so you will do what makes you feel secure.
GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)When you deal with firearms injury statistics it is helpful to divide out the legal from the illegal gun owners. You will find the behaviors of the two groups are greatly different, which vastly changes the risk factor. For illegal gun owners, having a gun in the house is a serious risk. For legal gun owners, having a gun in the house is a very low risk.
Anti-gun groups, in their attempt to get rid of legal gun ownership, combine the legal and illegal statistics to try to scare honest people away from having guns.
Speck Tater
(10,618 posts)Having a gun in the house makes you feel comfortable. Go for it. It's your right.
NOT having a gun in the house makes ME feel comfortable. Guns just freak me out, so I'm more comfortable living a gun-free life. That's my right.
If you have a gun in your house, and I know it's there, don't expect me to come and visit you.
My safety and comfort begins with keeping a maximum distance from all guns at all times.
GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)Speck Tater
(10,618 posts)
ecstatic
(35,056 posts)I guess you live in a pretty safe town, the type of town Newtown was considered to be (and still is now that the killer is dead).
But you should know that many of us don't live in safe bubbles. Home invasions, including deadly ones, are a pretty regular occurrence around here. Also, when I don't lock my door, it tends to blow open and that's the last thing I want, intruder or not.
cali
(114,904 posts)lots of security. I live in a poor rural place just outside the village.
adigal
(7,581 posts)I thought dems were braver than this!
badtoworse
(5,957 posts)
TwilightGardener
(46,416 posts)ecstatic
(35,056 posts)Last edited Mon Dec 24, 2012, 03:12 AM - Edit history (1)
Unfortunately, the hide approach doesn't work if you have little ones in other rooms who need to be secured.
My suggestions based on 2 incidents: I'd like to think that most invasions are a result of someone thinking you're not home. For that reason, I keep at least one light on at night--a light has to be visible from the front and back door. Sometimes I turn the outside lights on and keep the inside light off. But never keep the place pitch black.
The other thing I recommend is to have an alarm installed--even if it's not connected to a monitoring service. Arm it at night. Most people are disoriented at night and the last thing you want is for someone to be standing by your bed and wondering if you're dreaming or not.
3rd-Make a habit of keeping your phone and a robe nearby so that you can quickly get organized if your alarm sounds at night.
4- Decals of a monitoring service (like ADT) on front and back doors, and a sign in lawn. They can be ordered on ebay.
If someone still picks on your place despite seeing a light on and the alarm blaring--you might be in trouble. The intruders are probably armed, and I'm not sure that hot sauce, etc. would be effective in that case.
jal777
(59 posts)My life is too precious to try anything on that list on someone who broke into my house.
Fla_Democrat
(2,622 posts)And skip the tranquilizer gun? I'd be ok with Veruca sleeping somewhere close..... 
Meh, my luck, I would get assigned Oz.
fleur-de-lisa
(14,704 posts)I have no connection to the company, so please don't accuse me of hawking a product.
About 4 years ago a friend sent me an email about 'fake tv'. It's a small electronic device that, from the outside of a building, simulates the light patterns of a running tv.
Most would-be burglars assume that if the tv is on, someone is home. It emits no sound, but from outside, the lights look like the tv is running. It doesn't use much electricity and it comes with a timer.
I was so happy with mine, I bought several more for myself and two for my daughter. I leave one on when I go out of town and I always turn one on in an empty room before going to bed each night. Each unit only costs about $30.
website: www.faketv.com
formercia
(18,479 posts)The kind one puts on SLR Cameras. Something with a lot of light output. It will blind someone for several minutes, Time enough to find the Baseball Bat and do a prep before the Police arrive.
kentauros
(29,414 posts)While James Stewart's flashbulbs don't seem to be that strong, a good professional xenon strobe flash will blind a person for at least a full minute. That's plenty of time to toss a heavy blanket over the intruder and just sit on them, too, while you call the police
HappyMe
(20,277 posts)Well, maybe in a cartoon.
kentauros
(29,414 posts)I know what those flash-strobes are like. A good pop with one in the face and you will not be seeing much of anything (other than pretty colors) for a while.
HappyMe
(20,277 posts)But then what? Flinging a blanket and sitting on them won't work. Do you think they are just going to lay there and not fight back?
kentauros
(29,414 posts)Only that they'll have a hell of a time getting up from my 265+ pounds on them
And with the blanket over them, there's less room for their arms to flail. The alternative is to use a net, let them get tangled up.
I don't own a gun, in case you haven't figured it out, and have no need for one. I refuse to live in fear just for the "purpose" of personal safety.
HappyMe
(20,277 posts)A net? 
Sorry, but that's funny.
kentauros
(29,414 posts) GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)kentauros
(29,414 posts)But as I also do not (and will not) own a gun, a powerful photo-strobe is something I will use. It would at least give me time to get out and call 911.
GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)Please respect my right to my choice.
May your good luck continue and you never have to find out from direct experience what an attack from a violent street criminal is like. Often they are on drugs when they attack.
kentauros
(29,414 posts)and, yes, I can't imagine it, and am sorry if you've had that experience. No one should have to go through that.
Where I live appears to be relatively safe to the point that I've forgotten to lock my front door before going to bed, as well as leaving my wallet in my unlocked car only to find it the next day when looking. And this apartment doesn't have gates or fences. However, it does have an ancient (1950s) and perhaps run-down look, so maybe that helps.
Here's a funny image from the Lounge to cheer you up:
GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)If you are interested I can suggest some books by people who have dealt with violent crime and criminals. They are eye openers on what really happens. A criminal seeks to attack by surprise. If he can achieve surprise the attack is sudden and vicious and leaves the defender little to no time to respond.
My experience is not from having gone through it personally, but from dealing with people who have. And at one time I was a deputized policeperson (plainclothes) in New Orleans, as part of a job that I then had. I got to listen to a lot of cops talk shop.
The best defense is avoidance. On the street one does that by knowing what to look for that signal someone is a street criminal and I considering targeting you. Then you must try to fail his evaluation of you as easy prey. He won't attack if he thinks you can put up too much of a fight. There are street ways to signal to him that you are armed and ready and ordinary people won't catch on that anything has just happened. (Make eye contact, then look around for other threats and make a movement as if you are clearing the path to your gun to be able to get it quicker. Since I keep my gun in my pocket that means I put my hand in my pocket. DON'T DRAW IT. That step is for when everything else has failed and the attack has started.)
The photo was funny. Here is one I like of "Grumpy Cat". He was born with a birth defomity to his face that makes him look like a grouch, but is really a sweet loving cat.
Bake
(21,977 posts)Baseball bat? Sure, becuase I want the intruder to take the bat away from me and beat me with it.
I'll stick with Smith & Wesson, thanks very much.
Bake
shintao
(487 posts)My house alarm scares the heck out of me, wakes up the house and neighborhood, turns on the lights, calls the alarm company and the police. I cannot imagine anyone sticking around after it activates. Better than feeding & caring for a dog, and probably cost less than the fur-lined critter does.
GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)In a home invasion, the intruders don't care about alarms. They are attacking the house with the intention of busting in the door immediately, overpowering the residents, robbing them, and leaving in less than two or three minutes, before the cops arrive. In that short period of time they can do lots of injury, possibly fatal, to the occupants.
haele
(15,349 posts)If you don't know anything is happening until you get burst in upon (like sleeping or kicked back watching TV in the front room having downed a few beers), you're pretty much going to be the victim no matter what form of defense you have ready unless you have an alarm system with a good, reactive police force, a huge dog or another knowledgeable (about your defensive preparations) inhabitant that's elsewhere in the house that's able to bound in or surprise the invaders.
If you hear the front door burst in and you're in the kitchen or a bedroom, you can exit, grab your weapon, call the cops, or take care of the home invaders with whatever it is you have prepared.
If you aren't at home when they burst in, they'll steal whatever defensive system you have planned if it could be considered valuable or is fairly portable, and you'll be left defenseless for the next group of invaders.
If you are really worried about site (home or business) invasions or self defense, Time and Distance are really the only real defense you have.
Every other defensive alternative is a consideration of whatever defensive tool you feel most comfortable using or risk you feel capable of handling having that defensive tool around with the understanding you will still need to get as much distance and reaction time between you and the target - the home invader or any other assailant - to be able to implement your defense.
Or so our weapons and situational reaction instructor taught us during Shore Patrol/Security Force training. In the situations where I was a potential victim, I've found that taking those two factors into account and then acting have always been the best defensive moves I was able to make to protect myself and the others around me.
Haele
hughee99
(16,113 posts)arely staircase
(12,482 posts)eom
abelenkpe
(9,933 posts)deterrent. Large loud dogs also helpful. Pepper spray...
Katana?
leveymg
(36,418 posts)Don't take chances with your family's safety.
Speck Tater
(10,618 posts)Especially a guard robot carrying an assault rifle, even if it's just a dummy rifle. The sight of the patrolling robot and the realistic-looking assault rifle should keep the bad guys away.
rrneck
(17,671 posts)Fancy carpet is extra.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foster-Miller_TALON
BlueStreak
(8,377 posts)
mzmolly
(52,775 posts)Great crime deterrent.
lynne
(3,118 posts)- or a slingshot or bat or darts. Because you'll lose. Haven't heard of home invasions using a blow gun or baseball bat. Most criminals intent on doing you bodily harm arrive with guns.
As long as criminals are armed with guns, I be armed with guns, too.
Speck Tater
(10,618 posts)is having a door that can't simply be kicked in.
The longer it take for someone to break down your door and get in, the longer you have to hide, get away, lock yourself in a panic room, set off a loud alarm, call the police, or whatever.
Priority one: Make your home uninviting to burglars or invaders. Lights, alarms, close neighbors that you know well.
Priority two: Keep the invaders out for as long as possible. Hardened doors and windows, heavy-duty bolts and bars.
Priority three: Have a place to go when the bad guys start trying to gain entry. Panic room, hidden compartment, hidden exit to the outside.
If you never come face to face with the bad guys you will be in a much better position of safety. If there is shooting to be done, better to let the police come do the shooting. In the mean time, get away and stay away. Run and hide. Don't let the bad guys see you, or find you.
Another idea is a sound cannon. From the Wikipedia article on sonic weapons:
guardian
(2,282 posts)
jillan
(39,451 posts)That is all you need!