House Robbers

[Zamboni]

The best thing to do is just not care too much about "stuff." 

After growing up in a house with large "guard dogs" who might get spooked and bite a small visiting child and a parent who keeps a loaded .38 in the nightstand (and also on the passenger seat in the car), I made a conscious decision that I just don't want to be that paranoid.  Hilariously, we had nothing to steal.  I can say that if someone (anyone) surprises my elderly mom, then they will be riddled with holes. 

For me the trauma of having my house ransacked or damaged would be more than any concern I had over what was taken.

I have no desire to blow someone away unless they intend to physically harm me or my family.  If they are just popping by when I'm at work to steal the DVD's I picked up a goodwill, then heck they can have those.  They'd profit more by stealing the beer and wine anyway. 

[phred]

if you do have guns in the house, and word spreads that you do have them, then your house becomes a more likely break in target for when you're not at home.

for those with sliding glass doors.  most don't suffer broken glass; it it easier to either lift them up off the tracks, or break the usual chintzy lock.  With the door open, drill some holes in the upper track and screw in some sheet metal screws.  Let the screws hang down just enough so the door just slides; this should take care of door-lift.

Next, get some quarter round, or even a small in cross-section solid metal rod, and lay it down in the track.  This will prevent the door from sliding open even when unlocked

[Hedge_87]

I have no desire to blow someone away unless they intend to physically harm me or my family.  If they are just popping by when I'm at work to steal the DVD's I picked up a goodwill, then heck they can have those.  They'd profit more by stealing the beer and wine anyway.

I agree with that. stuff can be replaced. defending my stuff is not really my concern.

[Primm]

I have no desire to blow someone away unless they intend to physically harm me or my family.  If they are just popping by when I'm at work to steal the DVD's I picked up a goodwill, then heck they can have those.  They'd profit more by stealing the beer and wine anyway.

I agree with that. stuff can be replaced. defending my stuff is not really my concern.

This. I'm insured enough to replace everything of money value, and nobody would be interested in stealing anything of sentimental value.

My parents used to live in a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. It had really elaborate stained glass windows and doors. Mum used to leave the doors unlocked, her reasoning being that if someone wanted to break in badly enough they'd smash the glass to get in. Anything inside the house was replaceable, but the 150 year old stained glass was a different story. I'm not sure the insurance company would have agreed, so it's probably a good thing her theory was never tested.