Posted on 01/09/2012 3:23:41 PM PST by fightinJAG
If you missed this thread of a few days ago on a 14-year-old boy shooting an intruder in N.C., or if you didn't see all the responses, it's definitely worth checking out. The thread is also linked at the "read more" button below.
On that thread, I asked for freepers' thoughts on whether there were things that made some homes more vulnerable to home invasion than others. (It seems like it would be obvious that a more rural or remote home would be more vulnerable, but news reports in my area do not substantiate that assumption at all. Homes in crowded suburban neighbors get hit, too.)
Also, it's clear that, for various reasons, not every person in a household is going to be able to use a gun, even if one is available. I asked about ideas and discussion on ways that might deter invasions in the first place, although it goes without saying that nothing is foolproof and no one wants to live in a total fortress environment.
A poster suggested I make my questions into a stand-alone thread, and I decided to do so. Reading reports of several local home invasions in today's news, as well as a rash of "smash and grab" buglaries, had nothing to do with reminding me of the topic. Right.
So, yes, we know about guns and dogs (and tips regarding those are always still welcome). But what other things might be unobtrusively effective in deterring home invasions or allowing them to have a "happy" ending (dead perp)?
In the comments on our local crime stories, I saw that some people were using baby monitors to be alerted to noises around their back doors, etc. Thus, allowing them more time to investigate or prepare if a break-in developed.
(Excerpt) Read more at freerepublic.com ...
We had a home invasion last summer. I always laughed at the ADT commercials on tv with the BG running at the sound.....I don’t anymore. That is the 1st line of defense. Allows one to arm themselves (assuming they are not already armed).
Also, crooks are like cockroaches.....they do not like the light. Put motion sensors around your entire house.
Crooks do not like to be photographed. Place cameras around your house.
Redundancy. Crooks not are cutting phone lines so that the security system cannot call out. Have a cell phone backup call out.
I cannot even go into full detail about the extent of what we have done as I do not want to advertise for any BG’s who may be reading.....and they do read threads like this. One gun site regarding home defense and safes was cross posted on a site where BG’s hang out. Do not post anything you don’t want BG’s to know.
A home invasion is unsettling, but is also brings clarity to what must be done. I feel I have done all I can do should an even like this happen again.
And God help the BG breaking in.
Crooks not are cutting phone lines
should read:
Crooks now are cutting phone lines
?
Look around when you are outside, or when you get out of your car to check the mailbox. It's quick and easy, and could save you from a very unpleasant experience.
Great habits of safety, trisham!
I’m sure glad you and your family got through that okay.
You're right; I've done it - it is a PITA.
Even if you're young and healthy.
As the trees were growing, I kept moving the branches over and through the concertina. The bottom of most of the concertina is between one and three feet off the ground. It’s not perfect, but it should be exciting to try to find a passage in the dark ...
You nailed yourself by opening your mouth. If you were confident that your behavior and attitude were correct, why get irritated? Obviously, you have a problem with my calling your behavior foolish. What you describe as doing is not ‘protecting’ your property or rights in any way. What you describe is psychotic behavior. And of course, there will always be internet cowboys to come pat you on the back for it.
And the media could not have done a better job painting you as a nutcase as you did yourself.
Thank you!
I linked to one of the "real world photos," but from there you can get to the home page and product info, etc. This company sells swing-away grates (so you can get out of the window, if needed) and several different designs, custom-sized. They look much nicer than the iron grates installed over the window on the outside of the house. To my eye, they provide a visual deterrent (as well as a physical deterrent) without making the house look "locked down."
No, I am not affliated with the company! :) Just was following up on our discussion by researching what products are out there.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.