So someone tried to break into my house

[minivan2]

I was watching TV with my parents when I heard some rattling in my bedroom. Went over threre and I saw some guy messing with my window. I guess he tried to steal my laptop. Called the cops, said they'll look for them, probably won't. On edge right now and very paranoid, somebody help me calm my nerves?

[edgineered]

1. Today I was looking up quotes with the key word of silence in them.

I'm glad your parents were home, that must steady your nerves some. Just wishing I had a good enough memory to think of one of those quotes that might apply to what your folks have to say?

[Jesus Malverde]

2. Do a security assessment of the house to see what is and isn't secure.

On a warm humid night many people like to sleep with a window open and providing you have considered the security risks that’s fine. If you sleep on the first floor or above then it is unlikely that a burglar would be able to get in without disturbing you, unless of course the window is accessible as described in Security for existing windows, Windows that should be locked. That said it is still advisable to fit the window with a lockable limiter. If you sleep on the ground floor then you should consider fitting a security grille on the inside of the window that you commonly leave open. It is best to use a hinged or removable grille so that you can clean the window and remember your fire safety - you may have to get out of the window in an emergency.

http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/door-security-window-security-glazing-grilles-and-shutters/478/window-security/

Another approach is to get a motion sensor that triggers an alarm.http://www.amazon.com/U-S-Patrol-JB5532-Motion-Alarm/dp/B002B2K1IG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399877252&sr=8-3&keywords=motion+sensor+alarm

You can also place a bell that will ring when the window sash or door gets moved.

Put up some fake security cameras aimed at the windows, outside where they are very visible.

Consider keeping a weapon where it's not easily accessible to an intruder but is available when you need it.

http://www.amazon.com/RoadPro-RPTT-1-Assorted-Wooden-Thumper/dp/B001JT5CFY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399877330&sr=8-1&keywords=tire+checker

"tire checkers" are small bats that have solid metal cores. If your not physically able to use a bat, consider weapons that you can use. Remember that property is replaceable, you are not, use common sense when confronting an intruder.

Get a dog.

Hang in there, but don't be complacent. You need to make some changes as the intruder may well come back. Do not count on the police, when seconds count they are minutes away.

I'd call them back and ask them to dust for fingerprints.

[minivan2]

4. Well I got a dog so that helps.

I've been thinking of maybe getting a gun just to be safe. I probably won't use it that much since I live in a pretty safe neighborhood.

[Jesus Malverde]

6. statistically that probably won't make you safer.

I see where this is going now...

[newfie11]

14. Lol

My 4 Newfoundlands would never wake up. Only hope is burglar would trip over them.

[MADem]

54. I have a couple of "BEWARE OF THE DOG" signs on my property.

They actually scare the living shit out of people who come to the house.

The hilarity ensues when they realize that the dog(s) look like my avatar....

But the bark sounds like a doberman on steroids, so there's that. Great growl!

[piratefish08]

15. get a couple at least. you need a back up gun to protect the main gun against theft.

better safe than sorry.

[marions ghost]

18. Really you need a whole arsenal

several handguns, couple AR-15s, something like this:



Better safe than sorry.

[L0oniX]

33. Here's what I have...

[Jesus Malverde]

36. The Iranians are coming to your house...

[marions ghost]

43. Looks expensive

can I get one online?

[L0oniX]

50. Ebay has em.

[IronGate]

58. Meh, too messy.

Stinger, baby, Stinger!!

[badtoworse]

46. That's a good start

[aquart]

52. Yeah, no problem getting blood out of the new rug.

[Separation]

74. Pssh

That's why you lay plastic sheets down first.

[upaloopa]

30. Why don't you get a security system instead .

If you are shook now just wait until you kill someone.

[SQUEE]

62. Are you trained and proficient with guns?

have you done more than stand 15-50 feet away from a paper target and emptied a few magazines?
If not, then NO you do not need a gun.

Firearms are not magical talismans and should never be used as a placebo for safety. In a high stress situation, you are far more likely to harm yourself or a family member than the intruder, or likely to over react turning a non lethal situation deadly...

That said if you are willing to invest the time and money to become properly trained to safely and properly use a weapon, and to safely and responsibly secure this weapon, then a gun is a good idea.

[Bazinga]

72. I have a brother who is a firearms instructor.

His favorite saying is "Having a gun makes you armed about as much as having a guitar makes you a musician."

I'm all for armed self-defense, but you've got to get yourself some really good training.

[hollysmom]

7. After my house was robbed,

the police said since I have wooden windows, that I should drill holes in the windows and put nails in them, I have done that on the first floor,the second is pretty high up You need a very tall ladder. The back windows are new with stoppers on them, so not a problem. I think I am the last person who leaves windows open for air in this town, everyone else has central air and shut windows.

[Jesus Malverde]

8. Something that makes noise when the window is moved also helps.

It's fairly easy to secure your house with a little work.

Good to hear your going au natural. It's cheaper and better for the environment. Plus you're more connected to your environment, smelling the grass, the rain, etc.

[hollysmom]

9. well, I also never cut down deciduous trees, so

Air conditioning rarely gets used here. But I do have a rust problem from the humidity some times (between 2 rivers can get very moist.) I really like having a huge window in my attic and a large fan there that sucks air through the house - that really cools things at night in the summer, and the house stays cool most of the day. One neighbor kid asked my why my house was so much cooler than theirs, but that was before they got central air.

[pipi_k]

34. Best solution

I think.

The lockable window grill, I mean.

[Jesus Malverde]

35. I get a feeling the OP was looking for a particular answer.

But I agree with you.

[pipi_k]

44. Yeah, as I was replying

it occurred to me that it wasn't really an answer to the specific question, but then I don't know if there's anything anybody could say that would make a victim of theft feel better after the fact.

Having been a victim of theft a few times myself (three to be exact...one of them an actual housebreak, the other ones a stolen bicycle and my purse stolen from work) I doubt there's much anybody could have said to me to make it better.

It's just a creepy feeling of violation.

[RKP5637]

76. Yep, that would be a definite solution, and depending on the risk, location, type of window and all

maybe even something more simple.

[MADem]

3. Quick Fix for now: If you've got the old school windows with the panes on 'em that you lift up,

put a chunk of wood (a section of broom handle, e.g.) in the upper part of the window so it can't be raised up and someone can't get in. Maybe raid the Christmas box and tack up a few jingle bells on the window, too--anyone trying to raise up your window will have the crap scared out of them.

If you have no curtains, get some, or get blinds, shades, whatever, and keep 'em closed so people can't look in and do inventory. Out of sight, out of mind. Stash your good stuff, too--don't leave it lying about.

Put some plants and crap on the windowsill--make him have to move that stuff to get in.

Get a motion sensor floodlight and put it up so that anyone approaching gets bathed in light. Light is the enemy of criminals. Those things pay for themselves. I have one that's solar and LED and it works amazingly well. Bright as hell!

[raccoon]

11. "Maybe raid the Christmas box and tack up a few jingle bells on the window"--great suggestion! nt

[MADem]

56. I have "caravanserai bells" on every door..!

A big old strap of bells that are commonly used on camels and other beasts of burden, all different sorts, big old deep sounding ones, jingly ones, what-have-you. No one can tip in and out of the house without jingling all the way. Makes a helluva racket!

I don't use them on the windows because I've got good windows now, but in my apartment living days, that worked for me!

[pipi_k]

41. Another thing that works well

on the older (wood frame) windows is to drill a hole into the part where the window slides up and down, one hole on each side of the window, about six inches up from the top of the lower pane when it's completely down, and then insert a large nail or screw in the hole with at least half of it sticking out. The window can stay open a bit, but someone on the outside can't open it further.

[Hekate]

47. I'd forgotten about that. We actually did it with the front bedroom windows...

...so the kids could sleep with some air.

[MADem]

55. +1 -- they make fancy "kits" to accomplish the same purpose, but that's a cheaper alternative! nt

[RKP5637]

77. All excellent ideas! n/t

[MADem]

80. I've lived in places with less-than-optimal crime rates and had to do "security on a budget!" nt

[Hekate]

5. Secure the window as others in this thread have suggested

Put portable valuables away out of sight when you leave the house or go to bed. Tell your neighbors what happened -- they need to know to be extra alert.

It's beyond creepy that a thief actually tried to enter your room while you and your parents were still at home and awake. Find out if your local police department has a home assessment program to help people learn how they can improve home security -- sometimes these are public demos and lectures, and sometimes someone will come to your home.

In college I used to stack everything I needed for the next morning in a pile by the living room window. Since the climate was warm, the window was open. One morning I woke up to find someone had removed the screen and taken my purse. I felt incredibly violated -- the contents of a woman's purse is very personal. There was little cash and no credit cards because I was a poor student, but by the same token I needed that money. I learned my lesson, though. It's been decades, and I still take my purse to my bedroom when I lock up for the night.

There are some good ideas in this thread.

Best of luck.

[shanti]

26. purse

I'll second the taking of valuables into the bedroom with you when retiring for the night. I had a break-in about 20 years ago on Thanksgiving when I was in bed. At that time, I always left my jacket/purse in the living room for the next day. My car keys were in the pocket of my leather jacket too. Both were stolen, but fortunately for me, the person threw the keys on the ground when they left, so I wasn't left totally high and dry. Now the purse stays in the bedroom and I take my laptop/phone/ipad to my bedroom with me when I sleep. Oh, and I lock the bedroom door too. Much more peace of mind!

[safeinOhio]

10. Look into motion lights installed on

that side of the house. Pretty cheap to do and work.

[laundry_queen]

12. Everyone has some really good ideas.

Another one I've heard is to plant really thorny bushes underneath ground floor windows - it would be to painful for a burglar to get near.

A gun is statistically not going to make you safer. There is a lot more you can do to secure your premises. My house is fairly secure but I have plans to make it even better...my ground floor windows are within my fenced yard, so I plan on getting a gate lock, and I plan to plant thorny bushes and plants along the part of the fence that backs onto a public park. I am going to get numerous motion sensor bright spotlights also. I already have a security system, and it has been a huge help in making me feel much more at peace. I went with a smaller local company and their customer service is amazing. I also have a yappy dog, which is a great deterrent.

Anyway, you've been given some really good ideas. I can only imagine how worried you are after seeing someone being so blatant about trying to get in. Let us know how it goes.

[Jesus Malverde]

13. If anything a gun thats handy for home defense is also one of the first things stolen.

[JJChambers]

16. Better to have one and not need it than need one and not have it.

[Jesus Malverde]

17. You need to secure a gun when your not around, but you need access to it when you are.

It's not an easy balance.

[JJChambers]

19. Biometric quick access safes for bedtime, holsters for day time. All others in the main safe.

[marions ghost]

20. Right, and also

many people cannot learn to operate guns safely no matter what.

For the majority, it is not a viable option for home defense.

[JJChambers]

23. Who cannot learn this simple task safely "no matter what?"

[marions ghost]

27. Gun owners won't ever accept this...

--but two-thirds of the general public cannot handle a gun safely or effectively (for a large variety of reasons--you can probably guess some). One problem is that so many people are on medication, or self-medicating. And many people are not so intelligent ...

People who own and operate guns safely have a very different set of skills and physical ability and that's why guns should remain a sport thing, not a home defense option.

Guns are not the practical solution for the vast majority of the public. I'm not even talking about all the horrific accidents, mistaken identities, and kids killing kids. I'm talking about the ability to handle a gun correctly--physically and ethically--in a home break in situation.

Just not a practical solution.

[Lee-Lee]

63. I've been teaching gun safety for over a decade

And you are way off.

Some people, sure! 2/3? Way off.

[marions ghost]

70. I'm sure you want to think so...

Sure you might have many who pass your course. Doesn't mean much until there's a real test of the situation. And in that case, more than you can imagine would fail. Just because you know how to shoot a gun doesn't mean you can handle a gun, especially under extreme stress.

I stick by my estimate. Only a third of the population --at best-- have what it takes to judge a situation and use a gun to defend themselves. If they are also trained in karate it would help.

[Lee-Lee]

71. What experience is your estimate based on?

Training people? Working with people? Working in a related field?

[marions ghost]

81. Working with people

and studying them.

It's an interesting topic. Shooting is best as a sport. Guns may be a symbol of security, but only a few could really use them effectively and wisely in a life-threatening situation. We are talking about both physical and mental limitations. If you can pass a karate brown or black belt test, then maybe you might have the necessary skills and wisdom. Takes a lot of training. Most people would never put in the hours necessary. So it's really just a symbol of safety--not really practical for 2/3's of the population. Symbolism is psychologically useful...until a gun gets misused.

[SQUEE]

73. I hate to admit you might be right.

In fact, from training and experience I may even say you are being optimistic with 33% being able to do it.

That number isn't the whole story though, whether from cultural stigmas, gender biases, personal belief or simple "timid" personality, MAYBE a quarter of the adult population would be effective at a home defense use of a firearm. But, I think the number does jump when you include households as the subject, to about 40%.
To me, training and education are huge components of the push for sensible gun control, plenty of laws already out there, the onus needs to be on owners to be responsible. Safe storage, real training and safety education, along with prosecution for violators of existing laws would go a long way to reducing deaths.

[marions ghost]

82. Agree

I think it may be closer to a quarter of the population that could manage the physical and mental challenge of using a weapon effectively, but I went with one third, because many people have a hard time seeing this point to begin with.

It was not until I got a black belt in karate that I fully understood the responsibility and challenge of carrying a weapon (in this case hands and feet). If you don't have the ability (and continued practice) in handling weapons, including guns--you will not be effective in a real situation. There is no substitute for experience and practice.

A lot of gun owners have a fantasy that a gun = security and maybe the psychological value of that is important. But all too many are used to kill the wrong person. We don't have good stats on how many gun owners effectively use a gun in a real threat situation--for example, the numbers of people whose gun was no use to them.

Our current laws don't acknowledge this essential problem in thinking about gun ownership. We don't even require the basics that you list. And the existing laws are not enforced. If the onus is only on owners to be responsible...omg...

I think you and I are on the same page. Dogs, alarms, neighbors, locks--the traditional means are best for preventing break-ins.

[aquart]

51. The delusional fantasy of quick draw gun owners.

Honey, if it isn't strapped to your leg at all times it is no fucking use in an emergency which is something that doesn't give you time to find your keys, your lockbox, and your ammo. Oh, wait, you're storing a loaded gun by, say, your bed?

[Lee-Lee]

64. Biometric safe, open in seconds

Problem solved.

[L0oniX]

28. That is one problem with guns. How will you react when tacky psyche kicks in?

...and it will kick in so you better be ready for it.

[marions ghost]

40. Excellent point

...I think you mean Tachy (sp) Psyche, tho...

"Tachypsychia is a neurological condition that alters the perception of time, usually induced by physical exertion, drug use, or a traumatic event. It is sometimes referred to by martial arts instructors and self-defense experts as the Tachy Psyche effect. For someone affected by tachypsychia, time perceived by the individual either lengthens, making events appear to slow down, or contracts, objects appearing as moving in a speeding blur. It is believed that tachypsychia is induced by a combination of high levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, usually during periods of great physical stress and/or in violent confrontation."
(Wiki)

I think this is probably responsible for many gun-related mistakes & accidents--and always misunderestimated.

[upaloopa]

32. I don't need one

Get a security system. Guns are not the answer

[JJChambers]

57. Guns are the answer for some.

I wonder if this woman ever truly thought she would "need" one? Turns out, she did:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/04/justice/oklahoma-intruder-shooting/

[upaloopa]

61. In your paradigm you can't see anything but

guns as an answer. You are part of a tiny minority. Guns are not the answer for the vast majority of people. So try seeing the world like the rest of us do. We do't need guns!

[JJChambers]

66. I don't think guns are the only answer.

I have a security system. I have taken steps to fortify my residence to discourage invaders, such as planting thorn bushes below first floor windows, adding motion lighting, and making sure my security system is advertised on all sides of the house by prominent signage. I don't leave valuables in plain sight, I lock my car doors and I take care to conceal packaging from expensive items when I dispose of it.

That said, I would still rather have a gun and not need it than need one and not have it.

[upaloopa]

67. Well you stand a significantly better chance of being

shot by a gun than I do.

[JJChambers]

68. My life has been saved by someone with a gun. I'll take my chances.

[hunter]

45. That's the way it works around here.

The bad guys have their own playstations and x-boxes. What they are looking for is guns.

[L0oniX]

29. Gun use is reactive. Proactive is what is needed.

I'm a part time security guard and being proactive is what its all about.

[marions ghost]

38. Good point

"Proactive" vs 'reactive"-- makes sense

[Hekate]

48. There are some very attractive "defensive" bushes that have flowers, too. Great idea.

[Lex]

21. In the future, take care not to leave expensive items that can be seen

from the windows. It can be like an advertisement unfortunately.

[hobbit709]

22. Get a parrot named Moses that says Jesus is watching you.

[sarisataka]

24. Home security

Very good ideas from other about windows, lights, shrubs etc.

Walk around the outside and think like a criminal. How would you try to get in without being seen. What windows let you see what and who is inside. Make it difficult and likely a burglar will look for an easier target.

You have a dog so you have one of the best alarm systems ever created. Treat it well.

Weapons, including firearms have a place in consideration. Muscle powered weapons depend on your strength and aggressiveness. Chemical deterrents are good but ineffective if a person is on certain drugs.
Guns put people on equal footing but come with baggage. You must be able to keep a gun secure from every person who visits you house. You must be mentally prepared to strike and intruder with a hypersonic piece of metal, possibly causing their death on your living room carpet. You will have social, psychological and legal issues after doing so. Will you participate in shooting sport or recreational target shooting... A gun that sits in a drawer untouched for years is a useless hazard. If you wish detailed info visit RKBA; several of us are firearm instructors and will layout the pros and cons so you can make an informed choice.

[marions ghost]

31. Thank you for saying this so clearly

"You must be mentally prepared to strike and intruder with a hypersonic piece of metal, possibly causing their death on your living room carpet. You will have social, psychological and legal issues after doing so..."

--So many people underestimate their skills and ability--and as you point out, the aftermath.

Guns cannot be operated safely by large numbers of the population. It requires a very specific set of skills and a lot of training--& an ability to be very cool under stressful conditions of fear and surprise. I have not seen many people who I would advise to take up guns for home defense. Not a practical solution.

[sarisataka]

37. I begin my carry classes in a similar fashion

along with some unedited photos. I try and make it as personal as possible. Then we take a break and anyone who wishes to leave gets their money back on the spot, no questions.

Armed defense is not for everyone and I would rather those who can't, won't or don't want to do so not waste their time on some macho BS. It is not a character flaw any more than a flaw in those who can do so. The only flawed personality is the one who can shoot someone and feel nothing- THAT is exactly the type who should never be armed.

[marions ghost]

39. That's responsible

and should be required.

[L0oniX]

25. Video security warning stickers and dummy cams work ...and its cheap.

[Eleanors38]

42. A lot of good advice, I won't add to that. This will be disturbing...

But there is a better than even chance the punk Will be back.

Take necessary and obvious security measures. A punk who breaks in successfully, and senses nothing has changed regarding his/her victim, Will try again, often with greater confidence enfused with a growing contempt for the repeat-victim. That often means escalation.

[hunter]

49. If the dogs are not upset, I'm not upset.

I'd have probably yelled something like, "Sorry, is the back door locked?"

When my kids were teens I never knew who was going to show up at our house, or where.

BTW, my wife and I have been living in neighborhoods where there's graffiti on the walls for most of our lives now.

You don't want to make it easy for casual burglars, but it's nothing to make yourself crazy about either.

[FBaggins]

53. All the VICTIM BLAMING on this thread is DISGUSTING!

And yes...

[LittleBlue]

59. Get a gun

And if you're uncomfortable with a gun, get a big knife.

Make these fuckers think twice. Just realize that any course of action carries risks, like a gun going off accidentally. Obviously, having no weapon carries a risk also. I judged a gun to outweigh the risks in my situation, you'll have to carefully consider yours.

[Lex]

65. Yeah because this burglar would know that how?

People with guns just end up getting the guns stolen TOO.

[jmowreader]

69. Plant blackberry bushes all the way around your house

They grow fast and they're covered in nasty-ass thorns. And blackberries taste really good.

[Crepuscular]

75. Well,

According to the Vice-President, you just need to get a double barreled shotgun and fire off a few rounds to scare away the burglar.

"if you want to protect yourself, get a double barreled shotgun," Biden responded. "I promise you, as I told my wife, we live in an area that's wooded and somewhat secluded. I said, Jill, if there's ever a problem, just walk out on the balcony here, walk out, put [up] that double barreled shotgun and fire two blasts outside the house."

The vice president said that by firing two shotgun blasts, anyone who might be trying to break in would be scared off."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/19/joe-biden-guns_n_2719330.html

[Nine]

78. Based on post #4, this probably isn't a sincere thread.

How would a gun have helped in the original situation? What you need is a more secure perimeter. A gun doesn't protect your home when you're away. It doesn't protect your home when you're asleep. It doesn't protect your home when you're at home and awake but in another room and you don't hear someone entering. I always say that for a gun to even be effective as home defense, all the stars have to be aligned - in your case you were home, you were awake, you heard the would-be burglar making noise, the burglar didn't shoot YOU when you surprised him by entering the room... that's already a lot of stars aligning, and even in that situation, what would a gun have really added? Unless you had the gun on your person, the burglar would still probably have escaped before you could get your gun. If you had the gun on your person and started to draw the gun, an armed burglar could and would shoot you before you could shoot him. IF the burglar was unarmed, and IF you had your gun at the ready, and IF the burglar was not positioned for an easy getaway, and IF you could even think straight in that situation - again, more stars aligning - I suppose you could have pulled out your gun and held the burglar till the police arrived. You and your possessions wouldn't be any safer than in the original scenario, but you'd have "caught" a bad guy.

[wheniwasincongress]

79. We keep

lights on at night and will turn one room's light off and then turn another on if we get up to use the restroom - to look like someone's moving up and moving about. The bathroom and hallways always stays on. Our blinds and curtains are typically always down especially at night. It surprises me when driving around at night how many people keep their curtains open!

Inform your neighbors including those across the street about what happened and maybe exchange phone numbers...

I can only imagine what this has been like for you; I've never experienced it (knock on wood.) This is probably naïve but would loud, clanky bells attached or resting on the windows help alert to noise? Best of luck!