| Insecure runner |
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We had an incident the other night where somebody rang our doorbell around midnight, and we heard voices outside. A truck drove by the house twice, about 15 minutes apart, and slowed down. We live on a cul-de-sac. A neighbor called the police because they reported seeing people in our yard. So, we are concerned about possible burglars. I do a lot of travel for work, which leaves my wife home alone a lot. We do not want to get a gun and cannot get a dog. We would like to improve home security. I thought of getting a good home security system and would be interested in any recommended systems. Nobody else in the neighborhood has one, so it would be a deterrent, however, it could also indicate we are the only ones who have good enough stuff worth trying to secure. My wife is going to get a baseball bat to keep under the bed, but we don't even know what would be the best thing to do if somebody did this again or ever got in - make our presence be known or pretend we aren't here. Any thoughts for non-firearm weapons, other things to deter a would be burglar? |
| djha |
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You can spend as much as you want on systems. I have the basic system from Platinum protection. $50 per month and have door sensors and one motion sensor. Best thing I ever did. It really gives you peace of mind, and they don't fool around if the sensors go off. I can program from the pad inside my house, or the free app on my phone. You can add stuff according to what you prefer. The big selling point for me is the whole thing is cellular, so if power and phone go out you are still protected. It's kind of like a cell phone contrary. They give you the basic hardware and you have to take a 2 year service contract. If you move they will remove and reinstall at no charge. Once you get it, you'll wonder why you waited so long. I also have some nice motion sensor lights set up to deter the amature dirtbags. |
| djha |
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Cell phone "contract". |
| pass the Skittles |
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First weapons non lethal. Get a flashlight that will temporarily blind the criminal. At least 200 lumens. Its cheaper than a gun. Get pepper spray. Keep a cell phone next to the bed. Security system. arm the doors and get motion sensors. Make sure you get a celluar backup for the system, any career criminal knows to cut the phone line before they break in. Go to your local banks and see which security company they are using. The companies stick will be on their front door. I'm more comfortable with a local company. When you get the system put the stickers on to discourage criminals from chosing you as a victim. |
| pass the Skittles |
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You mentioned using a bat. If I hit you in the temple with a bat, you might end up dead. If aim a shotgun at you, you'll run out the backdoor. I'd consider the shotgun a peace maker.(if you have children put on a trigger lock) If you're out numbered the bat will probabaly make them laugh, before they take it off you and grab your wife. If your wife is alone the bat is totally useless. She would probably be raped. The shotgun would keep her out of the SVU. |
| djha |
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On the subject of flashlights. Go to Home Depot and check out the flashlight section. For a little over $20, I picked up the Mag light model used by cops and.certain motorcycle clubs. It's about two feet long, metal case and full of D batteries. Leave it by your bed for a nice tool to check out any noises. |
| Benedict |
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Go on Ebay and buy an ADT sign to put in your front yard. Most burglaries are committed by amateurish folks who are looking for opportunities (no one home, no security system, thick bushes that cover an access point). We've been having numerous break ins in my neighborhood and the theives have never hit a house with a security system sign. The most advanced thieves would be able to get in if they knew you had something good to steal regardless of your security system. |