Home defense outside of firearms

M

Mr2005

New member
Curious as to what others have done to secure your home outside of firearms to deter things like theft, break-ins, and home invasion. Looking to improve security with out making the home look like prison

So far we've added a security door in front, some motion flood lights and some strategically placed cactuses in front of windows.
 
All gates stay locked, unfriendly bushes by windows, burglar bars, and dogs. That only leaves the front door. Me and the dogs sleep in shifts so the front door can be watched. (sic)
 
Security system... ADT or similar... doesn't even have to be monitored, but a fully wireless system is easy to install and are pretty invisible.

Wooden dowels in all the windows.

Stickers on all the windows.

Dog (or at least some "beware of dog signs" and a doghouse in the backyard... bonus points for "Zeus" on it)

CCTV system... can be had very cheap nowadays, but to do a 4-chan NVR system the right way with good cameras, it's going to be $1000-$1500.

"NO SOLICITING" sign at front door.

Front door camera system so you don't have to approach the door or look through the peephole to see who is there. The wireless receiver and 2-way comms in this unit is pretty sweet.
http://www.amazon.com/Entry-Guardia...&keywords=front+door+security+camera+wireless

Do a thorough inspection of the outside of your home. Don't leave any tools or equipment laying around outside that somebody could use to break a window. Limit access to windows with bushes.

Enroll your neighbors in your security plan... overlapping defenses and what not. Keep up to speed on crime in your area by making friends with local cops who will keep you informed on the local blotter. Consider starting a Neighborhood Watch or volunteering if there's already one. Learn local response times and maybe take a ride-along or two for brownie points.

Learn all the vehicles in your neighborhood and take a drive through all your local streets once a week or until you're intimately familiar with what looks "normal"... that way when something is amiss, you'll spot it.

Criminals often canvass entire neighborhoods at a time, then strike many houses in the same location in a very short period of time if not the same day.

Ensure you are intimate with the self-defense laws in your state regarding use-of-force inside/outside the house and so on.

Most importantly... have a plan. Go over a few different scenarios with the family so they know exactly what to do in a crisis. You should discuss scenarios when they are home alone or you are together. You should discuss scenarios where there are non-family members present who don't know what to do, and the correct way to get them to perform under stress.
 
Any one have any experience with x10 do it your self systems?


I was looking some sort of motion detector that would notify me if someone came up the drive way/ walkway.
 
strategically placed cactus...

I'm sorry that's drop dead funny. Not the idea just the sentence. Sounds like a fine way to make your home less inviting to the boogeyman and still be purdy, instead of big metal bars or barb wire.

But man, Is it funny to me to see it in text.

I think in today's day and age the best thing you could do is get a full set of inside and outside cameras and put them on a network you can check from anywhere. Bedroom, in your driveway when your door is kicked in, in a hotel 500 miles away, etc.
 
Options I have at my home

A few years back my neighborhood here in north east Pa started to have issues with theft's & vandalism. The first thing I purchased was a 4 camera surveillance system from Sam's club. Best $450 dollar investment I made. Then I installed a very bright front porch light. Then I added a few exterior signs http://www.readytodefend.com/ & a no soliciting sign. In my home's interior I bought a few cans of MK-9 pistol grip style Police Grade OC for a less lethal option. I added master lock door bars to my doors at night. Also added a Motion Detectors to my first level that I turn on at night. When my wife, baby, & I are sleep upstairs if the Motion Detector alarm goes of I know I have an Unwelcome guest.
 
I do a little target shooting on my on property. I tend to leave a few targets hanging. If nothing else the bad guys can die laughing.
 
lighting..... crooks hate to be in the spotlight. Deadbolts that are keyed on both sides. Good Neighbors who recognize when something isn't right.
 
harley06.jpg
 
Unfortunately for we peasants there really are no suitable choices. The dogs are an option, but probably NOT a good one. If you intentionally have vicious animals on your property with objective of inflicting harm on anyone who enters your property the state will charge you should anyone actually be harmed by the dogs. The state will NOT grant you any right to protect your own property. They consider this "taking the law in your own hands" despite the fact that the state refuses to protect you or your property under any circumstances.

I have found no suitable surveillance systems for this purpose either. I have no county police where I live so a surveillance system that calls the police - well, there's no one to call. I have also found that any surveillance video from such a system is inadmissible in court UNLESS you can post your property. In my state homes in subdivisions - this means single family, townhomes, & condos - CANNOT be posted. Only the homes of the upper class qualify.

I have problems with felonies perpetrated against myself, my family, my property, & my possessions by my neighbors. These occur unabated in my home, on my property, & in my neighborhood. This includes members of the board of directors of the HOA and appointed county officials. The state has even stolen my home on one occasion by denying me due process of law. The theft of my home constitutes willful grand larceny and abuse of power. I have been searching for solutions for years and have found nothing that works.
 
Some pretty good ideas so far. I saw a quote somewhere ... maybe here on TFL:
When it comes to preparing for individual security, Amateurs think equipment, Students think techniques, Experts think tactics.
Click to expand...
Think like an expert. For every action, there is a consequence (sometimes unintended) ... and it may require another action on your part.

An analogy: I played baseball (shortstop and catcher) from 11 yrs old until I was 20. On the field of play (on defense) you must know where the ball needs to go after you get it in your glove, but you must know it beforehand. You can't look around to figure it out once you have the ball. That is too late. The game has moved past you.

I'm probably preaching to the choir, but situational awareness (SA) makes the difference and it is a continual, nonstop requirement for defense, of any type: at home or out-and-about in a social situation. Your best defense is that 3 lbs of gray matter between your ears. In other words, you can't set out hardware and forget about it. Stay engaged mentally 24/7.

***

lamarw, that's funny! :D
 
Personally I have optedfot a mote, sharks with laser beams, or at least I'll tempered sea bass

Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2
 
Other than standard locks, only real defenses here are motion activated lights at the likely approaches, and 5 dogs. Not vicious or large, but loyal and vigilant about visitors.
 
Boxer/Bullmastiff bastard
Labrador retriever she'll lick you to death

Occasioanly 2 more dogs

Baseball bat for wifey
Boar spear for me

don't have the shotguns on hand for defense (laws)
 
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