Two home invasions in one week in my town, how do you protect your self ?

[onpatrol98]

113. They come...but, not very quickly

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.