"IT" Happened

2horses · #21 10/03/05, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claytonpiano

What happened is that I heard a thump in the front and then a sort of tapping or maybe even knocking, but very faintly. All of a sudden, I heard the front screen door open and someone try to open the front door. I yelled out and said, "May I help you?" DUH!! Can you believe I was polite? My mom taught me to always be polite. He said, "UH, oh, yeah I think someone I know used to stay here." I say, "you've got the wrong house." He leaves slowly and slowly backs out of the drive, but sits out front for a long while.

Pardon me if I'm out of line, but is it possible this guy was lost and telling the truth? Maybe he sat outside for a while trying to get his bearings and figure out where he was. If all he did was knock and then wiggle your doorknob, I wouldn't automatically run screaming that he tried to break in. He simply tried to open the door, which may have been a customary practice for him. Bad manners, yes - a thief, maybe not. Aren't they're usually more subtle than that?

Pam

<----- is neither naive nor an alarmist....

cfabe · #22 10/03/05, 03:09 PM

Get the gun, and it should be with/near you at all times. Not left in the house if you're out in the yard tending the chicken or whatever. That's what holsters were invented for.

Good luck, hope you don't see them agian.

Darren · #23 10/03/05, 04:32 PM

I always got a kick out of those TV ads for alarm systems. Someone breaks a window and the householders immediately start to panic. I'd like to see one where upon hearing the breaking glass the woman racks a pump shotgun, a sound that's unique, and the scene then shows the would be burglar crapping their pants.

You might think of just recording the sound to be played at the appropriate time.

roadrash · #24 10/03/05, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgbndaudio

Hello,

Very scary what happened to you! I have never had anone break in, but I did have someone attempt to mug me in Spokane, WA. Ten years later, I still feel sorry for that guy because I kicked his ass! and I'm a whimp!

You should read up on statistics of how many homeowners are shot with their own guns! It's not good!

I second the motion that learning some self defense it a much wiser approach. That way no matter where you are you can defend yourself.

Just think what could've happened if you were outside and he'd found the gun in your house. It's that easy! Guns are not the answer!
Watch bowling for columbine and think about it!

Scotty
http://scottarmstrong.blogspot.com

Spoken like a true liberal!
Believe me Its not a blue state because of my vote!

bryon huff · #25 10/03/05, 04:50 PM

dont let them blow smoke up your ----- my gun is on my side i live in the woods and thers more then people out in the woods some people jest dont like guns

Cyngbaeld · #26 10/03/05, 04:57 PM

I just HAVE to tell my little gun story.

When I was much younger I was buying a new mobile home from a dealer. He struck me all wrong, if you know what I mean. He was the person responsible for having the MH delivered to my lot which was quite far out in the country. Obviously he also had access to the keys, tho I planned on changing locks asap. Anyhow, he gives me this LEER and asks 'aren't you afraid to be living so far out BY YOURSELF?'

I looked him square in the eye and said 'no, I keep a sawed off shotgun under the bed'.

You should have seen the look on this guy's face. It was a classic. He kind of stuttered 'you wouldn't USE it WOULD you?'

I kept my voice as flat as I could and said 'yes.'

He never showed up. I think having the gun helped, even tho I never had to shoot it.

claytonpiano · #27 10/03/05, 05:10 PM

Thanks all. What great advice. The dog is a really good idea. What kind do you recommend around chickens. We have 80!!!

DrippingSprings · #28 10/03/05, 05:10 PM

My wife had a visitor similar to that once years ago. He was twisting the knob etc. She didnt say anything at all. She tip toed over to the door and when he heard the slide pump go down then up vigorously chambering a shell on that twelve gauge he was gone in a flash. Local new teen thinking we were all gone and was tring to pick the door lock etc. I have no doubts that if he had opened it she would have put a nice hole through his midsection

skruzich · #29 10/03/05, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claytonpiano

Here we are on our homestead of one year. Last night someone tried to break-in to the house. We are still renovating so some of the outside lights aren't working and dh is out of town. Before dh left we went to take a gun safety class and were going to buy a pistol, but didn't get the pistol bought before he left. What happened is that I heard a thump in the front and then a sort of tapping or maybe even knocking, but very faintly. All of a sudden, I heard the front screen door open and someone try to open the front door. I yelled out and said, "May I help you?" DUH!! Can you believe I was polite? My mom taught me to always be polite. He said, "UH, oh, yeah I think someone I know used to stay here." I say, "you've got the wrong house." He leaves slowly and slowly backs out of the drive, but sits out front for a long while. The scary part is the timing. I am such a creature of habit that I always go out to close up the chickens at about the same time every night. Last night my kids were home to visit and we closed them up early, thank God, or he would have been trying to get in while I was outside and would have been in the house when I returned. The sheriff has given me several pointers. I am changing all the locks to double keyed and adding more lights with motion sensors outside. DH is coming home tonight and cancelling his trip. What a wake-up call. I wanted to share so that everyone is alert. We live in a wonderful, safe area, but should always be prepared!!!

Only thing i can advise you with is go down to wallyworld or gunshop and get you a 20guage pump shotgun and have them show you how to work it. Also don't forget the ammunition and load it when you get home! And forget the ($)@)# lock that they try to scare you into putting onto the gun. Locks get the wrong people killed. Just don't let the gun out of your sight around children, and the first chance you get take the kids out and target practice with it so they see first hand what it is and what it can do.

Until you get a gun, find a bat, pipe, or a number 10 cast iron skillet and use it to kill not injure!

skruzich · #30 10/03/05, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgbndaudio

Hello,

Very scary what happened to you! I have never had anone break in, but I did have someone attempt to mug me in Spokane, WA. Ten years later, I still feel sorry for that guy because I kicked his ass! and I'm a whimp!

You should read up on statistics of how many homeowners are shot with their own guns! It's not good!

I second the motion that learning some self defense it a much wiser approach. That way no matter where you are you can defend yourself.

Just think what could've happened if you were outside and he'd found the gun in your house. It's that easy! Guns are not the answer!
Watch bowling for columbine and think about it!

Scotty
http://scottarmstrong.blogspot.com

Uh huh, right! I'll believe that when i see pigs fly! The simple fact is that you don't have to shoot anyone 90% of the time if you just get a simple pump shotgun. Thieves, burglers, rapists, ect don't even want to be around one of them. The sound is distinct, and honored by most criminals! The ones that don't care, are theones who need to be dead.
I would like to see your sources for most homeowners are killed by their own guns! Not likely that happens. Most homeowners that have guns, don't get robbed!

skruzich · #31 10/03/05, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrippingSprings

My wife had a visitor similar to that once years ago. He was twisting the knob etc. She didnt say anything at all. She tip toed over to the door and when he heard the slide pump go down then up vigorously chambering a shell on that twelve gauge he was gone in a flash. Local new teen thinking we were all gone and was tring to pick the door lock etc. I have no doubts that if he had opened it she would have put a nice hole through his midsection

Don't you just love the sound of a shell sliding into the chamber! Hehee.

TexasArtist · #32 10/03/05, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claytonpiano

Thanks all. What great advice. The dog is a really good idea. What kind do you recommend around chickens. We have 80!!!

I got to thinking since you have chickens you might want to think about getting some guineas. I have 6 and they will kick an alarms butt any day of the week. Our neighbors house is about 18 bus lengths from their pen and she can't sneeze, cough, blink, or pass gas without me getting some sort of report on the situation!

katlupe · #33 10/03/05, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZealYouthGuy

Don't waste your breath... Anyone with sigs and a "location" like that is definitely for gun control. That way we can all be helpless.

Hey! I'm in that same location - but I'm not for gun control. I have more than the local gun shop! You can't go by someone's location to judge them. Believe me, NYers are not what you seem to think they are.

Pony · #34 10/03/05, 06:04 PM

My friend was awakened by someone messing with the window on the first floor bedroom. She was instantly alert, and yelled at the top of her lungs, "DAN, GET THE GUN!! SOMEONE'S TRYING TO BREAK IN!"

The burglar couldn't get his buns out of there fast enough.

Friend says she would have yelled the same thing even if her DH wasn't home -- because the burglar didn't know whether or not they had a gun, or whether or not anyone else was home -- but he wasn't taking any chances.

Pony!

seedspreader · #35 10/03/05, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katlupe

Hey! I'm in that same location - but I'm not for gun control. I have more than the local gun shop! You can't go by someone's location to judge them. Believe me, NYers are not what you seem to think they are.

LOL Kat,

silly goose, your from NY (simply) He's from a "thankfully blue state".

Tracy · #36 10/03/05, 06:17 PM

I am for guns and DOGS!

Honestly, look into getting a couple large breed dogs. We bought our property and one of the first things we did was to put invisible dog fencing in place. The second was to put in a doggie door. My dogs have access to the property and the house any time. If they hear a noise at 3 AM they are out investigating. The invisible fence keeps them on our property. Takes training but it is not difficult.

I have 2 Great Danes and a Chow/Shepard/Wolf cross. They are very visible when traffic goes by and believe me people do not get out of their cars unless we are around.

The day I have to lock my doors is the day I move.

ebarj1098 · #37 10/03/05, 06:40 PM

I have a "creepy" neighbor. He came over one day, walked in the house and closed the door behind him. When I ran to stop him in the kitchen, he began asking me if we had guns in the house and could I get to one quick (in reference to shooting a deer if the need arose). It was too weird. Brought over my folks very large, very loud lab. No one walks in now, not even those that know Sam well. Plus the two shot-guns within easy access help me feel better also.

As to the breed of dog for chickens, I would steer toward any herding or guardian breed. OUr lab is really great with the chickens also. I always wanted an Anatolian Sheepdog. They are a huge, guardian breed.

longshadowfarms · #38 10/03/05, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claytonpiano

Thanks all. What great advice. The dog is a really good idea. What kind do you recommend around chickens. We have 80!!!

An older, quiet, well trained one.

roadrash · #39 10/03/05, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skruzich

Uh huh, right! I'll believe that when i see pigs fly! The simple fact is that you don't have to shoot anyone 90% of the time if you just get a simple pump shotgun. Thieves, burglers, rapists, ect don't even want to be around one of them. The sound is distinct, and honored by most criminals! The ones that don't care, are theones who need to be dead.
I would like to see your sources for most homeowners are killed by their own guns! Not likely that happens. Most homeowners that have guns, don't get robbed!

Scotty gets his stats from Sarah Brady and the HCI crowd, the most notorious spreaders of scewed facts in the country.As far as the self defense comments Scotty made,I think if someone is breaking into my home the last thing I want to do is get involved in hand to hand!If they have any sort of an edged weapon(or any weapon) your gonna bleed ,even if you win!Many home invasions involve more than one assailant,you had better be some sort of bad ass to take on more than one thug in the dark while unarmed.(What about elderly and petite women?)What I am gonna do in that situation is,get my wife and kids barracaded behind a door in a safe room with a phone,while I am waiting for law enforcement to arrive, my AR15 stoked with a 30 rd. mag of xm193 is gonna be pointing toward that same doorwhile my loved ones are behind me!No verbal warnings, no racking slides ,no nothing!The thugs will be piled up like cordwood trying to funnel through that door!As long as they do not go through that door they can take anything they can get away with before the law gets there!Like the old saying goes (the best offense is a good defense)Oh ya, a big dog is a good idea also!

crystalniche · #40 10/03/05, 07:23 PM

A shot gun is a great motivator---for the would be trouble causer to split. We had this guy sneaking thru our yard and up to our house late one night. He was obviously up to no good. Imagine someone trying to sneak up on a house with Akitas inside? Yah, right. We saw him so DS got his 12 guage and went out the other door, snuck up around him and got behind him. DS was about 6 feet behind him when he loudly chambered a round! HA! HA! You should have seen that guy! He froze then slowly turned part way around and came face to muzzle end with the gun. He turned his head looking around for a way to escape and there stood DH and I each holding onto the collar of an alert Akita. He then ran as fast as he could back the way he came. Didn't drop that can of Bud he was carrying either.