General Discussion

AndyA

(16,993 posts)

5. Buy guns, naturally. LOTS of them.

Mon Apr 29, 2013, 08:11 PM

Apr 2013

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.

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Two home invasions in one week in my town, how do you protect your self ? [View all] newmember Apr 2013 OP

hide under the bed and wait for direction from the NRA, newmember!!! Skittles Apr 2013 #1

I'm still waiting to find out how it went at the gun range! Rex Apr 2013 #215

not NOW, Rex!!! Skittles Apr 2013 #222

Get a dog. Demit Apr 2013 #2

That was my first thought etherealtruth Apr 2013 #49

Our first golden sounded like Kujo... cyberswede Apr 2013 #244

+1 grahamhgreen Apr 2013 #211

Dogs only work if you train them for defense. Xithras Apr 2013 #216

We're talking about deterrence. Demit Apr 2013 #219

you have obviously never owned a dog. jazzimov May 2013 #254

Big Dog with a loud bark. nessa Apr 2013 #3

best advice ever.... mike_c Apr 2013 #6

THIS!!!! ^^^^ Phillip McCleod Apr 2013 #25

Dogs get shot wercal Apr 2013 #92

correction.. dogs *might* get shot. Phillip McCleod Apr 2013 #93

Since the subject of the OP is home invasions sylvi Apr 2013 #117

+1 wercal Apr 2013 #191

I don't know what the fuck you are talking about.... wercal Apr 2013 #190

Post removed Post removed Apr 2013 #197

Post removed Post removed Apr 2013 #214

It's possible, but I think they look for the easiest targets... nessa Apr 2013 #94

When a home invader hears a dog jazzimov May 2013 #255

My girlfreinds sweet little spoiled female black lab turns out to be a demon brewens Apr 2013 #105

exactly it.. Phillip McCleod Apr 2013 #108

A gang of ARMED thugs, mind you lolly May 2013 #245

Even a little dog that yaps and yaps. RebelOne Apr 2013 #32

Great Stuff, LOL!...Gave me my first laugh of the evening! n/t whathehell Apr 2013 #53

Can I hire you to make up a life for me???? Walk away Apr 2013 #106

I'm not the clever writer. It's been floating around the net for a while. :) nt. nessa Apr 2013 #109

LMAO!! Cali_Democrat Apr 2013 #131

Tape recording of vicious dog, motion-activated, etc. Hekate Apr 2013 #135

A number of years ago, I was interviewing a professional thief. Jackpine Radical Apr 2013 #185

Interesting jazzimov May 2013 #256

Brilliant! I might do that just for fun! And solicitors. nolabear Apr 2013 #194

Now this is funny... agracie May 2013 #252

Nothing worth stealing here. LiberalEsto Apr 2013 #4

Our former handyman rather gently pointed out to me that our cars pretty much make that statement Hekate Apr 2013 #140

Buy guns, naturally. LOTS of them. AndyA Apr 2013 #5

I love when gunners post threads like this. It's like a slow pitch right up the middle for the other Electric Monk Apr 2013 #81

NAMGLA members RetroLounge Apr 2013 #241

an EMT/Fireman friend of mine told me to get some Hornet and Wasp spray. VanillaRhapsody Apr 2013 #129

That sounds like a good idea! AndyA Apr 2013 #171

Yes Brewinblue Apr 2013 #231

If you can afford it, an alarm system nadinbrzezinski Apr 2013 #7

I guess I can , ADT isn't that much a month newmember Apr 2013 #14

$30 ish otohara Apr 2013 #235

In the middle of the day, both homes occupied? Ikonoklast Apr 2013 #8

No' I said only one was during the day newmember Apr 2013 #10

What town is this, again? Ikonoklast Apr 2013 #13

I would rather not say where I live newmember Apr 2013 #19

Yeah, me too. Ikonoklast Apr 2013 #21

"newmember" with a low post count Autumn Colors Apr 2013 #69

Interestingly, a google search Squinch Apr 2013 #83

Heres another similar situation in Feb. Go Vols Apr 2013 #134

Not defending pipi_k Apr 2013 #180

Our neighborhood has had several home invasions zeeland Apr 2013 #221

This just happened in my town last week RockaFowler Apr 2013 #182

A few months ago, a neighbor of mine pintobean Apr 2013 #16

Stay poor. Coyotl Apr 2013 #9

Seriously they aren't going to know that until AFTER they have gotten in and find nothing of value. Raine Apr 2013 #61

I doubt it. Thieves don't invade homes unless they are sure they will get a lot of loot. Coyotl Apr 2013 #110

Not here Mojorabbit Apr 2013 #155

I leave my doors open here. Coyotl Apr 2013 #158

It used to be that way here not twenty years ago. Sad. nt Mojorabbit Apr 2013 #161

Just started locking my doors zeeland Apr 2013 #218

Not always true... pipi_k Apr 2013 #184

Don't be so sure. Home invasion implies two or more thugs... Eleanors38 Apr 2013 #186

That's the typical situation in the rare event of home invasions hedgehog Apr 2013 #206

Poor people get burglarized more than rich people do. nt geek tragedy Apr 2013 #199

This! ^^^^^^^ hedgehog Apr 2013 #207

Ha ha, I kind of have that look for my house. hollysmom May 2013 #258

When I travel with lots of valuables in the back of my van Coyotl May 2013 #259

Get a Home Security Alarm System..and Vett the folks you buy it from... KoKo Apr 2013 #11

I know that you are being facetious, but on other forums people would be nodding their heads Ikonoklast Apr 2013 #20

Yes...I took the posters question with grain of salt...but, if he was truly concerned KoKo Apr 2013 #34

You forgot to mention...never accept a package from the ACME Slowcooker Co. Walk away Apr 2013 #112

Good point Hekate Apr 2013 #142

Are they robbing the homes? redwitch Apr 2013 #12

Because not alot of people use cash anymore wercal Apr 2013 #24

That is awful. redwitch Apr 2013 #35

Yes. Yo_Mama Apr 2013 #45

Would they believe that I don't have an ATM card? femmocrat Apr 2013 #56

In one very sad case close by Yo_Mama Apr 2013 #70

No I don't think they would believe you... wercal Apr 2013 #89

Well, I don't think of myself as 'older', not yet anyway, Ednahilda Apr 2013 #124

Welcome to DU, Ednahilda! femmocrat Apr 2013 #170

Yes very dangerous people wercal Apr 2013 #87

How would they know if I gave them the right pin unless I also have an atm in my house? uppityperson Apr 2013 #102

That's why there is a group of people Lurker Deluxe Apr 2013 #174

OK, that makes sense, thanks. uppityperson Apr 2013 #198

good info nt flamingdem Apr 2013 #147

Only hit for this story is this thread Capt. Obvious Apr 2013 #176

Giggity giggity Google pintobean Apr 2013 #181

I'll try and find the study about what motivates home invasion of occupied dwellings... Eleanors38 Apr 2013 #188

What town? How big is it? If a town of 20 people lot different than a million. uppityperson Apr 2013 #15

It's around 16,000 newmember Apr 2013 #27

What town? XRubicon Apr 2013 #43

does it matter???????? Niceguy1 Apr 2013 #55

It smells like feet in here XRubicon Apr 2013 #58

it has happened Niceguy1 Apr 2013 #71

Do feet also smell like bullshit? Jeff In Milwaukee Apr 2013 #101

LOL! bluedigger Apr 2013 #120

If the person doesn't want to be suspected as an NRA troll, it does... (nt) Autumn Colors Apr 2013 #72

I wish there was a "like" on here rightsideout Apr 2013 #84

I don't know what town the OP is from but I can tell you .... etherealtruth Apr 2013 #57

Call 911 ..... oldhippie Apr 2013 #17

The people in the homes didn't have time newmember Apr 2013 #40

They come...but, not very quickly onpatrol98 Apr 2013 #113

bazooka spanone Apr 2013 #18

Well...we don't have "Ground Hogs" where we Live...but, I'd trust my Squirrels KoKo Apr 2013 #37

I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It�s the only way to be sure. neverforget Apr 2013 #47

Try a search on "protecting your home from invasion". DreamGypsy Apr 2013 #22

Could you post a couple links to your local news XRubicon Apr 2013 #23

Why? Are you willing to post your address and phone number too maybe? The OP is asking for advice auntAgonist Apr 2013 #183

You are off to a good start sarisataka Apr 2013 #26

Thanks newmember Apr 2013 #59

I would add Newest Reality Apr 2013 #107

Or you can have real ones defacto7 Apr 2013 #166

wrong place ManiacJoe Apr 2013 #149

With my f16 alcibiades_mystery Apr 2013 #28

Candy Ass Jeff In Milwaukee Apr 2013 #103

Dogs. elleng Apr 2013 #29

A home security alarm mercuryblues Apr 2013 #30

Alarm system with an audible siren might scare them off. Yo_Mama Apr 2013 #31

What source are you relying on? nt Deep13 Apr 2013 #33

We don't have a local paper per se newmember Apr 2013 #50

Name the newspaper XRubicon Apr 2013 #54

Who cares? sarisataka Apr 2013 #62

Once upon a time there was a gun nut and a bunch of socks... XRubicon Apr 2013 #63

stop being an... ProdigalJunkMail Apr 2013 #66

Ah... sarisataka Apr 2013 #68

Because OP is looking for SPECIFIC kinds of posts, not advice Autumn Colors Apr 2013 #76

Fine, name that paper Autumn Colors Apr 2013 #74

It doesn't matter to me if you don't believe it newmember Apr 2013 #82

Really? Then why this? Ikonoklast Apr 2013 #126

No I don't like them , I'm not saying I'm afraid of them just never had an interest in them. newmember Apr 2013 #145

That's almost as believable as your username. nt Electric Monk Apr 2013 #151

Why don't you just back off pintobean Apr 2013 #85

Why? Jeff In Milwaukee Apr 2013 #104

It doesn't really matter pintobean Apr 2013 #114

First of all, it doesn't happen every day Jeff In Milwaukee Apr 2013 #119

Then, why did you bother to reply to me? pintobean Apr 2013 #122

St. Louis & Milwaukee aren't towns of 16,000 Autumn Colors Apr 2013 #121

There is no paper. Poster heard about this at work. curlyred Apr 2013 #225

So, just making stuff up then. Gotcha. Deep13 Apr 2013 #90

I am a fan of having several cans of Sherman A1 Apr 2013 #36

Good Though...Sheesh...why didn't I think about that. Just whip out the SPRAY KoKo Apr 2013 #46

I like threads like these, Sherman A1 Apr 2013 #167

Three guys broke into my friend's house, tied him up, shot him in head, burned down house The Straight Story Apr 2013 #38

NRA talking point JohnnyBoots Apr 2013 #60

That's terrible newmember Apr 2013 #64

should he have been "strapped" 24/7? Even in the shower? VanillaRhapsody Apr 2013 #133

Naw, but if he had something to help it would have been nice. Some links: The Straight Story Apr 2013 #137

I have been the victim of a violent crime... VanillaRhapsody Apr 2013 #153

did common sense die? sodom Apr 2013 #234

wrong post Rex Apr 2013 #212

Simple. East Coast Pirate Apr 2013 #39

When it gets like this I sleep close to my souvenir. Baitball Blogger Apr 2013 #41

ever hear the one about the guy who gets mugged in an alley? Phillip McCleod Apr 2013 #42

What's your address? JohnnyBoots Apr 2013 #44

Wear a backpack nuke 24/7. Nothing else will do you any damn good. onehandle Apr 2013 #48

Post removed Post removed May 2013 #249

I have an alarm system and four cameras surrounding the house. nt Raine Apr 2013 #51

Deadbolts are good. Warpy Apr 2013 #52

Links? curlyred Apr 2013 #65

What do I do? Pretty much nothing. MrSlayer Apr 2013 #67

Sadie Mae and Nakita. 99Forever Apr 2013 #73

wow they are beautiful newmember Apr 2013 #78

I understand, they do require attention. 99Forever Apr 2013 #79

I have a sliding glass door :( ecstatic Apr 2013 #75

Smashed a sliding glass door window? SomethingFishy Apr 2013 #77

Not everybody has neighbors. Boudica the Lyoness Apr 2013 #243

According to the Vice-President Crepuscular Apr 2013 #80

don't be involved with drugs, for starters. get together with likeminded neighbors, for seconds. HiPointDem Apr 2013 #86

Get a dog Carolina Apr 2013 #88

This message was self-deleted by its author devilgrrl Apr 2013 #91

That is a great idea! femmocrat Apr 2013 #97

I don't open my door to anyone I don't know TexasBushwhacker Apr 2013 #95

A German Shepherd would be my first suggestion, then... ms liberty Apr 2013 #96

Tibetan Sheepdog (Mastif) 4Q2u2 Apr 2013 #204

keep a loaded pistol on your person or under your pillow at all times. Make sure it is loaded, Douglas Carpenter Apr 2013 #98

right. exactly Deep13 Apr 2013 #100

This story sounds familiar, Soundman Apr 2013 #99

Advertising you have guns (even as ruse) may attract home invaders... Eleanors38 Apr 2013 #196

Police are essentially useless in countering home invasions FarCenter Apr 2013 #111

My pet man-eating venus flytrap keeps my house safe. Dash87 Apr 2013 #115

I live in the country PD Turk Apr 2013 #116

Call 911 and then go tell the intruder you did so. They'll be scared and run away. MellowYellow Apr 2013 #118

My big dog craps like a dinosaur. flvegan Apr 2013 #123

That would make a robber think twice sarisataka Apr 2013 #127

Don't associate with known narcotics users or traffic in them. bluedigger Apr 2013 #125

Elderly being targeted here in central fl. Mojorabbit Apr 2013 #239

How do they randomly target elderly? bluedigger Apr 2013 #240

My guess is that they are more vulnerable and less able to put up any defense. nt Mojorabbit Apr 2013 #242

You may not be able to do this yet, Ilsa Apr 2013 #128

Why don't you post links to your local newspaper's account of these crimes? Matariki Apr 2013 #130

Because it's likely a fictitious story designed to try and justify gun nutterism Cali_Democrat Apr 2013 #132

It may be fictitious Go Vols Apr 2013 #138

It's not fictitious I did a search on the story and I might have gotten few facts wrong newmember Apr 2013 #141

So you can't post a link because you only heard about it at work curlyred Apr 2013 #224

Swans Vinnie From Indy Apr 2013 #136

You know what goes with swans? bluedigger Apr 2013 #139

Here's a link. Why do so many DUers want to prentend this doesn't exist? Skip Intro Apr 2013 #143

Fox brand pepper spray - cop size can. grahamhgreen Apr 2013 #144

Can that be mail ordered? newmember Apr 2013 #146

Yes, depending on state.... grahamhgreen Apr 2013 #209

How about a closet you can lock from within w/a phone? flamingdem Apr 2013 #148

These situations require answering two questions. ManiacJoe Apr 2013 #150

The pepper spray suggestion sounds like a pretty good idea newmember Apr 2013 #154

Talk with your neighbors and start a Neighborhood Watch Lady Freedom Returns Apr 2013 #152

+1 grahamhgreen Apr 2013 #210

M-60 Machine Gun Old and In the Way Apr 2013 #156

Have you checked ammo prices lately? ManiacJoe Apr 2013 #157

7.62mm should be readily available on the open market. Old and In the Way Apr 2013 #159

Not so much...but it will be again soon. Lizzie Poppet Apr 2013 #179

No need to go to the black market sarisataka Apr 2013 #163

$!0K - really? I had no idea. Old and In the Way Apr 2013 #164

Quite amazing what you can find on the internet sarisataka Apr 2013 #200

The fortified bunker Go Vols Apr 2013 #160

LOUD alarms? gateley Apr 2013 #162

The only way to protect yourself in this situation is by using Apophis Apr 2013 #165

Of course deterrents are the only sensible way to deal with this. Walk away Apr 2013 #168

What's that smell? Pale Blue Dot Apr 2013 #169

I agree with the others... get a dog. Marrah_G Apr 2013 #172

Post removed Post removed Apr 2013 #173

Did you ask the NRA? Capt. Obvious Apr 2013 #175

guns guns guns.... the more you have the safer you will be. 3 or 4 in each room is a good start. piratefish08 Apr 2013 #177

If you go out of town.... NCTraveler Apr 2013 #178

curtains open and walk about naked Rise Rebel Resist Apr 2013 #187

I'm perfectly fine with nothing other thana 34 inch Easton Bat under my bed. Tommy_Carcetti Apr 2013 #189

Layers of protection agentS Apr 2013 #192

What's the population in your town? How many car wrecks? How many divorces? How many ER visits? nolabear Apr 2013 #193

A thief stealing one's credit card information is *way* more likely ... eom Kolesar Apr 2013 #201

I live in RURAL, 'rural Illinois', so.... ColesCountyDem Apr 2013 #195

Shotgun for each floor of your home, dogs, good bolts and above all... Pelican Apr 2013 #202

Some Ideas. deathrind Apr 2013 #203

call 911 datasuspect Apr 2013 #205

Leave a few children's toys in the yard. People with kids haven't kiranon Apr 2013 #208

So how was it at the gun range? Rex Apr 2013 #213

Cameras, dogs...locked doors and windows. ileus Apr 2013 #217

get a couple of fake security cameras. rdking647 Apr 2013 #220

Buy a troll jpak Apr 2013 #223

Get a Life Alert or something like that. Kalidurga Apr 2013 #226

I prefer claymores! rdharma Apr 2013 #227

A big dog bowens43 Apr 2013 #228

Locks. Cops. Friendly neighbors. Iggo Apr 2013 #229

Are they motion detector lights? Samantha Apr 2013 #230

Thanks ,yes I 'm installing motion detector lights in the front yard and also the back. newmember May 2013 #253

As said above, layers of protection. justanidea Apr 2013 #232

There has been a lot of suggestions to buy a gun but I don't have any experience with firearms newmember May 2013 #248

The pepper spray might work, but in a closed environment like a house.... eqfan592 May 2013 #250

I have friends that shoot regularly so that's not the issue really newmember May 2013 #251

Buy LOTS of guns and ammo.......... kestrel91316 Apr 2013 #233

if you buy a gun, you don't need a paramilitary weapon arely staircase Apr 2013 #236

9 times out of 10, the home invaders knew the victim. Either through kids or as a worker. haele Apr 2013 #237

Motion sensors are easy to install. Find a techie and have that person add enhancements. bluestate10 Apr 2013 #238

Thanks for all the suggestions newmember May 2013 #246

Muffy and I moved to Zimdar olddots May 2013 #247

A big scary dog and an alarm system Chisox08 May 2013 #257