General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTwo home invasions in one week in my town, how do you protect your self ?
One they smashed a sliding glass door window as the home owners were in the living room
watching TV.
The other one they knocked on the door in the middle of the day and forced their way in.
The police say it's the same 4 people.
One female and 3 guys.
Scary stuff for sure .
What's the best way to protect yourself and secure your home?
I bought two deadbolt locks today at Lowe's , will install tomorrow. I'm not familiar with installing
outdoor lighting so I made an appointment for an estimate.
What else ?
thanks
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Skittles
(171,537 posts)
Rex
(65,616 posts)
Skittles
(171,537 posts)Last edited Tue Apr 30, 2013, 08:19 PM - Edit history (1)
I think someone may be PEEPING in my window; I need to hunt down an AUTOMATIC WEAPON!!!
Demit
(11,238 posts)
etherealtruth
(22,165 posts)I grew up with a golden Retriever ... with the sweetest heart, the most gently disposition and an extremely intimidating bark!
cyberswede
(26,117 posts)but he'd only lick you to death. 
Xithras
(16,191 posts)A lesson that many dog owners have learned the hard way. A properly socialized and trained dog will bark at a stranger, but even big dogs rarely bite, and when they do they often have little skill or ability to inflict serious damage. There is a REASON why police dogs receive regular and ongoing training. Without it, even dobermans and rottweilers will run away once an aggressive person swings on them and causes a little pain. Defense dogs must be taught to stand and fight even if an intruder is hurting or killing them. It's a trained skill, not a natural instinct.
There's nothing wrong with having a dog for home defense, but most people seem to have this idea that their gentle house dog will turn into some fearless defender when an intruder walks in, and 9 times out of 10 that just isn't the case.
Demit
(11,238 posts)The way a car alarm will send a thief to another car, where he can, as he would prefer to, do his work quietly. "Most people" understand this concept.
jazzimov
(1,456 posts)even the most friendly dog recognizes aggressive behavior.
It will protect it's humans.
You also give too much credit to the Human Attackers -
Once they hear a dog barking - they are out of there! Even if there are several and most of them are not scared - once they see the other's run they are out of there!
Dog.
nessa
(317 posts)REDNECK HOME SECURITY SYSTEM
posted by DrWatson : Mon. Feb. 1, 2010, 9:21 AM
TO INSTALL A REDNECK HOME SECURITY SYSTEM
1. Go to a secondhand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.
2. Place them on your front porch, along with a copy of Guns & Ammo Magazine.
3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines.
4.. Leave a note on your door that reads:
"Bubba,
Bertha, Duke, Slim, & I went for more ammo and beer. Be back in an hour.
Don't mess with the pit bulls; they attacked the mailman this morning and
messed him up bad. I don't think Killer took part, but it was hard to tell
from all the blood. Anyway, I locked all four of 'em in the house.
Better wait outside. Be right back.
"Cooter"
mike_c
(37,045 posts)
Phillip McCleod
(1,837 posts)believe me. it works.
but.. only if you make the dog *love you and adore you because you treat him/her like a little furry innocent person*. then they will protect you with their very life..
..
but won't have to. criminals really are cowards. they're scared of dogs and *dogs smell fear*.
wercal
(1,370 posts)We had a group doing home invasion robberies in Topeka. They killed two dogs along the way, and eventually murdered a woman. The group was dubbed 'the gang of 8' by the local media.
I repeat: Murderous home invasion robbers will kill your dog.
Dogs are great, and I certainly appreciate their early warning bark...but they cannot protect you against a gang of armed thugs.
Phillip McCleod
(1,837 posts)or dogs might prevent someone in your family from getting shot.
'gang of armed thugs' huh?
pull the tinfoil off, man. don't be a fucking coward. you have a better chance of being struck by lightening. you just want something to fear and want to drum up fear. you think you found and angle and you're going to leverage it.
you will find little purchase around here.
sylvi
(813 posts)then dealing with "gangs of armed thugs" is the issue, and has nothing to do with tinfoil or cowardice.
A yappy dog might run off a sneaking burglar, but home invaders don't generally do subtlety or stealth, and if they don't care if grown adults are in the house when they charge in, how is a dog going to stop them?
wercal
(1,370 posts)And why you have made an immediate assessment that I am a 'fucking coward'....or what fucking angle you think I have.
Maybe...just a thought...YOU are the tin foil hat wearing fanatic who finds an 'angle' wherever he looks.
Now back to the matter at hand:
YOU are pushing the opinion that a dog will protect you against a home invasion (remember the subject of the OP - home invasion?).
YOU speak with an air of authority, and declare 'believe me, it works'.
YOU are endangering people by falsely misleading them into thinking that criminals are 'cowards' who will turn tail and run, when a puppy yaps at them.
I KNOW that in my city, at least two dogs were instantly killed in home invasions. Why? Because criminals DON't just run away from the dog, as you suggest. They KILL THE DOG DEAD.
So please, Mr. Expert, quit giving people the impression that a dog is going to protect you in a home invasion robbery.
Response to wercal (Reply #190)
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Response to Post removed (Reply #197)
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nessa
(317 posts)unless they have a specific reason for the invasion, like drugs or they know the people.
If they are on a street and there is a house with dogs and a house without dogs (all other factors being equal) they will go for the house without the dogs.
jazzimov
(1,456 posts)they run.
Yeah, maybe they could shoot the dog, maybe they would miss and get mauled.
They won't take the chance - they'll run.
brewens
(15,359 posts)from hell if anything threatens my sweetheart! Who knew? That's the way it works with some dogs. You'd never have guessed. She's small as black labs go but gets way bigger when riled up. She goes everywhere with my girlfriend and sleeps on the bed with her and everything. I'm really glad she has her.
Phillip McCleod
(1,837 posts).. you gotta love 'em more than your gun, to start with. it has to be as selfless as their love for you.
unlike the OP, i have my *own* anecdotes .. plural .. of my dogs scaring scary dudes off in front of my eyes. more than a few. they can tell.. start growling weird and acting weird and then the dude is vibing anyway?!
all you have to do is take the dogs' side.
..
of course if it's a 'gang of thugs' that's a different story. if it's a 'gang of thugs' 
then i suggest intercessional prayer. i hear it it anti-works.
lolly
(3,248 posts)Which leads to the obvious response--
No matter how many guns you have, if you are surprised in your home by a "gang of armed thugs," you're pretty much SOL.
They'll shoot you before you can get out of bed or off the couch and then steal your guns .
Which is probably what they're after anyway.
RebelOne
(30,947 posts)I have had 2 Rottwieilers which deterred anyone even thinking about breaking into my house. Unfortunately, those dogs are now in doggy heaven. I am getting older now and cannot handle big dogs. But I have a Chihuahua with a very loud yapping bark, so she is sort of a burglar alarm.
whathehell
(30,457 posts)
Walk away
(9,494 posts)I want to live in Paris and own a Bacon Boutique!
nessa
(317 posts).
Cali_Democrat
(30,439 posts) 
Hekate
(100,133 posts)I think there are such things on the market.
But I do like your idea a lot. 
Jackpine Radical
(45,274 posts)(I was a Corrections psychologist at the time).
We got to talking about what would be the best burglar deterrent, and he thought up the idea of a motion-activated system that starts with playing a recording of two aggressive-sounding barking dogs. Then a few minutes later a light comes on and a few seconds later a loud voice says, "Grab the pistol. I've got the shotgun."
jazzimov
(1,456 posts)that starts with playing a recording of two aggressive-sounding barking dogs.
and then:
a few minutes later a light comes on
And lastly :
a loud voice says, "Grab the pistol. I've got the shotgun."
First, notice that this is only a recording which means that no one actually has a fire-arm. Also, please notice that any reference to firearms come last, and ostensibly are simply "overkill" since the intruder is assumed to be gone at this point. Most would have gone at the dogs barking. Once they discovered that recording was a ruse (real dogs would have chased them off), the Lights would have driven them off.
nolabear
(43,850 posts) 
agracie
(950 posts)LiberalEsto
(22,845 posts)House furnished in Early Yard Sale and Thrift Shop. Two battered looking cars in the driveway, one 12 years old and the other 8. Two smallish dogs that howl like wolves whenever anyone comes up the driveway.
Hekate
(100,133 posts)A Beemer in the driveway would indicate nice electronics and whatnot in the house. Our "new" car is 6 y.o. but the old one is 20+ y.o. -- he seemed to think a burglar would cruise on by.
AndyA
(16,993 posts)The more the better. One in every room.
Seriously, make sure doors and windows are locked and consider buying an alarm system. A big dog often discourages people as well, they'll find another house without a dog. Perhaps even install cameras in prominent locations where they can be seen from the road. You don't even have to hook them up, the appearance alone is enough.
I've heard it's best to let them know someone is home. Local police said if someone knocks on your door, keep it closed and locked and tell them you're busy. If you don't, they'll go around to the back and break in thinking the house is empty.
Keep trees and bushes trimmed so there aren't hiding places between them and your house. Also, get to know your neighbors and keep an eye on each other. That's one of the best safety precautions there is.
Hopefully they'll catch the bums soon and take them off the street.
Electric Monk
(13,869 posts)NAMGLA members to play with, extolling the virtues of their preciousses.
You clearly noticed this as well, which is why I replied to you instead of to them.
RetroLounge
(37,250 posts)
Well played
RL
VanillaRhapsody
(21,115 posts)They shoot 20 feet and if you get that in your eyes or you breathe it in...you WILL need an emergency room.
That is all!
AndyA
(16,993 posts)I never thought of that. Plus, that's something that a lot of people are likely to have anyway, and if they don't, this is another reason to get some.
Brewinblue
(392 posts)That really is an awesome idea.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)As long as you remember to use it
newmember
(805 posts)My town is fairly small so it's not common to have something like this happen.
We do have a small city within a half hour driving distance.
The people doing this could be local from our town but it's highly unlikely.
otohara
(24,135 posts)if you have cable or satellite - they too are getting into the alarm bizness.
Ikonoklast
(23,973 posts)Hmmm.
Unusual.
newmember
(805 posts)Ikonoklast
(23,973 posts)newmember
(805 posts)It's for real.
Why do you question it?
puzzled...
Ikonoklast
(23,973 posts)Puzzled, that is.
Autumn Colors
(2,379 posts)That would be one reason (trolling for the NRA???).
Something this unusual would be big news in your local/regional media. How about providing a link to some news stories (or online paper's police blotter) mentioning these events.
If you don't want to post it publicly, please feel free to PM the link to me. Something to verify this anecdote would be appreciated.
Much thanks.
Squinch
(59,420 posts)shows no report of two home invasions in one town with three male and one female suspects.
That's odd.
Go Vols
(5,902 posts)one was 1000 ft. from me and another 12 miles away, close to my fathers.Town of 8000 or so.
http://www.thunder1320.com/?p=21172
pipi_k
(21,020 posts)the poster by any means, but there are plenty of things that happen in my area that don't show up in any Google search, nor even in the local news, even if it happens in one of the larger towns/smaller cities.
zeeland
(247 posts)which is unusual for our close knit community.
A month or so ago my Muslim neighbors garage was
set on fire and determined to be arson. This would
qualify as a hate crime I believe. Investigators are
keeping it very quiet. Try and google that and you will
find nothing. So, why all the aggression towards the OP?
Some of these posts are down right mean and nasty.
RockaFowler
(7,429 posts)11 houses were hit in one day
http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_st_lucie_county/port_st_lucie/pillowcase-burglars-plague-port-st-lucie-11-residential-break-ins-reported-monday
They caught a couple of the guys, but I believe there are still a few out there
pintobean
(18,101 posts)answered her front door around 2:00 pm and ended up looking down the barrel of a shotgun. She was robbed of her money and jewelry. It's rare, but it happens.
Coyotl
(15,262 posts)
Raine
(31,173 posts)After that the harm is done and they may possibly take it out on the wealth-less victim. 
Coyotl
(15,262 posts)And, we don't know what was taken in many instances, due to the amount of black market economics in play. The victims don't tell the cops when a kilo of coke is stolen!!
Mojorabbit
(16,020 posts)We have home invasions targeting the elderly lately. Here is one from last night.
Man, woman robbed in Orlando home invasion
Police search for 3 intruders
Published On: Apr 29 2013 08:06:10 AM EDT
A 70-year-old woman and an 80-year-old man were robbed at gunpoint after three men broke into their Orlando home, officials said.
The home invasion occurred overnight Sunday at a home on Ravenall Avenue near Willie Mays Park.
Orlando police said three men, at least one of whom had a gun, broke into the home and stole some items. Police said the man and woman were threatened during the home invasion.
No injuries were reported.
A detailed description of the intruders was not known.
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/man-woman-robbed-in-orlando-home-invasion/-/1637132/19933318/-/spiupoz/-/index.html
and this last week
Man accused of raping 82-year-old woman in Orlando apartment
UPDATED 7:30 PM EDT Apr 22, 2013
Read more: http://www.wesh.com/news/central-florida/orange-county/Man-accused-of-raping-82-year-old-woman-in-Orlando-apartment/-/12978032/19851040/-/orybcv/-/index.html#ixzz2RvA4xDlb
Coyotl
(15,262 posts)Even told the UPS driver where to put stuff inside the house.
Mojorabbit
(16,020 posts)zeeland
(247 posts)for the first time this year. We have had several home
invasions which were unheard of a few years ago. In most
they knock on the front door and if there's no answer
proceed to the back where they break in. on 2 occasions
homes were broken into at night knowing someone would
likely be there.
Cool part is, our neighbors have really pulled together to
look out for each other while still respecting the privacy we all
enjoy out here on our forested mountain.
pipi_k
(21,020 posts)Once upon a time, I was poor, back in the early 1970s.
I lived in a crappy tenement apartment in a crappy part of town, with my two small kids.
We were so poor I saved empty food boxes in my pantry to make it look like we had food in case anybody came to visit. I was too proud...
Anyway, we were gone one night.
Someone broke in and robbed me of the only thing worth more than $20....an old and crappy console stereo and record player. The robber(s) considered stealing my toaster, but dropped it on the back porch.
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)making a violent and forced entry. A thief may be more careful in determining if you are home or not; home invaders not so much. Then there are the home invaders who expect you to be home.
hedgehog
(36,286 posts)around here. Someone drives up from Syracuse (30 miles away) and just happens to pick a certain house....
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)hedgehog
(36,286 posts)hollysmom
(5,946 posts)I like a lived in look. I do my own gardening, sort of hit and miss, the lawn is not perfect, I pick dandelions by hand, even though my neighbors have offered to pay for lawn work, I prefer doing things my way and can afford to pay myself - And, even though there are many burglaries in this town, I have not been a target for 20 years (was before that), even though I used to spend weeks and weeks at the beach. random flowers, hand trimmed shrubs. small house. lots of dog markings around the property - leads, bowls, yellow spots in the grass, hehe. lots of projects in progress in the back and front.
Coyotl
(15,262 posts)the front seat looks like a hobo lives in it, on purpose of course. I parked at the State Capital in NM. The van next to mine had the window smashed out when I came back.
KoKo
(84,711 posts)and be sure you buy enough guns that they are everywhere in the house so you can blow out their brains if they envade. "Trip Wire" them to explode in sequence around the house so you know that you are protected...and have a sword and knife for every member of your family. If that doesn't work make sure you can "set off fireworks" to deter any invader who doesn't get the message before you "blow them away."
Those Sensor Floodlights for you outdoors are good...but false alarm if a "night creature like Racoon or Possom goes foraging within the light. Could set off many "false alarms" throughout the night where you get your Gun and are Ready...but, it just "trips off."
There's alway "Bunkering In. You can wall up your house with Storage Sacks of Grain and Bags of Cement Stacked (which you can purchase at your local Hardware Distributor) that will deflect bullets and very small explosions thrown by inexperience terrorists. That might give you some cover before you decide to go the "dark side" and take them out with your guns or small explosives.
GOOD LUCK! We all have to take the best care of ourselves we can and I understand that you are safety conscious.
Ikonoklast
(23,973 posts)in agreement.
But you forgot the Claymore mines deployed in echelon with overlapping blast radii.
KoKo
(84,711 posts)given the threats he expressed...I put myself in his position and tried to recommend what I've heard that "some" are doing...
Walk away
(9,494 posts)
Hekate
(100,133 posts)
redwitch
(15,258 posts)Are they hurting the occupants? Why would they choose homes that are occupied, much easier to steal from an empty house.
wercal
(1,370 posts)So step No. 2 of a home invasion robbery is taking bank cards, and extorting the pin numbers at the barrel of a gun. Step No. 3 is taking everyone's cell phone and Ipad at the barrel of a gun.
The really nice houses that might actually have jewelry and valuable stuff have alarms, gated communities, etc. protecting them. The 'sweet spot' in a modern robbery is middle class...you might get a game system or some other stuff that pawns for 20 bucks, but the really good stuff (bank cards and handheld electronics) are with the occupants.
So, the home invasion robbery is back in vogue. In my town (Topeka) there were several robberies by a group dubbed 'the gang of 8' (approximately 8 people participated). They killed a few dogs (so much for their protection) when they did their robberies (called 'licks') and had alot of people on edge. They finally got tired of the actual invasion, and decided to just lie in wait. They hid in the bushes and on the roof of a houise, waiting for a woman and her life partner to return from a birthday party...killed one and I believe shot the other. The trials are ongoing.
But the take-away: They didn't care one bit about what was inside the house. They waited to mug the occupants.
redwitch
(15,258 posts) Sad to say, but they sometimes target older people. And they demand ATM cards and PINs, and beat them up. Sometimes it lasts for hours.
My feeling is that anyone willing to do this is very dangerous.
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-northridge-home-invasion-20130425,0,7420640.story
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2013/02/19/villa-park-police-arrest-four-in-armed-robbery-home-invasion-incident/aroy4jb/
They have gotten more creative!
femmocrat
(28,394 posts)Am I the only one who doesn't use them? There have to be other "older" people who don't trust ATMs.
I also don't have a cell phone (well, it's in the car in the back garage) or an IPad. Or just about anything else that they would want. I never wanted any valuables!
Yo_Mama
(8,303 posts)in GA, mind you, an elderly couple were attacked in their apartment and savagely beaten, basically because they had so little.
wercal
(1,370 posts)If you've got enough money to own a car, I believe most criminals would assume you have enough money for a checking account and credit cards....and they would assume that 99 percent of people carry a cell phone.
Ednahilda
(195 posts)but I don't have a cell phone, nor do I have an ATM card. No digital camera, no credit card, no video game system, no IPad - just an 8-year old Dell with Windows Vista - and one not-very-big television. Anyone who thinks they could hit the jackpot at our place would be sorely disappointed. Our real valuables are the kitties.
femmocrat
(28,394 posts)I'm not *that* old either.... I just appreciate living simply.
wercal
(1,370 posts)Often times the perpetrators have a long criminal record...its a lifestyle.
uppityperson
(116,015 posts)Lurker Deluxe
(1,085 posts)One or two goes off with the card and PIN to an ATM and drains whatever they can while the others stay with the people in the home getting whatever else they can.
This is the new way. The items that can be stolen and pawned are becomming useless as far as cash value. TVs/DVD/Game systems are worth literally pennies on the dollar.
Access to one's personal computer/cell phone/tablet with proper security information can net thousands on the spot.
uppityperson
(116,015 posts)
flamingdem
(40,877 posts)
Capt. Obvious
(9,002 posts)You could have really sexed up the story.
https://www.google.com/#hl=en&gs_rn=11&gs_ri=psy-ab&gs_mss=topeka%20gan&tok=u3nmdZcaKSSBx56y6kZHZA&pq=topeka%20gang%20of%208%20home%20invasion&cp=8&gs_id=9b&xhr=t&q=topeka+%22gang+of+8%22+home+invasion&es_nrs=true&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&oq=topeka+%22gang+of+8%22+home+invasion&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.45645796,d.dmg&fp=4109606adc6367e3&biw=1032&bih=514
https://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=%22gang+of+8%22+home+invasion&oq=%22gang+of+8%22+home+invasion&gs_l=hp.3...114369.114369.6.115105.1.1.0.0.0.0.58.58.1.1.0...0.0...1c.1.11.psy-ab.2obff0TAzkk&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.45645796,d.dmg&fp=4109606adc6367e3&biw=1032&bih=514
pintobean
(18,101 posts)I searched - "topeka gang of eight"
The 3rd result:
http://cjonline.com/news/2011-08-09/8-arrested-9-charged-felony-murder
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)But there is a percentage (20+?) who do so for the desire of confrontation and mayhem; money, stuff, accts, etc. are secondary. This may explain to a degree why some home invasions are committed when the victim is clearly at home.
uppityperson
(116,015 posts)newmember
(805 posts)but it's a very low crime area so when something like this happens it makes you
reevaluate how your home is secured. I have only regular locks on my exterior doors.
No security lighting outside my home. I have to turn the front or back porch light on by hand.
just things like that .
XRubicon
(2,241 posts)Niceguy1
(2,467 posts)XRubicon
(2,241 posts)Niceguy1
(2,467 posts)Where I live
Jeff In Milwaukee
(13,992 posts)Because that's what I'm smelling.
bluedigger
(17,431 posts)How 'bout those Red Sox! 
Autumn Colors
(2,379 posts)rightsideout
(978 posts)Good one
etherealtruth
(22,165 posts)... this has happened in Fraser Michigan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraser,_Michigan
Perhaps there is something going on that I am not aware of (with the OP), but the thread can be helpful for folk.
I do know that I worry a lot about my 76 year old mother home alone
We would never keep fire arms in our house ... I have no doubt that having a gun in the house would simply be giving more guns to the intruder.
oldhippie
(3,249 posts).... the cops are just minutes away.
newmember
(805 posts)I'm sure they would have if they had the time.
The one during the day the door was answered by the home owner .
I answer my door also during the day . I never really think about something like this happening
onpatrol98
(1,989 posts)Make sure your doors and windows are secure. I agree, get a dog. They are a great little alert system. The element of surprise is a benefit for crooks...so, give them a noisy, unsurprised entrance. I heard of a coaches wife who was shot putting out the garbage at night and surprised burgulars. Make certain your yard is well lit. Keep bushes near windows well trimmed so no one can hide behind them. If you like bushes at your windows, the ones with prickly leaves are handy. Inexpensive cameras can be purchased at the local gadget store for those who favor technology. That way you are less likely to want to go out and inspect. Get to know your neighbors really well and keep an eye out for each other.
Vary your routine when you can. My aunt surprised a burgular one afternoon. Thankfully, he climbed out a window, but she eventually moved. She loved her house, but it just wasn't the same after that. Be observant of your surroundings when you're entering or leaving your car or your house. Finally, take some self defense classes. These don't have to involve weapons. Many involve just giving you the opportunity to make a safe exit. Guns work for some, but not everyone and can give your attacker a weapon, instead of you. I don't encourage gun ownership, but if you decide to go that route, safety classes are in order. And, be mindful if you're not discreet, burgulars may target your home for the gun. So, if you acquire one, keep it to yourself.
Fix it so your house looks like someone is in it. No letting newspapers pile up or the mailbox overflowing. And if you must buy large ticket items in big boxes, destroy the boxes. Don't sit them on the curb as advertisemt. Finally, burgulars like to hit the same place more than once. They know you'll want to replace the things they've stolen AND they already know your routine and your house layout.
Burgulars also often find out you have nice stuff because some people talk too much. So, yeah, it may be a gang banger, but it also may be a friend of a friend, of your son who came over to play video games, but can't stop talking about your big screen tv.
spanone
(141,484 posts)
KoKo
(84,711 posts)to do a Great Job. They are incredible Acrobats at raiding my Bird Feeders...and I'd give a gun to any of the "clever ones" any day...to protect me who FEEDS THEM!
Gotta always be "friendly to the troops" so that you survive... That's my Motto. Just pay them off...they all can use a little bit extra...and give it with a smile. A freshly baked cookie or some other goodie will also help you out if any of them have any kind of "fond home memories." The rest of them...would chop off your finger if you offer them a cookie or a Hershey's Halloween Leftover. ...So...go carefully with the BRIBES. A Sack full of Money is always the best in dire circumstances once they've gained entry.
neverforget
(9,513 posts)
DreamGypsy
(2,252 posts)There are lots of hits (google). The Popular Mechanics article that appeared at the top of the list was much more gun-heavy than I expected, but then I haven't encountered a Popular Mechanics in a dentist's/doctor's office in quite a while.
This one from Ready Nutrition Home Invasion: Preventative Security Layers to Protect the Home had some reasonable advice (not related to nutrition as far as I could tell).
Talk with your neighbors. Ask the local police.
XRubicon
(2,241 posts)I'd like to read the details.
Where do you live?
auntAgonist
(17,302 posts)advice that could help a LOT of people.
The self righteous attitudes of some people on this thread are more harmful than good.
It matters NOT where it happened, hell it doesn't even matter IF it happened near where the OP is. Fact is it happens all across the country.
Giving GOOD advice is never wrong.
aA
kesha
g'head, flame away.
sarisataka
(22,631 posts)There are a great many things a person can do to reduce the chances of a home invasion. A few things to consider:
-a dog, not even a big fierce animal, just loyal and noisy. Walking the dog will add health benefits
-walk around your neighborhood and home with a criminal's eye. Is there anything that makes your home attractive, visible valuable items i.e. TVs computers, landscaping that allows an intruder to approach without being seen by passers by, easily accessed windows...
-check yourself for common sense. Do you always lock your doors? Do you leave the garage door open even if not at home? Is there a ladder leaning next to your house? (I've seen it)
-Make sure you don't leave easy access out for a criminal. Not only the key under the door mat but the cute concrete gnome that can be tossed through the patio doors
-Get to know your neighbors. Watch out for each other.
-If you can afford a security system, fine. Just putting up the stickers and signs is almost as effective as the actual system.
-I would be remiss in not mentioning self defense weaponry, both firearms and less lethal e.g. pepper spray. Both options consider serious consideration of pros and cons as there are equally serious downsides. My usual advice to clients is to avoid firearms if they have no other interest in them such as competition or recreational use. The .357 that is in the bottom of the sock drawer, still unfired seven years after buying it is less that useless in a crisis situation.
Less lethal weapons have fewer downsides but also need skill to be used to maximum effect. If a person wants pepper spray, a taser, whatever, seek out a professional for training and recommendations.
-prepare a safe room, usually the master bedroom. The room should have a strong door with a good lock, a cell phone, good bright flashlight, spare house key attached to a glow stick, and a means of exit- like a rope ladder is on an upper floor.
There are many more thing one can do to prepare without being paranoid.
newmember
(805 posts)
Newest Reality
(12,712 posts)that there are inexpensive, "phoney" camera units you can mount in obvious locations. They have a blinking, LED light to attract attention.
That's an incentive because the "cameras" would provide evidence of the crime, or so the perpetrator would think. And, if they decide to shoot-out the camera, you get advance notice, at least.
Stickers to go with that, (I think they sell them where the cameras are sold) is perfect.
That is, if you can't afford the real thing. Though there are some units that are very inexpensive and may be worthwhile.
defacto7
(14,162 posts)for very little. I have 5 cams recording 24/7 that archive 1 week on rotation. The cams can be had on ebay for $7 to $15 bucks and video cards for security cams are $10... or just use old cameras and video cams you don't use anymore because the battery doesn't work. Really old ones work great as monitor cams. There's lots of open source security cam software that's free. Use an older PC and you have a really professional security cam system for $50 to $150 bucks. That's what I do.
ManiacJoe
(10,138 posts)alcibiades_mystery
(36,437 posts)Gunners are dogshit.
Jeff In Milwaukee
(13,992 posts)Until you have a home-based Minuteman Missile, you're not serious about defending you family.
elleng
(141,926 posts)
mercuryblues
(16,382 posts)Although my brother had one and he was robbed. The upside for him was the thieves had less than 15 minutes in the house, instead of hours. They brought a van right up to his front door, they had planned on cleaning them out. Instead a VW bug was all they needed. Alarms have a home setting. You can move about the house, just don't forget to turn it off before you open the door. Alarms also have a panic setting.
A way to see who is at your door before you open it.
Dead bolts are good. Make sure if the door has a window, you buy the deadbolts that you need a key to unlock from both sides of the door. If you have a deadbolt with the lever on the inside all a thief would have to do is break the window, turn the latch. They are easy enough to install with the proper tools.
Motion sensor lighting is a good idea. I miss my dog. She was excellent at scaring off people, all 35 lbs of her. But a dog is a long term commitment for a short term problem.
Yo_Mama
(8,303 posts)Big dog. Shotgun, if you're really scared.
I'm sorry, I hope the police will catch them soon.
Deep13
(39,157 posts)newmember
(805 posts)The paper is based out of our closest approximate city.
25 or 30 minute drive maybe
XRubicon
(2,241 posts)sarisataka
(22,631 posts)Even if the OP is 100% Grade A fresh Wisconsin Cow Compost, the question is valid. Give advice or learn from those who are doing so.
XRubicon
(2,241 posts)You and your ilk can teach me nothing. Take the fairy tales outside in the yard with the other children.
ProdigalJunkMail
(12,017 posts)the person never once mentioned getting a gun. but YOU seem to be the one obsessed with guns here. if you're going to go this way, why not just be done with it and call the guy a liar instead of being all 'sly' about it like no one will call you out on it...
sP
sarisataka
(22,631 posts)Last edited Mon Apr 29, 2013, 10:03 PM - Edit history (1)
I am not so worried, we have people watching out for that
Sorry if I cam off snappy, not the tone I meant but reading it I was abrupt 
Edit> then maybe I am not so sorry. I didn't even know I had an ilk. Now if you will excuse me, I have an appointment
Autumn Colors
(2,379 posts)OP is looking for people on DU providing quotes favorable to the NRA stance.
Autumn Colors
(2,379 posts)If this unusual crimewave happened in a town of 16,000 in that newspaper's reading area, that's big news. It would be mentioned.
Link please?
newmember
(805 posts)I'm not in the NRA
I don't like guns , I have never held a gun .I'm not going to buy a gun
I fish and work on my lawn ...that's it
Ikonoklast
(23,973 posts)You don't like guns, BUT, you'd like to go shooting with friends.
Riiiiight.
I got a nice bridge for sale, returnee.
newmember
(805 posts)And I still haven't gone.
It might not be popular with the many DU members that own guns but I would like to see much tougher control
in the laws .
I don't want this to become a gun thread but for some strange reason some members
want it to be one.
Electric Monk
(13,869 posts)pintobean
(18,101 posts)This isn't the inquisition. If you suspect a troll, alert and check the TOS box. Let admin look at it and decide. I don't see you questioning the other stories in this thread.
Jeff In Milwaukee
(13,992 posts)Some shows up on the board and starts spewing unsubstantiated bullshit, and they should be held accountable for it?
Nope. Either the OP names the newspaper or he/she is full of shit.
That simple.
pintobean
(18,101 posts)if you think it's bullshit or not. Shit like that happens every day in this country. I know it happens in St. Louis and I bet it happens in Milwaukee. It usually doesn't make the news unless someone is killed or badly injured. Accusing this person of lying because they don't want to disclose their location is just silly, and it makes all of us look like jerks. If it is a troll, he's winning.
That simple, Jeff.
Jeff In Milwaukee
(13,992 posts)We actually have no idea how often it happens, because Home Invasion as a sub-category of violent crime has no standard definition. But cases where armed, unknown intruders break into a house, assault the occupants, and then commit a robbery are likely quite rare and getting even more rare as rates of armed robbery and armed assault continue on a downward trend.
If the OP had simply said, "What should a person do to prevent a home invasion?" I would have accepted that as an honest question seeking an honest answer. But since the OP chose to couch the inquiry in terms of a utterly bullshit, fabricated story about two home invasions occurring in the same small town, I can take it as nothing less that NRA Trolling.
And consequently I don't really give two shits how you think it looks.
pintobean
(18,101 posts)And what kind of trolls pretend to be experts on violent crime, to the extent they can say the op is bullshit?
Autumn Colors
(2,379 posts)OP said the town has about 16,000 people. Two home invasions in one week in a town that small is MAJOR news.
In a city the size of St. Louis or Milwaukee, yeah ... probably not really news unless there's a murder .... but this is a SMALL town where it happened twice in one week.
THAT IS NEWSWORTHY.
So name the newspaper, OP.
curlyred
(1,879 posts)Deep13
(39,157 posts)I don't think it's a half hour drive for your web browser.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)Wasp and Hornet spray around the house. Sometimes the insects seem to build nests around the doors and I certainly don't want them to get in the house, the cans have a range of about 20 feet and cost about 5 bucks at the hardware store so I can keep several around the house for any possible insect emergency.
KoKo
(84,711 posts)and Zap them! They might just open fired and blow you away...but, whatever...you did your best with what you had.
Keep the Hornet/Wasp/Roach/Ant Spray...by the door. Minute they walk in with their Guns and Stuff....SPRAY 'EM!
Simple solution...although you might be so dead you'd only see what happened "looking down" from Heaven..or "Up from Hell."
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)I learn so very much.
The Straight Story
(48,121 posts)Not sure what he could have done but am guessing keeping his doors locked and having a way to defend himself would have helped.
JohnnyBoots
(2,969 posts)Oh wait...just common sense. Sorry about your bud. Tragic. Seen it happen before though. Scary stuff.
newmember
(805 posts) VanillaRhapsody
(21,115 posts)cause that's the only way to be sure you can ALWAYS protect yourself against a home invasion while you are home.
</snark>
The Straight Story
(48,121 posts)wow. Talk about a gut punch.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2395412
UPDATE: Found info on the guy that killed him:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2397159
VanillaRhapsody
(21,115 posts)You cannot rely on guns to protect you at all times.....there is no such thing as completely safe....and this is someone who is still dealing with PTSD! Hypervigilance is not your friend!
sodom
(42 posts)Nothing is fool proof, you can't rely on anything to protect you at all times. A dog, a gun, pepper spray, a taser, security system, motion sensors and spot lights. ..Nothing is guaranteed to protect you. If you don't like guns that's fine, don't own one...but its dumb to pretend that a gun can't help protect yourself. Many here seem to be against ownership of firearms from an ideological perspective, and that's OK. I just don't see their logic the way they do.
I am liberal minded, I vote democrat, never liked the NRA or the GOP..and i still don't see any persuasive argument against guns as a means of protection.
Rex
(65,616 posts)nt.
East Coast Pirate
(775 posts)Start with this.
Baitball Blogger
(52,283 posts)I call it, Machete.
Also, buy decoy surveillance cameras. If you're really computer saavy you can buy a wireless system for $250 with a DVR. But you'll have to do the installation on your own.
Phillip McCleod
(1,837 posts)yeh the mugger says, 'your money or your life!'
and the guy says, 'take my life, i'm saving my money for my *old age*'
do what you can to protect yourself, but in home invasions, like muggings and rapes, there's a greater danger to your life itself. you want to survive, and do what you need to do to get through it.
guns, in particular, are a bad, bad idea. i'm sure the stats vary depending on source, but the thing is.. they're a sneaky possibly murderous individual. 'you' the victim are taken by surprise, and possibly you have a moral compunction or two about taking another person's life, even a stranger in your home with malevolent motives. you may hesitate (it's hard to say). they may not.
people are killed by their own guns all the time, when an attacker simply takes it away from them.
then there's this if a gun is around.. maybe 'you' have 'what it takes', but does everyone in your home, and is that risk worth it?
JohnnyBoots
(2,969 posts)Obvious that you are an unarmed household. Fish in a barrell to criminals who are. I'd recommend a Glock 19. Just know whats behind your shooting at.
onehandle
(51,122 posts)Paging Mr. LaPierre. Paging Mr. LaPierre.
I am being denied the greatest 'arms' of all.
Response to onehandle (Reply #48)
Post removed
Raine
(31,173 posts)
Warpy
(114,579 posts)I have a wrought iron crime door with mesh screen locked with a deadbolt.
Other than that, I rely on the statistics. I don't own much worth stealing and I live in a poor neighborhood so I really can't imagine anyone going to the trouble to invade my home when I'm there. If they burglarize it again when I'm not, they're not going to get much.
curlyred
(1,879 posts)MrSlayer
(22,143 posts)I live in the inner city and I rarely even lock my doors. I don't really have much that anyone is going to want that they aren't going to have a hard time taking. Good luck getting my drum kit and full stacks out the door without anyone noticing. I don't keep large amounts of cash or drugs around so no one is going to invade my home. Professional thieves don't do random home invasions, they case their targets for weeks before making a move. Same thing with gangs, they have to know you have something worth taking.
So basically, I have a dog and a hockey stick and I don't even think about security at all. I don't live in fear.
99Forever
(14,524 posts)[URL=
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Sadie mae
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Nakita (Who to those that wished her well, is recovering very nicely from the coronary she suffered last week. Thanks all of you for your vibes, I think they really helped.)
newmember
(805 posts)I don't know if I could devote the time to two dogs like those.
It wouldn't be fair to them.
99Forever
(14,524 posts)But for me, it's a labor of love and we're lucky enough to have a couple of acres for them to romp in. For obvious reasons, we don't worry much about break ins.
ecstatic
(35,064 posts)I've been very uneasy about it since Day 2. I really hope that my first response to a kick in/smash in wouldn't be to sit here stunned. In theory, I'd grab my phone and run like hell to my bedroom, sound the alarm if it wasn't already on, and call the police. Kick and smash ins are so unexpected that there's no safe way to protect yourself if you're sitting right near the door. Having an unlocked gun nearby would probably cause more problems than it solved.
SomethingFishy
(4,876 posts)That must have been the loudest break in ever. You think you can do something to protect yourself against someone so criminally brazen that they don't care how much noise they make?
If they are willing to break a sliding glass door, I don't think a lock is going to help you much.
Tell you how I protect myself. I made friends will all my neighbors. Even the ones I don't really like. We all watch out for each other, each others homes and each others kids.
Boudica the Lyoness
(2,899 posts)We don't.
Crepuscular
(1,068 posts)you should buy a shotgun. 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/19/joe-biden-guns_n_2719330.html
HiPointDem
(20,729 posts)get a big dog & train it well, for thirds.
Carolina
(6,960 posts)you don't need a mean or vicious guard animal, just one that barks and whose bark sounds tough.
I had a basset hound mix for 15 years who was a very sweet dog but had a fearsome bark probably derived from the 'mixed' part of his pedigree. Once, I miscued the house alarm system and it sent a silent signal to the police... I didn't even know we had that feature. Anyway, a deputy sheriff came out to investigate and the dog was barking madly. I answered the door profusely apologetic about the false alarm while my son, who was out of sight, put the dog in the laundry room. The deputy still insisted on checking things out, thinking that perhaps an intruder was forcing me to say all we I was ok.
Well, to cut to the chase, the dog was barking his head off and the deputy could hear but not see him, so pulled out his gun to conduct the search. HE actually scared me so I told my son to come out with dog so they could see them rather than surprise the deputy and be injured!
After the deputy was assured that all was well and saw the fierce sounding dog wagging his tail and yearning to be pet, he said: "that's a fine animal... with that bark, he's good protection.
PS: a monitored alarm system is also worth the investment
Response to newmember (Original post)
devilgrrl This message was self-deleted by its author.
femmocrat
(28,394 posts)Keep some by each door.
TexasBushwhacker
(21,195 posts)Unless I'm expecting a package to be delivered, I never ever open my door to anyone I don't know. Installing outside lighting is pretty easy if the wiring is already their. You can install a light that has a motion and/or light sensor by any door. Anywhere that you want light where there isn't wiring already, you can get solar powered flood lights.
ms liberty
(11,212 posts)a Rottweiler, a Pit Bull, or a Doberman. I'm partial to German Shepherds myself. It has the added benefit of keeping you free from the inconvenience of dealing with Jehovah's Witnesses and random door to door salespeople!
4Q2u2
(1,406 posts)200lbs of OMG I am going to die.
Douglas Carpenter
(20,226 posts)cocked and for goodness sakes - DO NOT use any safety switch. If you see or hear anything - fire first - as many rounds as possible. If you go calling out to see who is there - you're likely to be dead before you get any response. If the guns not loaded or if it is not cocked or some safety switch is on - you're begging for trouble - because by the time you take care of that you're going to be the one that's lying in pool of blood. A guns not going to provide any safety at all - if it's not ready to use in an instant.
Or you could just forget that whole gun thing and do what I do and acquire a very gentle and loving enormous sized dog that looks to any outsider like a ferocious man eater.
Deep13
(39,157 posts)keep guns under sofa cushions and in various places in your house, cuz you never know. Hide them close to the floor and out of sight. Also, keep them in places a robber would not expect, like the children's bedrooms, the toy box, or under the kitchen table.
Soundman
(297 posts)Are you in ohio? Seems like I read about this in the news.
Anyway, home invaders seem to scout before they robot,so I have read. You could go down to the nearest novelty store and buy several posters/yard signs and dirty them up a bit so they don't look "new." You know, the kind that say don't worry about the dog worry about the owner, proud member of the NRA lives here, kill them all and let god sort them out, or whatever. I am sure you get the drift. Once they get the morons you can pitch the signs.
I am pretty sure you would be passed over if they cased your neighborhood and saw the signs.
Eleanors38
(18,318 posts)I would not do this.
When at home, have a firearm readily available. If you have children, follow additional safety recommendations. When not at home, lock up the firearm.
FarCenter
(19,429 posts)Police said Thomas Tefft, 67, and his wife were drinking coffee when they heard someone enter the back of the home. Officers said the woman heard a gunshot and called 911 around 6:30 a.m. Police said she had to lock herself in a room in fear for her safety.
“The suspect came in through the patio door,” said IMPD officer Michael Hewitt. “The wife of the victim grabbed her cell phone and ran into a back room, and she described hearing a pop and a scream.”
Read more: http://fox59.com/2013/03/15/police-continue-to-search-for-suspect-in-deadly-north-side-home-invasion
At least drop a broomstick into the patio door track so it can't be unlocked and slid open. That said, if they are willing to break out enough glass, they will be coming through. Of course, other doors and windows don't offer a lot more protection. You can cut a section out of a wall in a frame house in several minutes if you have the right tools.
Dash87
(3,220 posts)
PD Turk
(1,289 posts)911 response time is generally anywhere from 30-90 minutes depending on where the deputies happen to be at the time. I have a chain link fence with a gate I lock at night, motion sensing lights outside, an alarm, 2 large dogs and a finally a shotgun. If they get over the fence, then the motion lights don't scare them off, the alarm doesn't scare them off and they somehow manage to get past the dogs and down the hallway where our bedrooms are, there they will find me with the shotgun. That will be their last chance to turn around. The "red line" is outside my kid's bedroom door.... unless I have time to get them up, then we could retreat into the master bedroom.They come in there, then they'll get shot.
Shooting someone is the absolute last resort, not something I want to do and damn sure not something I want to have to live with. But neither would I want to have to live with harm coming to my family when there was something I could have done about it. I don't have any material posessions worth killing anybody over.... my family is another matter though, and that's as fair as I can be about it. If that makes me a "right wing gun nut", so be it.
MellowYellow
(35 posts)In third world countries where they don't trust the police will get there before the intruder hacks them to death with a machete, they put burglar bars over every window and door in their home. It's kind of like living in a prison but you probably won't need to go that far because a home invader can't possibly kill anyone in the short amount of time it takes the police to get there.
flvegan
(66,235 posts)Yep, that's right. You can have your alarm signs, your window stickers, your "this property protected by Smith & Wesson" signs. Me? I have a very, very protective Great Dane, and he shits like a boss. If you come to my fence, see a pile left behind by the big fella and still think that it would be a good idea to come get my tv? Congrats, crack is one helluva drug.
I have additional means. They involve guns, pit bulls and people best left not spoken about. Best left off the internet. Especially after a "my big dog craps like a dinosaur" response.
sarisataka
(22,631 posts)
bluedigger
(17,431 posts)"Random" home invasions rarely are. 
Mojorabbit
(16,020 posts)The demographic is not usually associated with drugs.
bluedigger
(17,431 posts)It's obvious that they are more likely to have prescription drugs in the house, and Florida has a higher proportion of elderly than most other states. Nothing random about it, unless the fox randomly targets the hen house.
Mojorabbit
(16,020 posts)Ilsa
(64,320 posts)but eventually you might consider having the sliding glass doors replaced by French doors or a different door system that is more secure. I have heard too many stories of break-ins where the door was lifted off the tracks.
If these criminals are are smashing glass doors, then they are pretty intent on entering. If you are comfortable using a gun, great. If not, have a plan for hiding or exiting yourself and your family, with the means to call police.
Good luck.
Matariki
(18,775 posts)Thanks in advance.
Cali_Democrat
(30,439 posts) Go Vols
(5,902 posts)newmember
(805 posts)but there were two home invasions in my small town like I said.
I didn't read the story my self but was told about at work last week.
I didn't think my post would cause such controversy and I would be questioned on my honesty.
I just asked a simple thing on how to make my home safer .
It was two men and only one woman involved not 3 men.
And the police have them in custody now. They smashed in the glass door to get in like I posted .
Maybe I got a few facts wrong because I was told about it in the break room during lunch time but it did happen.
The other invasion was 3 men but not related to the first. In my town again 2 have been caught and the other is still
being sought by police.
It's not bullshit and if a DU staff administrator wants a link to the story I will send it.
I would rather not have the location of my town if a staff administrator requests a link.
thank you
curlyred
(1,879 posts)I call bullshit.
Vinnie From Indy
(10,820 posts)Nesting if possible.
Cheers!
bluedigger
(17,431 posts)Moats! 
Skip Intro
(19,768 posts)After jury deadlocks in DuPage home invasion case, lawyer seeks ...
Chicago Tribune-3 hours ago
DuPage County prosecutors plan to retry Ramirez on the original home invasion charges, spokesman Paul Darrah said Monday. Pissetzky said ...
Rockford man arrested for home invasion after foot chase
Rockford Register Star-2 hours ago
ROCKFORD - Police have arrested one man but still are looking for two others in connection to a Monday morning home invasion on Seventh ...
Hamden Police Apprehend Home Invasion Suspects
Hartford Courant-11 hours ago
Police arrested two suspects in a robbery at an apartment at Sutton Towers early Sunday. Police say the 52-year-old male victim invited David ...
3 Arrested in NE Columbus Home Invasion
ABC6OnYourSide.com-7 hours ago
The man was apprehended while hiding under a porch at a home on the 900 block of E. Cooke Road after a search that lasted approximately 2 ...
3 In Custody After Home Invasion, Chase
10TV-7 hours ago
Detectives said that the chase started out of a home invasion and robbery in the 5600 of Beechcroft Road. They said a woman was home with ...
Man Killed in Apparent Home Invasion Stabbing
NBC4 Washington-5 hours ago
Man Killed in Apparent Home Invasion Stabbing ... A woman found the victim in his home in the 3800 block of Regency Park Court in Suitland ...
Buncombe Co. Home Invasion Stopped
WLOS-7 hours ago
Neighbors hear a gunshot next door and run to help break up a home invasion. It happened around 10 p.m. Sunday at a mobile home park on ...
KSDK
Uniformed Man Ties Up Elderly Woman in Ellisville Home Invasion
KMOX.com-9 hours ago
ELLISVILLE, Mo. (KMOX) — Police in Ellisville are warning residents to not automatically trust a stranger in uniform after a bold home invasion ...
grahamhgreen
(15,741 posts)newmember
(805 posts)thanks
grahamhgreen
(15,741 posts)Here's a link:
www.foxlabs.com/pepperspray.shtml
No, I don't work for them.
Get the cone or fog nozzle. The reason I like it is cause you won't kill anyone and wind up in jail for the rest of your life or worse.
Also, if someone bust in, you can spray first and ask questions later. Whereas you might be hesitant to shoot them (I would be!).One can will take out 20 people! Be sure to get some of the decontaminate wipes, too.
flamingdem
(40,877 posts)You just have to have the time to get in there -- which might be available unless they are very blatant.
Something bullet proof too I guess. Even a trunk of some sort could work.
ManiacJoe
(10,138 posts)#1: What have to done to detect the attempted entry and to slow down the entry?
#2: What do you have to defend yourself with after entry has been made?
Unfortunately for both camps, far too many folks only want to deal with half of the problem.
newmember
(805 posts)
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,198 posts)http://www.nnwi.org/
http://www.ncpc.org/cms-upload/ncpc/File/chklist.pdf
Just Google "how to start a neighborhood watch group" for more information.
grahamhgreen
(15,741 posts)
Old and In the Way
(37,540 posts)Should be available on the black market. Set-up a fortified bunker 15 ft from the front door. Should stop any potential invaders. be sure you have adequate firepower to prevent flanking maneuvers.
ManiacJoe
(10,138 posts)
Old and In the Way
(37,540 posts)I'd buy volume - minimum 2500 rounds.
Lizzie Poppet
(10,164 posts)Most ammunition has been incredibly difficult to find since the latest round of attempts to enact more gun control regulations. There is some 7.62x51 around, but not a lot, and it's very expensive. I expect that to change in a month or two, though, as the panic buying abates and manufacturers get caught up.
sarisataka
(22,631 posts)An M-60 is running about $10k, 1000 links $100, 2500 rounds $4200, plus taxes fees and registration. The BG check to get class 3 doesn't go quickly
or
MLB quality maple Louisville Slugger $119, no check- cash over the counter
Old and In the Way
(37,540 posts)One hell of an insurance policy, though.
sarisataka
(22,631 posts)OTH I don't think everything in my house combined is worth that much so the thieves would probably go for the pig
Go Vols
(5,902 posts)would prolly cut down on ammo replenishment.
gateley
(62,683 posts)Apophis
(1,407 posts)an RPG, grenades, and a few claymores.
No one will break into your house then.
Walk away
(9,494 posts)Noise, lights, dogs and people are the way to go. Sitting on you couch with your AK15, ready to shoot, sounds like a miserable way to live.
Pale Blue Dot
(16,834 posts)Hmmm... I think it must be a test that's not being passed.
Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)Response to newmember (Original post)
Name removed Message auto-removed
Capt. Obvious
(9,002 posts)A: More guns.
Q: Doesn't matter the question.
piratefish08
(3,133 posts)nothing else will work.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)Leave a light on inside and make sure someone is picking up your newspaper/mail. Add a motion detection light. Thieves do not like things that will get them noticed.
Very few things can stop the completely stupid from trying to get your shit. Thankfully it doesn't happen often. If they are doing this while people are home then it is about more than stealing. It is about power. The theft is just a perk and excuse.
Dog is probably one of the best answers.
Rise Rebel Resist
(88 posts)Tommy_Carcetti
(44,491 posts)I'm not going to let stories of what might happened based on other places force me into doing something I'm not comfortable with, i.e. buying a gun.
Hypothetically, if there had several violent home invasions in my immediate neighborhood by different perpetrators, I might--might--consider getting a gun for home protection purposes only. However, I'd still feel very uncomfortable with it in my own home.
And since that situation has yet to present itself to me and I highly doubt that it will (we live in a very safe neighborhood) I'm not going to even bother entertaining such a proposition.
agentS
(1,325 posts)The more 'stuff' you have in the 'way' of an 'invader', the more time you have to notice an 'attack' and react to it in some fashion (ie. calling the police, getting a gun/weapon ready, or hiding in a bathroom/closet.
Having a gun wouldn't have helped the people who got robbed in the OP's post, unless they had it in their hands at the moment the door opened. Having a loaded weapon on you at all times is a recipe for disaster, and robbers are certainly not going to wait for you to run to your gun locker, unlock your gun, load your gun, clear any jams, check the sights, and run back to the living room for the eventual standoff.
A high fence and some security company stickers may be a good deterrent. Dogs and motion sensor lights would help as well. Noisy creaky staircases are useful detectors as well. Deadbolts will slow an attacker down, or at least choose a noisier means of egress. Interior deadbolts will buy you time to shimmy out a window or call the police or arm yourself with a weapon. A hidden wall safe or other hideaway will keep your most important documents out of their hands, unless they're tipped off to the location of the safe or your computer passwords- in which case you're up against pros or spies and you might want to consider more, shall we say robust means of personal security, depending on the expected threat level and the value of your guarded material. In other words, booby traps, off-site storage, escape tunnels, and self-destruct devices.
The key here is to
1) make the robbers think twice before considering robbing you. If they think it will be too difficult, they won't attack, unless you have something THEY really want or you ARE what they want- in which case they're not robbers but assassins or hate-mongers. Dealing with those guys is different than dealing with robbers.
2) Make the robbers work hard to get in. If you can do things to your properly to make unannounced entry difficult, then they won't be able to breach your house without you noticing. That's your ultimate goal- buying yourself time to scare them off, to escape, or to engage the enemy.
3) make the robbers unable to harm you, either thru hiding or using weapons. The weapons don't have to be guns, but keep in mind they dynamics of your house and your neighborhood (and what your ultimate goal here is). An AR-15 is a pretty lightweight weapon, but its long barrel will be disadvantageous in a hallway battle. A shotgun is pretty good, but you run into recoil issues and if you miss your wall repair bill will be higher. Swords and such can be effective, as household battles tend to be close range affairs but you'd better get a good quality one or it will break before you even hit your opponent. LENGTH is also an issue- a bat or sword will be limited by hallway 'airspace', limiting your ability to swing. Unarmed methods of combat will certainly surprise them but without experience you'll wind up being beaten up, or too winded to run- dependent on age or physical condition. There are other, smaller weapons to consider like pepper spray, mace (these can be a bit rough on the nose in close quarters though), tasers, meteor hammers (if you choose to engage the battle in a spacious front yard or have a good pitching arm), or ton Fas/nun chucks. Keep guns/non gun weapons out of the reach of kids, of course.
4) make the police aware that you are under attack. If the home invaders hear you shout out "I've called the cops!" they may bolt rather than find out you've actually called them or not- unless they're pros and know the local expected police response time, in which case fall back to step 3 and prepare for a dangerous battle.
One thing to consider if you think about purchasing a firearm.
http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/best-gun-for-home-defense/
Gun buyers should be looking for a firearm and ammunition combination offering an optimum level of stopping power. Overpowered guns produce excessive amounts of recoil, noise and muzzle flash that can leave the home defender deaf, blind and pointed in the wrong direction. More importantly, hot rounds are more likely to pass through the intended target, travel through thin wall or window materials and keep on going to cause unintended damage to others. At the other end of the spectrum, underpowered guns will not stop the threat effectively.
Guns are loud, mmkay. That's why I am not in favor of a gun for the only means of self-defense in a robbery. Imagine if the other guys have guns- it's a mess on your senses.
The writer of the article above discounts the .22, but any gun, even a snub nose .22 revolver, will scare off most robbers, unless they're armed themselves or crazy- in which case your calculus changes and you have a different playbook to draw from.
nolabear
(43,850 posts)What I protect myself from is constant fear. Home invasions are rare, rare, rare. RARE. I'm more likely to have a heart attack or get cancer or have a stroke. How do you protect yourself from those?
Personally, I like having a dog, but admittedly if the entire population goes batshit crazy and starts busting down doors by the millions a dog won't be much of a deterrent. Meanwhile, I don't have or want a gun and I'm perfectly comfortable.
You're peddling fear, arncha?
On edit: I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you're just asking. So rather than edit out the fear peddling accusation I'll just retract it. But the rest stands. If you're scared, you should do some of the suggested things, but this is NOT a common occurrence and I'd take a few steps to be reasonably safe and then trust in the generally benign nature of human beings. Considering how damn many of us there are, we don't invade homes all that much unless we're in a war, and that's mostly us doing it to them.
Kolesar
(31,182 posts)
ColesCountyDem
(6,944 posts)I live 8 miles from the nearest town, in an unincorporated area of my county, so what I do is NOT a blanket recommendation about what everyone should do. That said, here's what I do:
1.) I keep my property well lighted. I have sodium-vapor lights in my front and back yards, alongside my driveway, by my garage and by my barn. Burglars HATE well-lighted homes.
2.) I keep my doors and windows locked. Both doors are metal-clad, solid-core doors with keyed 2 3/8" deadbolts extending into steel jambs.
3.) My ornamental boxwoods are trimmed short enough to prevent anyone from using them for concealment, and I keep them that way.
4.) I have a basset hound who can hear a cricket fart at 500 yards, and who will bark LOUDLY at any 'strange' noise. Burglars HATE noisy dogs.
5.) Here's the controversial one: I have 2 loaded .12-gauge shotguns, a loaded Colt Python .357 and know how to use all of them. Again, this is RURAL, 'rural Illinois', and even if I dial 9-1-1 immediately, it is quite likely that the Sheriff's Office won't be able to respond in less than 10-15 minutes, even if the deputy drives like a bat out of hell. Until he/she gets here, I'm on my own.
Pelican
(1,156 posts)... an aware and offensive attitude.
deathrind
(1,786 posts)Outside the house.
1. ADT signs / stickers on windows. Best if u actually have an alarm but if not make them think u do.
2. Security bars.
3. Security lights. Motion activated
4. Cameras.
Inside the house.
1. Pepper Spary
2. Audio Door/Window alarms.
3. Dog
4. Baseball bat. Aluminum...
4. Firearm...
datasuspect
(26,591 posts)get a butterknife
hide
hope the cops get there before the intruders find you.
maybe wet ur pants a little.
kiranon
(1,738 posts)got much to take or its already damaged and kids up the ante for home invasions - never know what they will do and crime against kids does not set well with the police, public or the jury/judge. And, get a dog.
Rex
(65,616 posts) Kewl story bro! 
ileus
(15,396 posts)If those fail the 45, mossy, and AR.
stay safe.
rdking647
(5,113 posts)you will know they are fake but the home invaders will think they are being filmed and go someplace else
jpak
(41,780 posts)Oh wait....
Kalidurga
(14,177 posts)I don't know if Life Alert has a call the police option. But, there are other companies that do.
rdharma
(6,057 posts)It usually discourages "home invaders".
Remember: Front toward enemy
bowens43
(16,064 posts)Iggo
(49,909 posts)Plus, even though I'm basically harmless, I look like I'll fucking kill you.
Samantha
(9,314 posts)Do you have a dog? That is the number 1 thing security people recommend. Do you have something you could grab quickly and spray on an intruder? I only have these weak suggestions but I am passing them on.
Sam
PS I have two motion detector lights, one on the driveway that spots people walking up and one in the back that lights up on the side door. I love these things -- until of course a squirrel or some small animal sets them off in the middle of the night.
newmember
(805 posts)justanidea
(291 posts)Strong doors with deadbolts.
Shatterproof glass on sliding doors.
Motion lights.
Alarm.
A security camera (or even a realistic dummy one as a deterrent)
Gun (If all of the above fails)
Bigger gun (If previous gun fails)
newmember
(805 posts)I think the pepper spray I purchased today will stop an attacker allowing me time to get away.
eqfan592
(5,963 posts)....it would not be my first choice. Firearms training is readily available in most areas of the country, and they make an excellent last line of defense.
newmember
(805 posts)They have asked me before to go shooting.
My concern is that from what I have read here by many gun owners is you
have to keep up with it , firing regularly to stay proficient with the firearm.
I don't think that's something I would do. Plus I would rather not have to take a life.
The spray Ii bought is the same stuff used by policemen.
kestrel91316
(51,666 posts)....so when your home is robbed, they won't go away empty handed.
arely staircase
(12,482 posts)a good pump-action shotgun with some bird shot will stop them in their tracks without killing people through the wall. a dog is good (German Shepherds are awesome for this). Minus those better door locks are your best bet, though it looks like you have done that.
haele
(15,370 posts)I live in the hood, home invasion central, and that's the usual way of things. Home invaders are after something they know is there, or are doing it to intimidate someone in the household or someone who knows the house.
If this is a real post, be very careful about the guy you call for an estimate on your indoor lighting. One of my co-workers was burglarized by the son of the guy who owned the company that did their garage remodel.
Haele
bluestate10
(10,942 posts)One good enhancement would be to have the theme sound for Star Wars kick up and start playing when a motion sensor detects motion.
newmember
(805 posts)I went and bought this today and put one in the hall closet .
Installed one of the deadbolts and will install the other one next week.
I also called ADT and set up an appointment with a security specialist to determine the best alarm system
for my home.
Thanks again
olddots
(10,237 posts)It's a methane atmosphere but we can have our own nukes.
Chisox08
(1,898 posts)I have three dogs, one of them would be useless in a break in. I have a Pit Bull Mastiff mix Bones, don't blame me for the name he is a rescue dog and came with the name, who would make a snack out of a would be burglar. Then there is my Husky Lolly who is the friendliest dog on the planet but she can get defensive.
Also my alarm system has two modes according to which one you trip a silent and a loud alarm both of which alerts the police. The police shows up in 2 to 3 min.
Then there is me with an assortment of knives, baseball bats and a sword. No need for a gun.