Re: A homeowner turns the tables on three armed men who broke into her home last Frid
Thank you
@bigredfish and
@PSPCommOp.
Fellas, tell me your opinion: Does signaling (signs?) that the property owner is armed (1) act as a deterrent and discourage crimes committed against the property, (2) encourage crimes to be committed against the property or (3) have a no effect either.
I understand that this is conjecture, however, I appreciate your opinions.
I've heard confessions that show both working for and against the homeowner. Some said it acted as a deterrent (although a big barking dog does a much better job as far as I've seen) causing them to skip a particular house or two. Some said it made the home a bigger target knowing that once they got inside they would have access to firearms they could then sell on the street.
In rural areas, most commonly both adults in a household work and if there were children, normally they go to school. This leaves the house unattended for some 6-8 hours a day or so. All it takes is a patient scumbag a few days to park outside a development around a certain time and notice what cars leave. Then take a drive thru and see if any cars remain in the driveway. Do this a few times in week and you get a very good idea of what homes are vacant during the day and which ones aren't. Its that simple. That's why I always tell people who have had their homes burglarized... If you notice any suspicious cars in the area, or strange individuals u haven't seen before wandering around in the neighborhood, get a good description and if possible, a license plate. You can always call and report it and have the police check the area but the more info that is obtained the better in case someone is up to no good. Correct license plates are as good as gold when it comes to this kind of investigation. This is why I really like the idea of ALPRs. Even if you weren't the victim, you could help with a neighbor who was burglarized and possibly prevent any future incidents if the suspect is picked up quickly. Its not a coincidence that burglaries occur in clusters.
Its also why people should realize most of these camera systems we talk about and install here are REACTIVE and not PROACTIVE or preventative. I think I've heard nayr and a few others say the same thing multiple times in other threads: Cameras alone aren't very good deterrents which is why better quality cameras that can provide identifiable pictures/video are important.
On a personal note, I don't like the idea of broadcasting the fact that I have firearms in the house. If someone wants in, they can probably get in, its just a matter of being patient and waiting for the best opportunity. Whether their target is guns, jewelry, electronics or whatever. The less someone else knows about me, my family and what I have in my home the better. Its also why I cringe when I see the family stick figure stickers on peoples cars. You never know who is watching and devoting their time to try and take your shit or harm you and your family.
Also
@bigredfish, while I am a firm believe in the 2nd Amendment, I despise Open Carry assholes (save those who wear them openly while hunting, atv riding in the woods, etc). Yes its your right to do so thanks to antiquated laws but it serves no purpose other then drawing attention to yourself. People don't see it and think, "hmm, please explain this law to me further", they see it and think look at this asshole, obviously his elevator doesn't reach the top floor so I'm going to dial 911. You wanna act like a responsible adult, invest in a decent holster and conceal with it with shirt, jacket, pant leg, etc. Train with it so you are proficient and there is no way it will inhibit you from drawing if need be. Millions of responsible CCW permit holders do this every day.
I think it depends on the area in which you live also, my Bro-in-law is Ex PA Trooper and lives in rural PA where locking doors is considered paranoid and something only city folk do.
