Posted by Gordon Maney on Saturday, November 20, 2004 at 1:39AM :
In Reply to: OT - House got cased today any ideas to deter a return visit posted by jeff on Friday, November 19, 2004 at 8:14PM :
There are two ways to look at this. The first would be to just do the simple things; have good locks [double cylinder dead bolts], the motion sensor lights, lights on timers in your house, and keep things that are truly valuables locked securely where they cannot be found. Secure your basement windows if you have them. Build some hidden compartments. Use clever methods. You can hide a lot of expensive stuff with out much effort.
Electronic alarms are not that expensive today and can be very effective. Connect the alarm to a loud klaxon or siren, as well as to a phone dialer. Have decals for the alarm system in many windows. If your TV and microwave ultimately are stolen, phone the insurance man. Nobody got hurt. You can buy new ones.
Consider the possible effects on your kids if this becomes too visible an issue. You know them, I don’t.
Did you explore the possibility of trespassing charges on these people for being in your garage?
As a life member of the NRA and holder of a concealed weapons permit for 25 years, I am understanding of those who want to be take a more positive approach to home security.
It seems your wife is at home a lot and therefore would conceivably have the greatest exposure to trouble. If, in fact, theft is the issue, it is not legally justifiable to kill someone to prevent theft. Some states have different guidelines regarding just when it is acceptable to use deadly force. I would urge you to learn those guidelines for your state. Don’t make any mistakes with respect to those guidelines. My best friend is a correctional officer. As he explains it to me, prison is not a fun place.
Before you teach your wife to shoot, you need to have an earnest discussion with her as to whether she is truly willing to kill someone in defense of herself or your kids. If she is not, then do not have her bring a weapon to bear on an intruder, because if she lacks resolve, someone will take it away from her and shoot her or beat her to death with it. For that matter, you need to consider whether you are willing to kill someone. At the critical moment, some just can’t do it. That is not a character flaw, but it is a crucial issue to consider.
If you do teach her to shoot, make it a simple, reliable weapon, such as a medium caliber revolver, or perhaps a .410 or 20 gauge repeating shotgun. Anyone looking at the muzzle of a shotgun is typically terrified.
With respect to the study of your state’s laws regarding the use of deadly force, you should learn that you do not fire warning shots and you do not fire to wound. If the guidelines have been met, you kill. This stuff is not for the faint of heart and it is not a matter about which to joke.
Mean dogs, meaning.... truly mean dogs, may get you in trouble some other day with a visitor. Big dogs, even seemingly friendly big dogs, can be very intimidating even to many men. A big, strange dog is an unknown. The burglar would rather pick an easier place.
No signs about shooting intruders. No indication — of any sort — of intent or inclination.
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