Home Security

manygoatsnmore · #1 08/07/10, 06:16 PM

I posted this in another thread, but didn't want to get the thread too far off track, so I decided to spin it off into a separate thread. There is a guy getting out of prison next month, and I think there is a chance he may track me down and take some revenge for the things I said about him at his sentencing. Never mind that all that I said was TRUE and I could have said a lot more, as I think that anyone that rapes/molests his own dd for years should be strung up by his toenails and be made to suffer a long, torturous death, but the fact is, this is a big guy with a bad temper, and he's had over 7 years to think about what I said.

I'm handling the self-defense angle with getting a CCW and a carry pistol, working on the situational awarement and trying to change some of the habits (like leaving my doors unlocked) that worked for a simpler time. I have to strengthen my doors and windows - without going to putting bars on and feeling like a prisoner myself. I know I've seen floor mounted door locks where you slide a bar into a holder that's bolted to the floor, but I'm having trouble finding it (had it bookmarked in the old computer). Have any of you used a setup like this, and is it as effective as it is advertised to be? How did you find your locks? What have you done to strengthen the frames on your doors? Mine are wobbly after dd's many temper-tantrum induced door slams (which is one reason she is living with her dad now).

I have 2 big dogs, one chained most of the time because she roams otherwise, and one loose, but just he's just a pup, yet. Both will bark, but neither would be likely to attack to defend me, as far as I know. I'm thinking about adding a 3rd big dog, if I can find one that is a homebody and defensive/protective of me.

Sticks in the window frames to prevent windows from being opened are a given - I have window locks on most of the windows, but I don't really trust them. Of course, if someone really wanted to get in when I wasn't home, he could just break a window...

mpillow · #2 08/07/10, 06:52 PM

Have you talked with local LEO's to give them a heads up on your situation??

Our adopted daughter's mother made threats and the state in all its wisdom leaked our address to her....I finally wrote a letter to her (after receiving many threats and inappropriate cards/pics) and the social worker would not make things right. I flat out lied to the bio-mom that we had changed our minds about adopting the child and that last I knew a doctor from RI was next in line to adopt her. Haven't heard a peep since...

I'm not feeling so big about the lie but my FAMILY was at risk, and I'd rather tell a lie than have to shoot someone.

manygoatsnmore · #3 08/07/10, 07:01 PM

I talked to the deputy that fingerprinted me, and he agreed that with where I live, having a self-defense weapon was a good idea. By the time LEOs could get to me, I'd be beaten or dead. I can't even get a restraining order unless he threatens me, but the officer told me that if I even hear that he made a threat against me to a 3rd party, that would be enough for me to be able to go back to court for a restraining order. A piece of paper isn't going to stop someone bent on hurting me, but it does lay the groundwork that lets them know I do fear for my life. If I am attacked and forced to shoot him, I will do it, make no mistake. If it's him or me that survives, I will make sure it's me...and if he hears that, and hears that I have weapons to defend myself, maybe that will be enough of a deterrent to make this all a moot point. I hope so, but you know the old saying...hope for the best, but plan for the worst. That's what I'm trying to do.

mpillow · #4 08/07/10, 07:12 PM

What is the law in your state? Here in Maine you aren't supposed to shoot until they enter the house (DUMB!)..I believe its called the Castle Law or somesuch....

FyredUp · #5 08/07/10, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manygoatsnmore

I posted this in another thread, but didn't want to get the thread too far off track, so I decided to spin it off into a separate thread. There is a guy getting out of prison next month, and I think there is a chance he may track me down and take some revenge for the things I said about him at his sentencing. Never mind that all that I said was TRUE and I could have said a lot more, as I think that anyone that rapes/molests his own dd for years should be strung up by his toenails and be made to suffer a long, torturous death, but the fact is, this is a big guy with a bad temper, and he's had over 7 years to think about what I said.

I'm handling the self-defense angle with getting a CCW and a carry pistol, working on the situational awarement and trying to change some of the habits (like leaving my doors unlocked) that worked for a simpler time. I have to strengthen my doors and windows - without going to putting bars on and feeling like a prisoner myself. I know I've seen floor mounted door locks where you slide a bar into a holder that's bolted to the floor, but I'm having trouble finding it (had it bookmarked in the old computer). Have any of you used a setup like this, and is it as effective as it is advertised to be? How did you find your locks? What have you done to strengthen the frames on your doors? Mine are wobbly after dd's many temper-tantrum induced door slams (which is one reason she is living with her dad now).

I have 2 big dogs, one chained most of the time because she roams otherwise, and one loose, but just he's just a pup, yet. Both will bark, but neither would be likely to attack to defend me, as far as I know. I'm thinking about adding a 3rd big dog, if I can find one that is a homebody and defensive/protective of me.

Sticks in the window frames to prevent windows from being opened are a given - I have window locks on most of the windows, but I don't really trust them. Of course, if someone really wanted to get in when I wasn't home, he could just break a window...

My advice on hardening the doors and adding additional devices to prevent them from being opened is simple and straight forward...Any additional hardening of doors is as effective as any window on the first floor. Seriously, if a guy can't get in the door and there is a window that he can get through by simply breaking the glass, how effective was hardening the doors? You could put shutters on the windows for night time security. But that makes the house seem cave like.

How about this instead? Harden your bedroom with a better door and lock, and secure the windows with indoor shutters. Place a motion detector in the hallway or stairway leading to the bedroom to give you a heads up someone is coming. That way you are only making one room of your house a fortress.

I would add motion detection lighting to the outside perimeter of your house. Keep shrubbery cut low by your house. Get into the habit of locking your vehicle even in your driveway or garage. What good does it do to harden the house if you leave an obvious place for confrontation like your car unlocked?

I know I said this before but...it bears repeating. SITUATIONAL AWARENESS is key. Pay attention, if it doesn't seem right, feel right, or look right, then go on alert. Pay attention to your instincts and intuitions. They rarely lie.

As far as the gun going in your locker at work, I guess the best answer is to talk to your human resources people and explain the situation and why you want to bring the gun into your locker. Explain you would keep it out of sight and locked in yourb locker whenever it was inside the building. Good luck with that...I can guess how it will go.

Good luck and stay safe.

used2bcool13 · #6 08/07/10, 07:33 PM

I will second the motion detector lights on the perimeter and maybe even one of those driveway alarms, the ones that beep if someone comes up the driveway? I know, I know, most bad guys don't drive up your driveway.

Home depot has a 10 screw in add on thing that your can just add to existing outdoor lights to make them motion sensitive.

Even those little battery operated magnetic things would beep if your door or window was opened. These things may not stop anyone but they may alert you and give you time to get that ... baseball bat or gun.

pancho · #7 08/07/10, 09:33 PM

Security cameras are great. They are small enough that they can be hidden easily. They are cheap compared to building a fort. They can be placed where you can see the entire outside of your house. You are able to see anyone that comes up to your house no matter which side they choose and no matter if it is daylight or dark.

**Roadking** · #8 08/07/10, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pancho

Security cameras are great. They are small enough that they can be hidden easily. They are cheap compared to building a fort. They can be placed where you can see the entire outside of your house. You are able to see anyone that comes up to your house no matter which side they choose and no matter if it is daylight or dark.

Hidden security cameras are great, but one that gets attention may be of greater value. If you see a camera, can you disable it before being caught on tape? Orrrrrrr, are there more than one? That may be a decision point.
Matt

soulsurvivor · #9 08/07/10, 10:13 PM

It'd be something to consider building yourself a safe room, or maybe even a smaller safe closet. While you're at it, make it into a nuclear fallout shelter too. In the off chance he did get inside your house, maybe you'd have another option of a quick getaway by having that closet to lock yourself into that he couldn't enter or penetrate with bullets. I'd make certain I had a way to communicate quickly with the police in any circumstance.

It's actually more likely he'd be trying to run you off the highway though or jumping out at you as you enter/exit all your locations. Do you know any defensive arts that would allow you to maybe kick a gun out of his grip or keep him from sedating you with a drug rag over your nose? And sorry to even mention these possibilities, but a sexual child abuser doesn't usually have any morals and will try any trick in the book to get a quick control of you.

Wayne02 · #10 08/07/10, 10:31 PM

First, I must compliment you on how well you have thought through this situation. And more importantly your realization of the following:

- The importance of situational awareness
- The almost total lack of practical effectiveness of restraining orders
- The Fact that just having a big dog doesn't mean they will actually protect you when the time comes. (I've seen this fallacy play out more than once)
- And most importantly, you have thought through the mindset needed should the situation arise, and you have decided that you will not be a victim. Those who have been through a violent encounter can attest to how important mindset is to surviving the encounter. You can have all the tools and training, but without that mindset many times the tools are just not enough.

A gun and a WA CPL is good, because in the final analysis the firearm is the great equalizer. However, a gun along with training and practice is many times better. There are plenty of good instructors around, just don't let anybody talk you into a caliber that you are not comfortable and confident shooting.

I don't know your employment situation but just be real careful about that whole having a gun at work thing. Make very sure you know the policy before going ahead with something like that. Keeping a gun in the car at work is one thing, but bringing a gun into the facility often crosses the line with the company. Besides, a gun in a locker will not do you much good if you can't get to it when needed. If you think an attack at your place of employment is a real possibility and a gun is not allowed, there are some other tools that can be used which can be carried on the person.

As far as protection around the home your greatest assets are your neighbors, your dog, and your perimeter warning system (alarm, dog, lights etc). If you are situated such that your neighbors can see your place or see who comes and goes they can be a good ally and early warning system if the guy is snooping around setting up the attack.

I would see if you can get your dog some training (usually in conjunction with you as the handler), or maybe another dog with some real defense/attack training.

Best of luck with this situation.

Texasdirtdigger · #11 08/08/10, 06:01 AM

Is there any security where you work? Security guard? I used to work in an area where all manner of awful things happened.....I asked the Security Guard if they would mind walking me to my car... He said " Sure, That is what we are here for." I still looked over my shoulder, but him being there gave me an extra measure of comfort.
Is there a guy in your office that would walk you out?
Think about letting your HR dept know what is going on.... they may have some options for you. BY ALL MEANS... check the Possession of firearms, in the work place codes....I'm betting it's a NO,NO.
Also, I keep ( several) small metal ball bat's close by the doors. and one in each closet,.. just in case, I get a surprize and cannot get to one of my guns. BTW, I carry one in my car, too.
I have a large ultra protective LGD inside my house. Think about either getting that puppy trained in defense/attack, or get one especially for defense.
I'd get your neighborhood community made aware...... After all, his possible actions may impact them, too. Remember, Safety in numbers.
If you have family members coming and going freely... you might consider a "Code word" for danger.
You are on the right track.... check with a local hardware store, they will have catalogs for all manner of door - floor locks, if you can't find them elsewhere. Think about a sturdy shutter for the inside on your windows.
Learn a couple of defensive - disarming moves and STAY AWARE and try to always leave yourself a way out.
Best of all wishes for your continued safety.

the mama · #12 08/08/10, 10:12 AM

Think about how a big, mad, cowardly child abuser would confront you. My bet is that he is used to smaller victums that can't fight back. Being in prison may have toughened him up some, but still his prefered prey is defensless. Are you female? I would bet on some driveby house shooting, throwing things in your yard (like road kill) or poisoning your animals. Terror tactics rather than confrontation. Keep a camera and document everything. If you can get resonable documentation, they can violate his parole. I would also find out who the parole officer is and insist on notification of any missed meetings or other suspect activities that he may be preparing to run.

Dutch 106 · #13 08/08/10, 01:22 PM

Hi,
All good thoughts, talking with his parol officer (if he gets one) is a good idea they can stress that any interactions with people involved in the case will get his parol caceled will help.
Then if he shows up, just once he gets bounced.
Be careful be wary think and plan for the worst.

Just don't forget to enjoy life, watch the sunset scritch a dog tummy, while a paw wriggels, smile at your friends and family.

Dutch

radiofish · #14 08/08/10, 05:13 PM

manygoatsnmore - well you have started on the correct path, as to not being a 'victim'.

It is a shame when folks have to alter their lives, in order to protect themselves from a potential threat.

To manygoatsnmore - last year I helped a woman that was in an abusive relationship escape/ get away to another state. I did teach her on how to defend herself while armed and unarmed, enough for her to get away if attacked. She did get her CCW License, and had to go out of state to get away from her abuser.

The abuser has threated me by email (what a fool), verbally, and swears that he will return to get even with me someday. Of course he is a 5'5" tall hothead with what I call the 'little guy syndrome'. He likes to abuse those smaller or helpless than himself. I don't think he expected the response that was presented to him, by someone bigger and tougher than he is. Intimated by him, I don't think so... I was even accused of trying to steal "his woman' aawy from him. I was then and have been in a relationship with a wonderful woman, for almost two years now. Now the abuser has moved to the East Coast, and yet I still sort of keep my eyes open for any signs of unauthorized persons on my place/ and now also at the neighbors property.

Looking at the other posts, lots of good suggestions.... They do make fake security cameras that are cheap, to draw attention away from a potential hidden video camera.
Depending on your place, try to set up 'tell tales' (unobtrusive/ hidden markers that if disturbed will let you know if someone was there) to let you know if someone has been near the house, a window, door, etc. while you are gone.

I know we are creatures of habit, but try to vary your routine after he gets out. Use timers for lights, radio, etc. to give an appearance of your being home.

From the sound of it, he may just wait a few months if he is/ has any intelligence, before he tries anything in the revenge department.

Texasdirtdigger · #15 08/08/10, 05:59 PM

MGM - Although this sounds kinda silly... One of my early warning systems is a Gaggle of Geese. They will definately let you know if something is stirring on your property anytime - day or night. Most will also charge at a stranger......Mine will bite anyone but me like crazy with no provocation. My dogs alert off of the geese, as well.
You have been on my mind all day. I worry about you being outside, headown, with both hands busy. The geese will raise a ruckas... I always look up, when I hear them, to see what is going on. They don't miss much.
Again, only best thoughts for your safety

texican · #16 08/08/10, 06:03 PM

I was on a jury that sent a local punk to prison for life, without parole. Killed his grandpa, because he wouldn't give him any beer money. Fella lived about four miles from here.

Week after we sent him away for good, saw him walking down the street in town. Waved. Waved back. Drove to sheriffs office and asked wth? Free while they had another 'hearing'. Hearing??? Jury of his peers sent him to prison for life. Informed the sheriff, if I saw him on my road, I'd drop him, as I'd figure he was out for a little of his own justice.

Never saw him again... thank goodness. Hopefully he's eating green ham in Huntsville.

Manygoats... I'd drop him on site. Remember this if nothing else... in the game of rock paper and scissors, paper covers rock. In the game of lead vs. paper, lead cuts through paper. A piece of paper won't protect you... it might enable the authorities to come back later and prosecute him for violating that piece of paper, but not till he's through doing his own violating. Take care of yourself now, you hear!

coup · #17 08/08/10, 09:04 PM

has he actually threatened you? if you just told the truth he probably has moved on.....were there other witness's..........it is good to be ready but probably more danger from some passing drugg's..........

i have been threatened so many times and finally realized these people have many encounters and get over theirs quicker than i do........

tamsam · #18 08/08/10, 11:14 PM

I am assuming you live alone. Get a good weapon and learn how to use it and lots of target practice till you hit what you are shooting at. A gun is no good if you can't hit what you are shooting at. Do not let anyone know you have a weapon as if someone comes after you they might shoot first. Have someone put motion lights on all corners of your house with an alarm inside to let you know something is outside.
I had a large dobbie that I raised from 4 weeks and took him to training myself. He was the best dog anyone could have had. Stopped at a grocery store one night coming from training with him and about 2 steps from my car someone hit me in the back of the head. When I came to my senses Henry [my dog] had them on the ground and was trying to eat them alive. Guy got a bunch of time because he was wanted for other things too.
Again get a weapon and practice so one shot will do what you need it to do. Another thing CAN you shoot someone? It is a hard thing to do if you stop to think about it. If you are ever in that position just do it without stopping to think about it. Remember if someone is in your house uninvited they are most likely going to hurt you so do them first. Good luck with what ever you decide to do. Sam

**GREENCOUNTYPETE** · #19 08/09/10, 10:42 AM

the coolest home security product i have seen in years i saw on a show called It Takes A Thief on discovery a few years back it is clear

if you are familiar with the stuff they put on car windows to tint them this is very similar but comes in clear and gets put on your house windows it makes them really hard to break thru thier test peice to show home owners was a small double thermal window like most houses that have gotten new windows in the last 25 years have they put the film on the window you would have to be looking at it really close and know what you were looking at to tell any way it takes repeated hits with a hammer yes the glass breaks but the film holds it together

actualy you have all been looking thru this for years but didn't probably realize it , the wind sheild in cars has had a similar covering for years having seen a broken winsheid and even broken one myeslf and shot one with a 12 ga with #7 shot they realy stay together sure the inside of the car may be sprayed in shaterd glass fragmnets but it is fairly amazing what a car windsheild will take , with this film product the windows in your house will do the same

Ernie · #20 08/09/10, 11:34 AM

After you've gotten all the info you need out of this thread, it should be deleted. It could be used against you in a court of law as a sign of premediation.

In the future, if any of you want to start a thread in a similar vein because you think someone is coming to get you then PM me or someone else you're familiar with and ask them to start a thread on advice. That way it cannot be tracked back to you and held against you.

Shooting a stranger who was breaking into your house is pretty cut and dry and most prosecutors won't touch it. But shooting a relative, or an in-law, or a neighbor you've previously had problems with (even if justified) might just give a gun-grabbing district attorney a chance to make a name for themselves.