Protecting yourself from crime

[greaper007]

When I was in high school, a guy offered me a ride home. I was bullied on the bus, so I took him up on the offer. He then offered another day to do the same. This time he made a stop at some apartments by our school and picked up a creepy looking guy, who I'm pretty sure was on drugs. He showed the guy the directions to my house, and I saw the creep give the driver $. Within a week my house was robbed during the day when I was at school. My neighbor across the road saw them, and went over to stop them. One of the guys aimed a gun at my neighbor, and my neighbor shot him and killed him. Later, the sister of the deceased came to my house and talked with my parents about her bro, and she wanted to see the place he had died (which was right outside my bedroom window). We learned he was in a gang... I would have stayed home sick that day, but had to do a big presentation, so I couldn't miss school. I am glad my neighbor didn't get hurt. This situation was really hard on me because of being targeted, almost being home when it happened, and the guy got shot when he was halfway in my room (climbing out from my bed).

So are you in meth-land or the inner city?   Do you guys own your place, or do you rent?   Could you move slightly further away to a safer suburb and still be close to your family to see them a few times a week?

Karate, guns and dogs aside.    It seems strange to me that you're continuing to live in an unsafe area if you're not comfortable with the location.    What's REALLY keeping you there?

[Daleth]

Also, +1 on all the advice above but wanted to reiterate DoubleDowns comment on hurting someone's feelings.  I think a lot of people get into bad situations over this.  If you're going to get on an elevator but when the doors open the people on it make you feel unsafe, then just don't get on the elevator.  'But I don't want to be rude'.  F that, keep yourself feeling safe.  They'll get over it.  You have no obligation to others to make yourself uncomfortable (or worse).

Or as Gavin De Becker put it (I'm paraphrasing from memory), "What makes more sense: waiting for the next elevator even though you think it might be awkward or might hurt the feelings of the people in this elevator that makes you nervous? Or walking into a soundproof steel box that contains strangers who make you nervous?"

Another way to think about it (and I think at some point he made this comparison too) is, what would a dog do? Dogs have good instincts. Would a dog get into an elevator with strangers who made it nervous?!?! NO WAY! Neither should you!

[bikebum]

I have a couple of baseball bats in the bedroom. My plan if I hear someone trying to get in is to wake up my lady, take the baseball bats and a cell phone, get out of the house and away, and call emergency. I wouldn't be too afraid to stay and defend my home, it just seems smarter to try and get away first.

[deborah]

I know I shouldn't be astounded - I know the people in the US carry guns around - that's why they have so many horrific shootings. But I thought people on this blog were normal every day people - not gun touting, knife carrying people. Being from a different country, we obviously have completely different standards.

I used to live in an inner city suburb that was known for violent crime. My house was first burgled within a week of me moving in, and we were broken into at least 8 times - it must have been more. The first 5 times were during the first 5 school holidays. The first time it was professionals. I had got an answering machine, and was at a friend's place. We rang up the answering machine and had a conversation with it. When I came home, the burglars had packed everything into some bags I had, but had dropped the bags just inside the door - they had obviously been frightened, probably by the answering machine. Most times it was children, and once it was definitely a druggie.

From what was stolen from you, it sounds to me like children. I found that a monitored alarm, with stickers about it on every window (some people seem to think that a room without a sticker on the window isn't being protected - even if it is reinforced glass that takes at least half an hour to break) was good. Dogs are fantastic (I had a very small yard, so a dog wasn't an option). I also made hiding places in my house - hidden cupboard backs... I put stuff that I definitely did not want to loose there. These days I would backup to the cloud, or to something I took offsite.

When walking around the streets I was confident - walking briskly with my head up.

I would not consider firearms. They make you feel safe. However, if you don't have training, they could be worse than useless, and possibly used against you. They may make your residence more vulnerable, because firearms are attractive to burglars.

[tariskat]

They may make your residence more vulnerable, because firearms are attractive to burglars.

May I suggest not to post a huge sign on your lawn that says you own expensive firearms.

That is ... how on earth would they know?

[greaper007]

They may make your residence more vulnerable, because firearms are attractive to burglars.

May I suggest not to post a huge sign on your lawn that says you own expensive firearms.

That is ... how on earth would they know?

I think I can drive down a street and tell which people have firearms.   Really green lawn that uses way too many chemicals in an arid climate, guns in the house.    Don't tread on me flag in the window, guns in the house.    Two large  american made trucks or muscle cars in the garage, guns in the house.

Essentially, if it looks like a Republican lives in the house there are probably guns there for the taking.   

If you're a burglar with half a brain, it's pretty easy to figure out people's schedules, security systems and the safest time to attack the house.   Just get a van with the name of a trade on the side and park on the street.    A few days of recon is all you need to figure out who lives there and when they're gone.   Then you just wear a convincing uniform, walk up to the front door and pick the lock with a lock picking gun and you're in within a minute or so.    People keep most valuables in really obvious places.   Underwear drawer, closets, freezer.    Most pros won't break into your house in the middle of the night, that ups the chances of being caught and ups the penalties associated with the break in.   You break into businesses at night and homes during the day.

[vern]

But I thought people on this blog were normal every day people - not gun touting, knife carrying people.

I think that you should be more tolerant of alternative lifestyles.

[brewer12345]

Meh, guns are part of Merkin history and culture.  Get over it.

Unless I am hunting or hiking in the back country, I am never armed.  That said,if someone attempts to forcibly enter my home when i am around I will shoot to kill with no qualms whatsoever.

I almost always have a pocketknife handy, but that is a tool.

I know I shouldn't be astounded - I know the people in the US carry guns around - that's why they have so many horrific shootings. But I thought people on this blog were normal every day people - not gun touting, knife carrying people. Being from a different country, we obviously have completely different standards.

I used to live in an inner city suburb that was known for violent crime. My house was first burgled within a week of me moving in, and we were broken into at least 8 times - it must have been more. The first 5 times were during the first 5 school holidays. The first time it was professionals. I had got an answering machine, and was at a friend's place. We rang up the answering machine and had a conversation with it. When I came home, the burglars had packed everything into some bags I had, but had dropped the bags just inside the door - they had obviously been frightened, probably by the answering machine. Most times it was children, and once it was definitely a druggie.

From what was stolen from you, it sounds to me like children. I found that a monitored alarm, with stickers about it on every window (some people seem to think that a room without a sticker on the window isn't being protected - even if it is reinforced glass that takes at least half an hour to break) was good. Dogs are fantastic (I had a very small yard, so a dog wasn't an option). I also made hiding places in my house - hidden cupboard backs... I put stuff that I definitely did not want to loose there. These days I would backup to the cloud, or to something I took offsite.

When walking around the streets I was confident - walking briskly with my head up.

I would not consider firearms. They make you feel safe. However, if you don't have training, they could be worse than useless, and possibly used against you. They may make your residence more vulnerable, because firearms are attractive to burglars.

[bikebum]

Meh, guns are part of Merkin history and culture.  Get over it.

What do pubic wigs have to do with guns?

From Wikipedia:

A merkin is a pubic wig. Merkins were originally worn by prostitutes after shaving their genitalia, and are now used as decorative items, erotic devices, or in films, by both men and women. The female version is usually made of fur, beaver pelts, linen or some soft version of cloth, while the male version is usually made of loops, chains or metal, much more closely related to the codpiece.

Haha, maybe "Merkin" is what it sounds like when a redneck says "American."

[Paul der Krake]

A merkin is a pubic wig. Merkins were originally worn by prostitutes after shaving their genitalia, and are now used as decorative items, erotic devices, or in films, by both men and women. The female version is usually made of fur, beaver pelts, linen or some soft version of cloth, while the male version is usually made of loops, chains or metal, much more closely related to the codpiece.

Haha, maybe "Merkin" is what it sounds like when a redneck says "American."

You talk funny, are you from the gubmint or something? :)

[Daleth]

I know I shouldn't be astounded - I know the people in the US carry guns around - that's why they have so many horrific shootings. But I thought people on this blog were normal every day people - not gun touting, knife carrying people.

We are normal everyday people. We also own guns, some of us. Statistically speaking, it's a fair guess that half the 'Merkins on this board own guns.

I would not consider firearms. They make you feel safe. However, if you don't have training, they could be worse than useless, and possibly used against you.

Aaaand that would be why the sensible among us get training.

They may make your residence more vulnerable, because firearms are attractive to burglars.

I suspect our Obama bumper stickers, gay rights rainbow flags etc. would make burglars erroneously conclude that we don't own guns. As for those whose homes exude a "got guns here" vibe, again, sensible people store their guns in gun safes and/or hide them, much as you hid your valuables after multiple break-ins.

[BlueMR2]

But I thought people on this blog were normal every day people - not gun touting, knife carrying people.

That *is* normal for my part of the country.  Pretty much everyone has a knife of some kind, and quite a few people carry guns as well.  It was really surprising once I got a gun to find out how many people I knew that had been carrying guns daily for many years.  I thought I'd been normal, but turns out I was the oddball all that time.  :-)

[tariskat]

They may make your residence more vulnerable, because firearms are attractive to burglars.

May I suggest not to post a huge sign on your lawn that says you own expensive firearms.

That is ... how on earth would they know?

I think I can drive down a street and tell which people have firearms.   Really green lawn that uses way too many chemicals in an arid climate, guns in the house.    Don't tread on me flag in the window, guns in the house.    Two large  american made trucks or muscle cars in the garage, guns in the house.

Essentially, if it looks like a Republican lives in the house there are probably guns there for the taking.   

If you're a burglar with half a brain, it's pretty easy to figure out people's schedules, security systems and the safest time to attack the house.   Just get a van with the name of a trade on the side and park on the street.    A few days of recon is all you need to figure out who lives there and when they're gone.   Then you just wear a convincing uniform, walk up to the front door and pick the lock with a lock picking gun and you're in within a minute or so.    People keep most valuables in really obvious places.   Underwear drawer, closets, freezer.    Most pros won't break into your house in the middle of the night, that ups the chances of being caught and ups the penalties associated with the break in.   You break into businesses at night and homes during the day.

So, yes. Don't post a sign. Don't look like a gun freak.

Good to know you won't be breaking into my home.

[deborah]

But I thought people on this blog were normal every day people - not gun touting, knife carrying people.

I think that you should be more tolerant of alternative lifestyles.

I am not sure this comment shows tolerance for alternative lifestyles. As US people are the vast majority of the "lifestyle" on this blog, I know *I* am the alternative lifestyle. I was just expressing surprise that what I think of as a normal everyday lifestyle is not so in the US.

I am sure that people tend to prefer the lifestyle of their own country. As an Australian, I prefer our lifestyle in many ways, although it is being eroded - certainly our gun control laws are preferable to me. As a tolerant community, the MMM community can contain a number of different lifestyle choices. We are encouraged to comment on them (for instance, I could say that having a gun is not being frugal, because it is not necessary, while someone else can say guns provide them with sustenance, and so are very frugal), but at the end of the day, the choice is our own.

People had encouraged gun ownership as a solution to a crime problem, without also identifying any of the negatives. I was providing a "balance".

[greaper007]

But I thought people on this blog were normal every day people - not gun touting, knife carrying people.

I think that you should be more tolerant of alternative lifestyles.

I am not sure this comment shows tolerance for alternative lifestyles. As US people are the vast majority of the "lifestyle" on this blog, I know *I* am the alternative lifestyle. I was just expressing surprise that what I think of as a normal everyday lifestyle is not so in the US.

I am sure that people tend to prefer the lifestyle of their own country. As an Australian, I prefer our lifestyle in many ways, although it is being eroded - certainly our gun control laws are preferable to me. As a tolerant community, the MMM community can contain a number of different lifestyle choices. We are encouraged to comment on them (for instance, I could say that having a gun is not being frugal, because it is not necessary, while someone else can say guns provide them with sustenance, and so are very frugal), but at the end of the day, the choice is our own.

People had encouraged gun ownership as a solution to a crime problem, without also identifying any of the negatives. I was providing a "balance".

We've screwed the pooch for a very long time with guns in America, and our depressing murder rate is a really good indication of that.    Still, I don't think the Australia solution would work here.    We simply have too many guns in this country to start taking them away.

What I'd really like to see is some sort of national permit.    If you want to carry a gun, why not make it legal everywhere (with the exception of places like planes or courthouses, or schools without an air marshal level of additional training) if people pass a certification process.  Prove that your mentally sound by chatting with a mental health official, something anyone applying for a LEO position has to do.    Pass a certification that proves you're an accurate marksman and includes hand to hand combat to prove that an attacker won't be able to use your weapon on innocent people.    And pass a physical fitness test.   

I swear that half the people I see with pro gun shirts are at least 100 lbs overweight, often quite a bit more.   I can't imagine they'd be able to endure the stress of a real combat situation without having a stroke, heart attack or being winded to the point that they couldn't fire accurately.   

[Thegoblinchief]

As a victim of several robberies, here's my take:

Alarm systems don't do shit. If you think you want one, make sure the keypad isn't visible from outside.

Don't have irreplaceable valuables. Cloud backup and encrypt any data you can't afford to lose. This includes things like family pictures.

Be aware, but don't make yourself crazy.

For self-defense, the best style for a small body mass individual (in my humble opinion) is aikido. Lots of instruction on throws and grappling, but also a very heavy focus on crippling individuals with focused strikes. Of the more common styles, Kempo karate is also good, but tends to favor average-to-stronger individuals.

[Bakari]

For self-defense, the best style for a small body mass individual (in my humble opinion) is aikido. Lots of instruction on throws and grappling, but also a very heavy focus on crippling individuals with focused strikes. Of the more common styles, Kempo karate is also good, but tends to favor average-to-stronger individuals.

Or Brazilian (Gracie) jui-jitsu.
It was specifically developed to give a smaller weaker person an advantage over a stronger opponent by focusing on body mechanics and leverage and technique over strikes.  A lot of police and military have started training in it, as well as every single mixed martial artist, since it was introduced, because it's just so effective.

[brewer12345]

What I'd really like to see is some sort of national permit.    If you want to carry a gun, why not make it legal everywhere (with the exception of places like planes or courthouses, or schools without an air marshal level of additional training) if people pass a certification process.  Prove that your mentally sound by chatting with a mental health official, something anyone applying for a LEO position has to do.    Pass a certification that proves you're an accurate marksman and includes hand to hand combat to prove that an attacker won't be able to use your weapon on innocent people.    And pass a physical fitness test.   

I and many millions of others would go to the mat to fight this.  One step away from confiscation.

[greaper007]

What I'd really like to see is some sort of national permit.    If you want to carry a gun, why not make it legal everywhere (with the exception of places like planes or courthouses, or schools without an air marshal level of additional training) if people pass a certification process.  Prove that your mentally sound by chatting with a mental health official, something anyone applying for a LEO position has to do.    Pass a certification that proves you're an accurate marksman and includes hand to hand combat to prove that an attacker won't be able to use your weapon on innocent people.    And pass a physical fitness test.   

I and many millions of others would go to the mat to fight this.  One step away from confiscation.

Which is why we have a depressingly high murder rate.    I couldn't fly a plane with passengers without being evaluated on emergency situations every 6 months, why shouldn't someone carrying a gun be required to do the same thing?

[Daleth]

What I'd really like to see is some sort of national permit.    If you want to carry a gun, why not make it legal everywhere (with the exception of places like planes or courthouses, or schools without an air marshal level of additional training) if people pass a certification process.  Prove that your mentally sound by chatting with a mental health official, something anyone applying for a LEO position has to do.    Pass a certification that proves you're an accurate marksman and includes hand to hand combat to prove that an attacker won't be able to use your weapon on innocent people.    And pass a physical fitness test.   

I and many millions of others would go to the mat to fight this.  One step away from confiscation.

That is so absurd.

I agree with everything Brewer suggested except the requirement to show some ability in hand-to-hand combat. Most elderly and disabled people, not to mention pregnant women, aren't going to be able to pass that test, which frankly is why they need guns more than other people do.

[brewer12345]

What I'd really like to see is some sort of national permit.    If you want to carry a gun, why not make it legal everywhere (with the exception of places like planes or courthouses, or schools without an air marshal level of additional training) if people pass a certification process.  Prove that your mentally sound by chatting with a mental health official, something anyone applying for a LEO position has to do.    Pass a certification that proves you're an accurate marksman and includes hand to hand combat to prove that an attacker won't be able to use your weapon on innocent people.    And pass a physical fitness test.   

I and many millions of others would go to the mat to fight this.  One step away from confiscation.

Which is why we have a depressingly high murder rate.    I couldn't fly a plane with passengers without being evaluated on emergency situations every 6 months, why shouldn't someone carrying a gun be required to do the same thing?

Is there a Constitutional amendment concerning your right to fly a plane?

[greaper007]

What I'd really like to see is some sort of national permit.    If you want to carry a gun, why not make it legal everywhere (with the exception of places like planes or courthouses, or schools without an air marshal level of additional training) if people pass a certification process.  Prove that your mentally sound by chatting with a mental health official, something anyone applying for a LEO position has to do.    Pass a certification that proves you're an accurate marksman and includes hand to hand combat to prove that an attacker won't be able to use your weapon on innocent people.    And pass a physical fitness test.   

I and many millions of others would go to the mat to fight this.  One step away from confiscation.

That is so absurd.

I agree with everything Brewer suggested except the requirement to show some ability in hand-to-hand combat. Most elderly and disabled people, not to mention pregnant women, aren't going to be able to pass that test, which frankly is why they need guns more than other people do.

I'm not talking about a black belt martial arts ability, I mean having specific training that allows you to combat common threats you may encounter by carrying a weapon.   If you're unable to maintain control of a weapon you're essentially carrying it around for criminals that want to use it on you and other innocent people.   My dad is 63 and is a Federal Flight Deck Officer (airline pilot that carries a weapon in the cockpit).   Without giving away information about the program, he was able to pass some pretty rigorous hand to hand combat tests to prove a terrorist wouldn't be able to obtain his weapon and use it on innocent people.   

If he can do it at 63 I think most people can do it.

[Paul der Krake]

Amendments can be overturned, so it depends what you mean by "going to the mat". Would brewer take up arms to defend his constitutional rights if the second amendment was overturned by two thirds of both democratically elected houses? I would assume not, but I  bet some people would. But until then, people are free to try and change others' opinions as to what should be a constitutional right and what shouldn't.

[greaper007]

What I'd really like to see is some sort of national permit.    If you want to carry a gun, why not make it legal everywhere (with the exception of places like planes or courthouses, or schools without an air marshal level of additional training) if people pass a certification process.  Prove that your mentally sound by chatting with a mental health official, something anyone applying for a LEO position has to do.    Pass a certification that proves you're an accurate marksman and includes hand to hand combat to prove that an attacker won't be able to use your weapon on innocent people.    And pass a physical fitness test.   

I and many millions of others would go to the mat to fight this.  One step away from confiscation.

Which is why we have a depressingly high murder rate.    I couldn't fly a plane with passengers without being evaluated on emergency situations every 6 months, why shouldn't someone carrying a gun be required to do the same thing?

Is there a Constitutional amendment concerning your right to fly a plane?

Preamble " secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity..."    What do you consider liberty?   I'd surely include the right of the individual to pursue a legal source of income liberty.

Beyond that this is settled territory.   There are limits to all rights, even the first amendment doesn't allow for inciting a riot, slander, revealing classified information etc.

We have certainly shown there are limits to the second amendment and I think it's time that we stop pursuing dumb things like assault weapon bans or ineffective background checks and instead insure that people who carry weapons do so in a manner that's safe and effective.  Do that and I'd suggest reversing laws against things like fully automatic weapons.   I bring up the aviation example because flying a plane is very difficult and dangerous, yet there are hardly any crashes in the airline world.    Training and regulation insure that.

You can do that in a way that doesn't take away the right of people to have weapons.   I'd simply suggest that without passing certain training requirements there be severe limits to where the average person can carry, and what they can carry.

Mods, I don't know how to spin these responses off into a new thread.   Could you do it for me?   Thank you.

[greaper007]

Greaper, there are a lot of people that use their guns for hunting.  They may not be the most physically fit, and I don't see how it's fair to take that right away.  Like I said above, we do have a gun that only comes out when it is time to kill a moccasin, and my husband is the only one that learned to handle it.  The political, what vehicle one drives judgement is inaccurate from my limited experiences (as in, hubby doesn't fit the bill for a gun owner in any way, but I came from a home that would meet your description, but my family of origin never had a gun). Maybe gun control could be a thread you start so it could be discussed by people that have firm views/info to support their stance? 

My kids are actually starting martial arts this week.  We are doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but it is my understanding via the instructors that if one is concerned about "street fighting", they should go w/MMA.  I didn't want to devote time and money to do both, and my kids favored jiu jitsu, so that's where we are for now.  When they age up to the adult class (when they are 13), mom can join.  Maybe this will help if there is an encounter, maybe not, but it can't hurt.  We are doing this for the child that doesn't want to do team sports, so it is more looked upon as a sport by us at this point.

I gave my response to the physical fitness question above.   But if you can't prevent a mad man from taking your gun and using it on other people, you shouldn't have it.    Newtown would not have happened if the mother had insured her deranged son would never have access to her large firearm collection.

For the second comment.   When you play poker and you're good at it, you can pick up the tells with a fairly high degree of accuracy.   You'll fail sometimes but you'll be good at it more than half the time.    The same thing goes for good burglars who know what's in someone's house.    I'm sure that there are plenty of people with peace flags and overgrown yards that have arsenals.   Yet, I know lots of people with guns and  almost every one of them telegraphs it to the world in very subtle ways.   Any intro level social psychology class will demonstrate that.

I thought this was a good place to have the gun discussion because several people have brought up the gun issue in regards to self protection.    I imagine that the majority of people who commit suicide with a weapon have their children commit suicide with their weapon, accidentally shoot a family member, or have their weapon stolen and used against other innocent people bought that weapon because they simply wanted to protect themselves.   I don't deny that fear, but I do think one should really evaluate everything that goes into carrying an instrument of death before they purchase it.   Many people carry safely, but large numbers of people don't.

Handguns are overwhelmingly used in the vast majority of all homicides and 7,000 children are hospitalized or killed by guns every year ( Dr. John Leventhal of the Yale School of Medicine pediatrics department).

I realize that you might not be looking at a handgun as a source of household protection, but many people reading this thread may be.    I just wanted to point this out for them.

[wtjbatman]

If you're a burglar with half a brain, it's pretty easy to figure out people's schedules, security systems and the safest time to attack the house.   Just get a van with the name of a trade on the side and park on the street.    A few days of recon is all you need to figure out who lives there and when they're gone.   Then you just wear a convincing uniform, walk up to the front door and pick the lock with a lock picking gun and you're in within a minute or so.    People keep most valuables in really obvious places.   Underwear drawer, closets, freezer.    Most pros won't break into your house in the middle of the night, that ups the chances of being caught and ups the penalties associated with the break in.   You break into businesses at night and homes during the day.

Real life isn't like the movies. 99% of break ins don't occur like that. They are crimes of opportunity, not the equivalent of well planned bank heists.

[brewer12345]

If you're a burglar with half a brain, it's pretty easy to figure out people's schedules, security systems and the safest time to attack the house.   Just get a van with the name of a trade on the side and park on the street.    A few days of recon is all you need to figure out who lives there and when they're gone.   Then you just wear a convincing uniform, walk up to the front door and pick the lock with a lock picking gun and you're in within a minute or so.    People keep most valuables in really obvious places.   Underwear drawer, closets, freezer.    Most pros won't break into your house in the middle of the night, that ups the chances of being caught and ups the penalties associated with the break in.   You break into businesses at night and homes during the day.

Real life isn't like the movies. 99% of break ins don't occur like that. They are crimes of opportunity, not the equivalent of well planned bank heists.

Yeah.  The meth-addled don't usually excel at planning ahead.

[greaper007]

If you're a burglar with half a brain, it's pretty easy to figure out people's schedules, security systems and the safest time to attack the house.   Just get a van with the name of a trade on the side and park on the street.    A few days of recon is all you need to figure out who lives there and when they're gone.   Then you just wear a convincing uniform, walk up to the front door and pick the lock with a lock picking gun and you're in within a minute or so.    People keep most valuables in really obvious places.   Underwear drawer, closets, freezer.    Most pros won't break into your house in the middle of the night, that ups the chances of being caught and ups the penalties associated with the break in.   You break into businesses at night and homes during the day.

Real life isn't like the movies. 99% of break ins don't occur like that. They are crimes of opportunity, not the equivalent of well planned bank heists.

When I worked construction during college, there were a couple of ex cons on the job site.   One told me he was a "safe cracker."   Essentially, he broke into filing cabinets in offices that stored lots of money, not really a safe cracker.   Still, he told me about ways to blow out an alarm system by shorting the building's power supply.   Breaking into a car without setting of the alarm by shorting out the system with a separate battery.

I got the information about casing a robbery from him.  He was far from the sharpest tool in the shed and was able to plan a robbery.   I think he ended up getting caught with north of $200k from various robberies.   If this guy could pull it off anyone could.

[Luck better Skill]

  Consider talking to local law enforcement about your neighbor and/or the areas you shop in.  If the police are aware the public considers an area unsafe they may increase their patrols.
  If you live in Detroit, I would move.

[Bakari]

If you're a burglar with half a brain, it's pretty easy to figure out people's schedules, security systems and the safest time to attack the house.   Just get a van with the name of a trade on the side and park on the street.    A few days of recon is all you need to figure out who lives there and when they're gone.   Then you just wear a convincing uniform, walk up to the front door and pick the lock with a lock picking gun and you're in within a minute or so.    People keep most valuables in really obvious places.   Underwear drawer, closets, freezer.    Most pros won't break into your house in the middle of the night, that ups the chances of being caught and ups the penalties associated with the break in.   You break into businesses at night and homes during the day.

Real life isn't like the movies. 99% of break ins don't occur like that. They are crimes of opportunity, not the equivalent of well planned bank heists.

When I worked construction during college, there were a couple of ex cons on the job site.   One told me he was a "safe cracker."   Essentially, he broke into filing cabinets in offices that stored lots of money, not really a safe cracker.   Still, he told me about ways to blow out an alarm system by shorting the building's power supply.   Breaking into a car without setting of the alarm by shorting out the system with a separate battery.

I got the information about casing a robbery from him.  He was far from the sharpest tool in the shed and was able to plan a robbery.   I think he ended up getting caught with north of $200k from various robberies.   If this guy could pull it off anyone could.

I had a job cleaning up the aftermath of a break in - the had been a lot of break-ins in the neighborhood, and she had previously had extra window locks installed that went all the way through the upper and lower window. 
The thieves first tried prying the window open with a crowbar, which would easily break the standard lock that sliding windows come with, but the upgraded locks held.
Then they used a magnet to figure out the exact spot the new locks were on the  inside, put a thick nail on that spot, hammered the new locks out, and slid open the window.
Which means they had to have come prepareed with a magnet

[Dee18]

I was given the following advice when I  was young and worked in law enforcement in DC:
Cheapest ways to improve home safety:
Install motion detector lights around home
Keep shades down when not home on rooms with anything valuable in them
Never discard packaging for expensive items on the street
Make sure to keep absences private (my daughter is not allowed to post on social media when we are on vacation)
Make friends with your neighbors-let them know who is allowed to be in your house and tell them if they see anything suspicious to go right ahead and call 911 and then you. Provide the with the info in writing.
Never leave a spare key outside. Leave it with a friend.

For personal safety:
When walking to/from store to car or bus or when jogging, do not talk on the phone or wear headphones
Stay alert- scan your surroundings
Do not wear valuable jewelry or carry an expensive purse
Always glance under your car and in the back seat area before entering your car
Once in car, immediately turn on ignition and lock doors--if then accosted, drive away

Trust your instincts.  I once returned home to my rental house and thought someone had been inside -- screen door wasn't tightly closed, bit of cigarette ash on the porch.  I called the police. They told me to wait at a neighbors until they arrived and checked the house.  Turned out my landlord had let a painter in without telling me.  The cops thanked me for being cautious.  Said they would rather check out a false alarm than respond to a homicide or rape. 

When you buy a house, make safety a prime consideration.  I live only minutes from downtown  (no longer in DC) but paid a high price for an old house to be in a very safe neighborhood.  Before buying, check with the police ( not just neighbors or realtors) to find actual crime rates.

[iris lily]

I live in a high crime rate area but we've had only 1 incident of serious crime here in 25 years. Someone broke into our house in the middle of the day, ran into the living room, grabbed the tv, and ran out.

We had our tv in the front room by the window where any criminal could see it. The cops tells us not to do that. It was nothing fancy, just a regular flat screen tv of a medium size. But crackheads do stupid things.

The perp was very stupid because he left the family silver alone; it was in a cabinet literally 12 inches from the tv stand. Silver is sky high and he could have fenced that stuff for a lot more money than a stupid television.

[iris lily]

My coworker's brother is a policeman.  He suggested that she get a dog.  He said burglars will almost always pass up a house if there is a dog, even if it is not a big dog.  ...

I think that our dogs have likely held off some burglaries, but in the case where our house was burglerized, the perp heard the dogs barking and ran in anyway. He left a tool from our BBQ oven in the living room. I asked the cop "what's this for" and he theorized that the perp was going to use the BBQ fork on the dogs it they got out of line.

This plus the $500 is cost to fix the back door is what mad me angry. I don't care about the stolen tv.

[Luck better Skill]

As to the other poster who claimed they knew of no such incidents with a firearm, if we're going to get anecdotal then I know of at least two and both times the gun owner died. I have never met a soul in my 47 years that has suffered a home invasion (a burglary while no one was home, yes, not a home invasion), much less thwarted one with a firearm.

When I was president of our neighborhood association I spoke with a police captain we worked closely with and asked his opinion on this subject. He stated what I have already said before, the odds of a home invasion are low, the odds someone would have a firearm at the ready lower still, and just as important the nerve to actually use it should the first two conditions be met even lower. He went on to say that while crime makes a big splash in the local news, suicide rarely gets reported and men choose firearms first and foremost. As another poster pointed out, suicides are often impulse actions. There is no take-back on a suicide by firearm like one might have swallowing a handful of pills or cutting wrists.

  Actually you know 3 who have repelled a home invasion.  People tend not to talk about it so the statistics do not reflect how much crime is prevented.  I still do not recommend firearms for everyone.  It is a personal choice that requires training, skill, and nerve.

[bikebum]

- I have a profound respect for firearms and they are a central part of my profession, including some exotic weaponry. But let's face it, it's not a practical form of defense for about 99.9% of "regular" citizens or situations, and there are plenty of people who don't feel comfortable using or owning them. Here's what I recommend as a simple, safe, yet highly effective weapon for anyone:

http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Blunt-Force-Kubaton-Keyring/dp/B003GCSJAC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398359139&sr=8-3&keywords=kubotan

This weapon costs $3 on Amazon. It's easy to carry, discreet and doesn't even appear to be a weapon. You can have it in your hand any time you're in those vulnerable places , and it's legal everywhere (even airplanes!) since it's not a weapon, it's a "keychain." It's simple to carry, extremely difficult to take away or use against you, and it's devastating when striking vulnerable parts of the body (hint: hit an attacker in the head, face, or groin with it). Hitting someone in the hands, forearms, or solar plexus are other good, easy targets if that's what's presented.

Thanks for the recommendation; I may get one. What do you think of this?

http://www.thehomesecuritysuperstore.com/keychain-weapons-pit-bull-self-defense-knuckles-dg-bk-p=2828

[BlueMR2]

http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Blunt-Force-Kubaton-Keyring/dp/B003GCSJAC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398359139&sr=8-3&keywords=kubotan

http://www.thehomesecuritysuperstore.com/keychain-weapons-pit-bull-self-defense-knuckles-dg-bk-p=2828

Check your local/state laws very carefully.  Neither one of those is legal where I am.  Those will get you jail time in a hurry.  Kind of funny, simple possession of something like that can be a major legal problem, whereas a knife is only a problem if you carry it on your person outside the house, but it's legal to open carry a gun in many areas, and licenses are available for concealed carry of of gun (but it's still illegal to conceal a knife...).

In short, if it at all implies that it's designed for use as a weapon (yes, even self-defense), it's time to start reading applicable legal codes VERY carefully if you care to stay out of the pokey...

[DoubleDown]

- I have a profound respect for firearms and they are a central part of my profession, including some exotic weaponry. But let's face it, it's not a practical form of defense for about 99.9% of "regular" citizens or situations, and there are plenty of people who don't feel comfortable using or owning them. Here's what I recommend as a simple, safe, yet highly effective weapon for anyone:

http://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Blunt-Force-Kubaton-Keyring/dp/B003GCSJAC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398359139&sr=8-3&keywords=kubotan

This weapon costs $3 on Amazon. It's easy to carry, discreet and doesn't even appear to be a weapon. You can have it in your hand any time you're in those vulnerable places , and it's legal everywhere (even airplanes!) since it's not a weapon, it's a "keychain." It's simple to carry, extremely difficult to take away or use against you, and it's devastating when striking vulnerable parts of the body (hint: hit an attacker in the head, face, or groin with it). Hitting someone in the hands, forearms, or solar plexus are other good, easy targets if that's what's presented.

Thanks for the recommendation; I may get one. What do you think of this?

http://www.thehomesecuritysuperstore.com/keychain-weapons-pit-bull-self-defense-knuckles-dg-bk-p=2828

I agree with BlueMR2 about checking your local laws. No doubt that weapon is effective, and the added huge bonus is it looks like Batman when held! It would probably be considered a lethal weapon with restrictions on its use, depending on where you live. Laws can be really silly, such as being able to legally carry around a baseball bat, but not a piece of wood with tape around it (then it's a club, oh no!).

One of the big advantages of a kubotan and why I suggest it is that not only is not considered a weapon, it doesn't even look like a weapon. You can take it anywhere, even places where weapons are otherwise restricted. You can safely leave it anywhere or give it to your teething toddler to chew on. But sure, that batman weapon looks like it could deal out some damage! If you ever have to use it, go for the sides of the neck, insides of upper arms and legs, the chest and face (sorry if I'm telling you things you already know). With the exposed sharp edges, seems like it could be difficult to carry around without danger of accidentally cutting yourself? I wouldn't want it in my pocket!

Personally, I carry around a Spyderco folding knife. Besides its use as a weapon, it has lots of utility for just cutting things, or for emergency use (such as cutting away seat belts if you're trapped in an accident, etc.). It's legal to carry where I live, even if I didn't have a permit, and no exposed sharp edges (when folded). Another one of those crazy situations where you can carry around the razor sharp, serrated blade on the knife, but probably not the Batman weapon.

[DoubleDown]

@Mom to 5: By the way, thanks for starting this thread, it gave me the last kick in the pants to finally start writing a book on this very topic that I've planned for a couple of years! I'm expecting to just try to sell it as an e-book, although maybe I'll send it out to some publishers to see if there's any interest in printing it. If you'd like an electronic copy, I'd be happy to send you a free copy once I'm done (hopefully in a few months).

[bikebum]

@DoubleDown and BlueMR2, thanks. I'm a noob in this topic. I feel safe where I live, but this thread got me thinking it'd be good to be more prepared, as long as I'm not risking legal trouble or doing something dangerous. I'll check my local laws.

[iris lily]

...
As to the other poster who claimed they knew of no such incidents with a firearm, if we're going to get anecdotal then I know of at least two and both times the gun owner died. I have never met a soul in my 47 years that has suffered a home invasion (a burglary while no one was home, yes, not a home invasion), much less thwarted one with a firearm.

When I was president of our neighborhood association I spoke with a police captain we worked closely with and asked his opinion on this subject. He stated what I have already said before, the odds of a home invasion are low, the odds someone would have a firearm at the ready lower still, and just as important the nerve to actually use it should the first two conditions be met even lower....

Here's an anecdote from my high-crime zip code: homeowners in their 50's were home in the evening babysitting their grandchild, a baby. Perps broke in. This was the height of the crack epidemic more than ten years ago so the crack heads were pretty crazed. Crackheads waved guns around including holding a gun to the baby's head. Being crackheads, they acted stupidly and got distracted. The man of the house managed to get his loaded gun out and  shot them. Dead.

yay! so that's my anecdote.

Now as for cop wisdom, our neighborhood cop has said "get a gun. learn to use it" because guess how many minutes is the average response time for them to come to my home if I am in trouble?

But still, I have no interest in taking on the responsibility of having a gun around here. DH has long guns but we don't have handguns.

[DoubleDown]

@BlueMR2: I just now noticed you said the pointed keychain "batman" weapon and the kubotan are illegal in your jurisdiction?! Do you mind sharing where that is, or would you be willing to PM me? I'm fascinated that any jurisdiction would outlaw a kubotan -- I mean, it's the equivalent of a stick you could pick up off the ground, or maybe a simple rod or tool . A screwdriver is 10x more menacing. I'm not doubting you, I just continue to be amazed by some of the ridiculous laws that are around.

[bikebum]

...
As to the other poster who claimed they knew of no such incidents with a firearm, if we're going to get anecdotal then I know of at least two and both times the gun owner died. I have never met a soul in my 47 years that has suffered a home invasion (a burglary while no one was home, yes, not a home invasion), much less thwarted one with a firearm.

When I was president of our neighborhood association I spoke with a police captain we worked closely with and asked his opinion on this subject. He stated what I have already said before, the odds of a home invasion are low, the odds someone would have a firearm at the ready lower still, and just as important the nerve to actually use it should the first two conditions be met even lower....

Here's an anecdote from my high-crime zip code: homeowners in their 50's were home in the evening babysitting their grandchild, a baby. Perps broke in. This was the height of the crack epidemic more than ten years ago so the crack heads were pretty crazed. Crackheads waved guns around including holding a gun to the baby's head. Being crackheads, they acted stupidly and got distracted. The man of the house managed to get his loaded gun out and  shot them. Dead.

yay! so that's my anecdote.

Now as for cop wisdom, our neighborhood cop has said "get a gun. learn to use it" because guess how many minutes is the average response time for them to come to my home if I am in trouble?

But still, I have no interest in taking on the responsibility of having a gun around here. DH has long guns but we don't have handguns.

That's a crazy story! I also do not want the responsibility of having a gun in my home.

[brewer12345]

But still, I have no interest in taking on the responsibility of having a gun around here. DH has long guns but we don't have handguns.

A long gun, especially a shotgun, is ideal for home defense.  As an extra plus, all the stuff happens a lot further away from you than with a handgun.

[BlueMR2]

@BlueMR2: I just now noticed you said the pointed keychain "batman" weapon and the kubotan are illegal in your jurisdiction?! Do you mind sharing where that is, or would you be willing to PM me? I'm fascinated that any jurisdiction would outlaw a kubotan -- I mean, it's the equivalent of a stick you could pick up off the ground, or maybe a simple rod or tool . A screwdriver is 10x more menacing. I'm not doubting you, I just continue to be amazed by some of the ridiculous laws that are around.

Ohio.  It's a patchwork of sometimes conflicting laws here.

There are 3 basic categories in my general area, guns, knives, and all other weapons.  Guns have specific concealment/carry location regulations and are accepted by law enforcement as the only legal self-defense/force equalizer.  Knives have length *and* utility requirements, and are illegal/assumed to be weapons if concealed or over the magic number size (which varies by city), even by people who are allowed to carry guns.  Technically the way our laws are written, in some cities, it's illegal to buy a butcher knife longer than 2.5" and take it home on your person/in your car.  Beyond that all other weapons are illegal no matter the size, with weapon status determined by usefulness.  Any baton (except for law enforcement) is illegal because it's *only* purpose is to be a weapon.  A screwdriver also becomes a weapon, but *only* when you threaten someone with it.  Do so, and you will get charged as if it was weapon.  It's a fine line the law tries to walk to allow people to get work done with objects that can cause harm and to be able to pick up potential troublemakers...

The good news is that *most* police use common sense.  The bad news is that enough DON'T use common sense that occasionally someone ends up making the news for being arrested for such an offense that they had no clue would actually be a problem.

[DoubleDown]

Thanks BlueMR2! Fascinating. Looks like the state of Ohio doesn't prohibit those weapons, but perhaps local ordinances restrict them. Although, I found this very first paragraph in the Ohio code to be pretty ridiculous/amusing:

(A) No person shall knowingly carry or have, concealed on the person's person or concealed ready at hand, any of the following:

(1) A deadly weapon other than a handgun;

I can only imagine the NRA had a heavy hand (or the only hand) in that. I mean, it's illegal to carry any concealed weapon except a handgun??!!! So go ahead and carry around that .44 magnum concealed, but don't you dare hide a 3" club under your jacket.

But then the concealed carry restriction is completely contradicted a few paragraphs later, meaning you can carry those weapons as long as you have a "reasonable cause to fear a criminal attack" (which is a giant enough loophole for anyone to get through). And using such a weapon in the defense against an attack would be prima facie evidence that it was reasonable and necessary. No doubt this leads to all kinds of confusion:

(D) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under division (A)(1) of this section of carrying or having control of a weapon other than a handgun and other than a dangerous ordnance that the actor was not otherwise prohibited by law from having the weapon and that any of the following applies:

(1) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive purposes while the actor was engaged in or was going to or from the actor's lawful business or occupation, which business or occupation was of a character or was necessarily carried on in a manner or at a time or place as to render the actor particularly susceptible to criminal attack, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed.

(2) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive purposes while the actor was engaged in a lawful activity and had reasonable cause to fear a criminal attack upon the actor, a member of the actor's family, or the actor's home, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed.

(3) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for any lawful purpose and while in the actor's own home.

Hell, with those rules, I'd carry a knife or any other (legal) weapon whenever I felt like it. As a law abiding and "prudent" citizen, the only time you would have to justify carrying it is if you used it to defend yourself or loved ones (which, again, would be prima facie evidence of its need). Absent getting attacked, a law abiding person is never going to have reason to be (lawfully) searched, and even if it was discovered in the course of a lawful search (hard to imagine this scenario, but whatever), anyone could make the case you had a prudent reason to fear a possible criminal attack! What the hell, even if someone was charged under this law, the worst lawyer in the state would simply have to say to the jury, "Of course my client had a good reason to fear being attacked and carry that knife -- have you SEEN the news lately?!"

[PKFFW]

It boggles my mind that any supposedly intelligent and rational society allows one to carry a firearm, concealed or not, but outlaws a knife or baton because it is a weapon.

As for protecting yourself from crime, a concealed firearm is probably your worst choice.  It provides no deterrent if it is concealed and it is harder to draw and use.  You would be much better off with a clearly visible and easily usable firearm.  Or better yet carry around a hand and a half bastard sword unsheathed.  That's going to provide a good deterrent. Of course check your local laws because the sword, being a weapon, is probably outlawed!

[SnackDog]

I live in an extremely high crime city.  I can literally see muggings out my living room window nearly any day. One simply needs to be very careful about where and when one moves on the street. Never carry anything of value. Stay in groups and only in busy areas. Be aware of those around you.

Experience from many crimes in the area has demonstrated any resistance will bring violence. One must be ready to immediately submit to any request. Self defense is out of the question.  One guy tried to drive away from a car jacking and was shot in the spine. Testosterone will get you killed.

[brewer12345]

I live in an extremely high crime city.  I can literally see muggings out my living room window nearly any day. One simply needs to be very careful about where and when one moves on the street. Never carry anything of value. Stay in groups and only in busy areas. Be aware of those around you.

Experience from many crimes in the area has demonstrated any resistance will bring violence. One must be ready to immediately submit to any request. Self defense is out of the question.  One guy tried to drive away from a car jacking and was shot in the spine. Testosterone will get you killed.

Why the hell would you continue living in such a place?

[iris lily]

Why the hell would you continue living in such a place?

Answering for myself and not snackdog:


Because they will not take over my fabulous neighborhood of wonderful Victorian homes

Because I am stronger than they are, we are stronger than they are ("we" meaning my neighborhood when we work together)

Because the dream of the urban pioneers who rebuilt my neighborhood will not be destroyed by stupid crackheads and ignorant criminals. Our place here was restored from whorehouses and drug mansions by people who took a stand. It was rebuilt by sweat, sweat equity, passion, and common sense with a strong streak of libertarian philosophy

Because the bad guys will not win, I won't allow it

Now that said, I won't claim to be in exactly the same 'nabe as snackdog, she may well be worse off. But I'm in an urban neighborhood in Murder City, always #1 on the FBI crime list for murders. yay for  us. So I've got cred.

However I would likely not raise children here, although I know plenty of adults who WERE raised here. Just not sure I'd do it, as it is I worry about my dogs being kidnapped. They are never outdoor without us being around home, but still, it worries me.

[brewer12345]

Why the hell would you continue living in such a place?

Answering for myself and not snackdog:


Because they will not take over my fabulous neighborhood of wonderful Victorian homes

Because I am stronger than they are, we are stronger than they are ("we" meaning my neighborhood when we work together)

Because the dream of the urban pioneers who rebuilt my neighborhood will not be destroyed by stupid crackheads and ignorant criminals. Our place here was restored from whorehouses and drug mansions by people who took a stand. It was rebuilt by sweat, sweat equity, passion, and common sense with a strong streak of libertarian philosophy

Because the bad guys will not win, I won't allow it

Now that said, I won't claim to be in exactly the same 'nabe as snackdog, she may well be worse off. But I'm in an urban neighborhood in Murder City, always #1 on the FBI crime list for murders. yay for  us. So I've got cred.

However I would likely not raise children here, although I know plenty of adults who WERE raised here. Just not sure I'd do it, as it is I worry about my dogs being kidnapped. They are never outdoor without us being around home, but still, it worries me.

Different strokes, I guess.  My idea of paradise is a setting where I can't see any neighbors, but we are raising kids and DW is vastly less of a Unabomber than I am, so safe, quiet suburbia it is.