Are you in contact with those neighbours, other than cellphone or landline, maybe invest in handhld radio`s, the rest sounds very good, maybe consider a few more dogs, a few more extra eyes and ears can make a huge difference.
Home Invasion Robberies
- Thread starter Clyde
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In this village of inbreds chances are it would be my neighbours trying to break in.
I think your absolutely right NR me old mucker, we haven't had any crime here out in the sticks for about 5 years, and any stranger would stand out.most people here know where you live and what vehicle you drive. my main worry would be the welfare class living in the next street who live from welfare payment to welfare payment and live on takeaways and "convenience" food and lounge about the back garden swigging canned beer and smoking (gawd knows what), most of them are harmless but we have a new "family" who definitely bear watching...and we do!
Maybe i should clarify the concept of "neighbour" a bit. Those that give a dawn, prep like you, act and think along the same lines you do, they may be 2 miles away or a thousand, still makes them "neighbours", poeple you can call on at 2 in the morning to come and help, but dont overstay their welcome. Have a few around good folks, the rest????
We have a few different measures.
First off, we're in a rural area, so right there, kind of limits the possibilities (opportunity).
Our first line of defense is fencing. From most directions, a burglar would have to get over at least two different fences (most of which have barbed or thorny plants along the fence line).
Or next line of defense is a really nosy (but nice) neighbor, who likes to call us up when anything looks out of the ordinary. (she knows we're armed and would protect her too).
Then, we have motion detector lights all around the property, that could alert us (and provide inconvenient light).
The exterior windows, some have decorative iron bars (eventually all will), but all have barbed or thorny plants under them. The exterior doors are all very solid (the shop one is even metal, though looks normal), and have top and bottom slide locks to help secure them (these are in place at night). The front door and side doors all have deadbolts and kickplates. Coming in from the side door, you'd actually have to get through TWO deadbolted doors. We don't forget, as it is a matter of routine.
We have battery operated alarms on the doors and windows. We check these periodically to refresh the batteries.
The next line of defense is the weird layout of our house. Light switches aren't where one would expect, and even we got lost the first couple of months here. Good luck to an intruder in the dark.
I have a Malucan Cockatoo (loudest bird on the planet, literally) that will make a huge racket if she hears someone go through the kitchen (the central room of the house) at night (which is why we have a mini fridge in our bedroom, to avoid that for late night drinks or snacks). Plus, we have 4 chihuahuas that make a racket if a stranger was in. Finally, our Lab/Chow will do more than just bark, and would pretty much tear up any intruder. (He sleeps at our bedroom door).
Inside the house, the interior bedrooms have had the door locks replaced with actual exterior door locks (not the kind you can open with a kitchen knife, like standard interior doorknobs). Eventually, we'll replace the doors as well with more sturdy ones. In the master bedroom, the walk in closet doors have exterior door locks as well. Eventually, will replace these doors first, to kind of make mini panic rooms, but for now, they are still pretty decent. I lock up my guns when we have company that includes children. My wife locks up all her medications (our son is pretty Emo, so we don't want him getting stupid and trying to hurt himself either way).
We're really big geeks, and our Living Room has a medieval theme that includes functional swords mounted on the wall, that can be drawn and used. The Dining Room has a couple of sabers that can be drawn, and the main guest bathroom has an Oriental theme, with numerous mounted weapons (samurai swords, pairs of sai, etc. ). Our bedroom has some mounted weapons as well, so pretty much each room has some kind of quick weapon at hand.
Finally, anything else of real value (our TVs, appliances, and furniture are all expensive, but not exactly portable, especially as the TVs are wall-mounted), such as cash, expensive jewelry, deeds, titles, etc. is all in a hidden safe, so not going to find that without some real effort either.
First off, we're in a rural area, so right there, kind of limits the possibilities (opportunity).
Our first line of defense is fencing. From most directions, a burglar would have to get over at least two different fences (most of which have barbed or thorny plants along the fence line).
Or next line of defense is a really nosy (but nice) neighbor, who likes to call us up when anything looks out of the ordinary. (she knows we're armed and would protect her too).
Then, we have motion detector lights all around the property, that could alert us (and provide inconvenient light).
The exterior windows, some have decorative iron bars (eventually all will), but all have barbed or thorny plants under them. The exterior doors are all very solid (the shop one is even metal, though looks normal), and have top and bottom slide locks to help secure them (these are in place at night). The front door and side doors all have deadbolts and kickplates. Coming in from the side door, you'd actually have to get through TWO deadbolted doors. We don't forget, as it is a matter of routine.
We have battery operated alarms on the doors and windows. We check these periodically to refresh the batteries.
The next line of defense is the weird layout of our house. Light switches aren't where one would expect, and even we got lost the first couple of months here. Good luck to an intruder in the dark.
I have a Malucan Cockatoo (loudest bird on the planet, literally) that will make a huge racket if she hears someone go through the kitchen (the central room of the house) at night (which is why we have a mini fridge in our bedroom, to avoid that for late night drinks or snacks). Plus, we have 4 chihuahuas that make a racket if a stranger was in. Finally, our Lab/Chow will do more than just bark, and would pretty much tear up any intruder. (He sleeps at our bedroom door).
Inside the house, the interior bedrooms have had the door locks replaced with actual exterior door locks (not the kind you can open with a kitchen knife, like standard interior doorknobs). Eventually, we'll replace the doors as well with more sturdy ones. In the master bedroom, the walk in closet doors have exterior door locks as well. Eventually, will replace these doors first, to kind of make mini panic rooms, but for now, they are still pretty decent. I lock up my guns when we have company that includes children. My wife locks up all her medications (our son is pretty Emo, so we don't want him getting stupid and trying to hurt himself either way).
We're really big geeks, and our Living Room has a medieval theme that includes functional swords mounted on the wall, that can be drawn and used. The Dining Room has a couple of sabers that can be drawn, and the main guest bathroom has an Oriental theme, with numerous mounted weapons (samurai swords, pairs of sai, etc. ). Our bedroom has some mounted weapons as well, so pretty much each room has some kind of quick weapon at hand.
Finally, anything else of real value (our TVs, appliances, and furniture are all expensive, but not exactly portable, especially as the TVs are wall-mounted), such as cash, expensive jewelry, deeds, titles, etc. is all in a hidden safe, so not going to find that without some real effort either.
Should add, eventually, we're going to make a secret bookcase door going to our bedroom. Mostly, this is for fun, just because the hallway is just SO perfect for this idea. But, it will also serve as a point of confusion, and buy time before one finds the master bedroom, should we have an intruder.
There use to be a few cops / Investagators that would stop by a Gun Shop I worked at back in the 80's some local a couple State one of them TBI . One thing they all seemed to agree on was the worst crime scenes they ever worked was a home invasion where the bad guys found familys at home . Seems the creepers fill safe in a house they have took over and take time to do alot of bad things to the people that have the misfortune of being caught of gaurd by these kind of preditors . Hearing these stories back then when I was just starting my Family helped me be aware that I need to protect my family .
Couple of things that help are that creepers do not like being in the light at night and do not like making noise . Also large / loud dogs help . A potential threat was stopped in thier tracks when I opened the door unarmed and a car load of thugs looking for a house to rob pulled into my driveway . The one that knocked on the door was all big and bad and when he saw I wasnt going to be a push over he looked back at his buddy's and they started getting out . My big hound came to investagate and made so much of a fuss they lost thier nerve and left . That was broad daylight in a peacful rual area , it was the Christmas season and they were looking for a house with nobody home and was going to load up on Christmas gifts . These creepers were good at this .The big thug that came to the door stood real close to it so he couldnt be seen through the peep hole and knocked real softly like a small fragile person . Me and my Son were home one car was in the shop and my Wife had the other , she left the outside light on because she left before daylight . I hadnt turned it off yet . I answer the door armed to the teeth now unless I know who it is . That was years ago . Side note the year before a Elderly Couple had been tortured and robbed the same time of year in a nerby County . They broke the Man's fingers with vise grips .
That is the kind of people you deal with in a home invasion .
Couple of things that help are that creepers do not like being in the light at night and do not like making noise . Also large / loud dogs help . A potential threat was stopped in thier tracks when I opened the door unarmed and a car load of thugs looking for a house to rob pulled into my driveway . The one that knocked on the door was all big and bad and when he saw I wasnt going to be a push over he looked back at his buddy's and they started getting out . My big hound came to investagate and made so much of a fuss they lost thier nerve and left . That was broad daylight in a peacful rual area , it was the Christmas season and they were looking for a house with nobody home and was going to load up on Christmas gifts . These creepers were good at this .The big thug that came to the door stood real close to it so he couldnt be seen through the peep hole and knocked real softly like a small fragile person . Me and my Son were home one car was in the shop and my Wife had the other , she left the outside light on because she left before daylight . I hadnt turned it off yet . I answer the door armed to the teeth now unless I know who it is . That was years ago . Side note the year before a Elderly Couple had been tortured and robbed the same time of year in a nerby County . They broke the Man's fingers with vise grips .
That is the kind of people you deal with in a home invasion .
I remember that famous but terrible home invasion by two black dudes in Witchita KS how they slowly butchered a family but the story was played down to prevent the struggling race relation issue from going tits up.
I went up against a local thug when I still lived in Plymouth, he had just come out of prison after a short sentence for attacking an elderly man in the local launderette. he was having a go at my elderly female neighbour, she yelled for me and the guy upstairs(guy upstairs didn't show)I went out in my bike gear(leather jacket, "cut off" and bike boots), and just stood by my neighbour, arms folded, looking at him and saying nothing. after a few minutes of cursing at me and her, he turned tail and ran!!
One of the scariest moments I had was in my former home. I didn't have guns at the time, only swords. I heard a smash and went outside, and some punk had smashed my tail light. He was drunk, and had us mistaken for someone else. He kept making like he was going to come into the yard proper, and I told him if he did, I'd run this sword right through his gut (and I meant it...so help me I did)...
Luckily, his girlfriend talked some sense into him. We called the cops, and turned out he was a parolee (numerous drug charges), and his behavior towards the cops that night basically bought him another trip to the slammer (other charges, not for the tail light). Years ago, but definitely the closest I ever came to killing someone. There was at least a few moments where I really tensed to strike based on his actions. Had he come onto the yard, no doubt I would have run him through....no doubt in my mind at all. (and yes, we're a stand your ground state).
Luckily, his girlfriend talked some sense into him. We called the cops, and turned out he was a parolee (numerous drug charges), and his behavior towards the cops that night basically bought him another trip to the slammer (other charges, not for the tail light). Years ago, but definitely the closest I ever came to killing someone. There was at least a few moments where I really tensed to strike based on his actions. Had he come onto the yard, no doubt I would have run him through....no doubt in my mind at all. (and yes, we're a stand your ground state).
I too have this fear! There are several things that i have done to act as a deterrent for home invaders ! The first is any time we take a family trip i leave one vehicle at the house so it appears that someone is home! always leave the living room tv on at a decent volume level so it can be heard at the door! Blinds down and 1 main light on! also i found some very loud magnetic alarms with adhesive strips on the backs for putting on doors and windows( These were purchased at The dollar tree for only a buck a peace) while it does not dial the police when set off , it does make a very loud high pitched squeal that all of my neighbors will here with ease! next since i do have a 4 year old daughter i do keep my guns locked in a safe so i may not be able to get them fast enough to ward off an invader so i do have knives placed around the house up out of her reach that can be gotten to in any room ! then behind my broom door i keep an aluminum louisville slugger ! And of coarse like many of you have posted ! if i hear them breaking in they will get shot! lol now that ive read some of your posts i feel poor!
my greatest fear is my mom answering the door when im not here.she says that she stands to one side of the door,and ask who it is before unlocking it.but yet.it could be a thief or what ever,saying it's ups or what ever.and i think that shes modest enough to fall for it..a ups guy did deliver a package today.in which he came to the origenal front door.i came out the garage,and on gaurd.on account folks that know us,knows which door to go to..in which the front door aint it..
We have fitted a check arm to our front door, its not a lock as such its a pivoting very heavy duty catch that allows you to open the door to 6 0r 10 inches to receive mail or speak to someone, it cannot be reached easily if at all from outside. similar to this simple version
so far I've just got a door chain on our front door-the type that includes a lock so you can use it when you go out and unlock it with a key from the outside when you return, fairly thick you need boltcroppers to cut it.
My first line od defence is FOUR stickers, front door as TWO, One says NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MONITORED NO COLD CALLERS, Second one says NRA LIFE MEMBER. Back gate has BEWARE PITBULLS LIVE HERE and another NRA LIFE MEMBER.
Then we move onto Double glazing with self adhesive laminating film so even if they break the glass they still cannot get in witjout making enough nouse to wake the dead. Front doors have PIR / Microwave activated light, The door is an ultra high security multi point locking, quad hinge Laminated door bolted straight through the frame and screwed into the brick walls, pivoted check arm stops front door opening more than 6 inches with someone on the inside moving the check arm
Then we move onto Double glazing with self adhesive laminating film so even if they break the glass they still cannot get in witjout making enough nouse to wake the dead. Front doors have PIR / Microwave activated light, The door is an ultra high security multi point locking, quad hinge Laminated door bolted straight through the frame and screwed into the brick walls, pivoted check arm stops front door opening more than 6 inches with someone on the inside moving the check arm
where do I get that window laminating film NR? been trying to find it online but no luck, we are having 3 new windows fitted within the next couple of months so I've got time to get some in.
I've got a sticker says "no cold callers" on the door but it don't stop the buggers banging on the door!!!
I've got a sticker says "no cold callers" on the door but it don't stop the buggers banging on the door!!!
Mothercare, B & Q etc or Amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Luxico-Safety-Security-Shatter-Protection/dp/B002QEXRCG
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Luxico-Safety-Security-Shatter-Protection/dp/B002QEXRCG
Speak to your local Crime prevention officer or Neighbourhood watch Coordinator they have the Semi official DEVON CONSTABULARY NEIGHBOURHHOD WAT. NO COLD CALLING WITHOUT APPOINTMENT stickers, Bright yellow and black they are up here.
then you can ask your local NH watch to organise a No Cold calling zone
Or you can copy this and print it off
then you can ask your local NH watch to organise a No Cold calling zone
Or you can copy this and print it off
the issues with our doors. their the old type doors,in which the front door has windows in it.the other 2 are all wood doors.but yet.they can still be broken.only advantage with the front door.is a person has to grab the door knob and left up on it,just to lock and unlock the dead bolt..so a person beaking in.would have to break out enough window just to come in.in which theyd be lucky to get past puting 1 foot into the home..
Same here in the southeastern US, cycles of home invasions. I have added motion detector lighting, solar and hard wired. Gonna add a fence, with a thorny bush perimeter, to look decorative. Have purchased security cameras also.
