Apparent college apartment invasion. Suggestions?

[Bentonville]

My son lives in a ground level apartment complex with two other college boys. The apartment has a front door that opens off of a sidewalk which is about twenty five yards from the parking spots right off of a main road. The back door opens from the kitchen to a small cement pad which opens on a small hill sloping down to the sidewalk of the main road.

The other night one of the boys walked from his car to the door, opened it with a key, went in with the lock engaged, and immediately someone tried to turn the door knob to get in behind him. This is the second time in a couple of months this has happened. They did call the police who came out to look around.

The person(s) on the other side trying to get in obviously knew the boy had just walked in the apartment. This roommate is no small person so I figure there was more than one trying to get into the apartment and they had no fear. My son wasn't home at the time but he is usually there studying at night. His two roommates have pistols but they keep them locked up in the upstairs bedrooms. My son doesn't have a weapon.

When they are in the apartment, the doors are always locked. At night a doorknob bar is used on the kitchen door. I don't really have any ideas about securing the apartment. They thought of trying to install a game camera but that would require installation on the siding of the apartment. Even if the boys actually had weapons on their persons, I don't think they have determined to use them. I know my son has not made that decision and that's exactly why I have not encouraged him to get his CCL.

If you have any ideas, please share.

 

[OptimusPrime]

This has happened twice in a few months? Have they talked to the neighbors and is this common on their campus? I'm surprised the person didn't try to just kick it in rather than rattle the doorknob. Very scary, I'm glad they're all safe.

But this is confusing; who waits for someone to walk in, and then try to open the door immediately? If the target was the roommate, they would waylay him on the sidewalk. Crooks usually don't want the occupant to be home, which makes it look like the roommate is the actual target. Very odd and scary.

 

[Sam1911]

Tell the guys to install a wide-angle peephole. In fact, they come now with cameras so they'd have something real to show the cops.

If it was me, I'd install the peephole and not ask permission. However, they absolutely could/should demand their landlord provide that as an almost universal safety matter.

 

[Bobson]

Someone attempted to forcefully enter the apartment. Not sure how a peephole would be a relevant safety measure. A peephole with a camera in it? I guess at least the cops could get footage of the murder suspect when they go to run forensics after the crime is committed.

I'm not sure what would be best. Maybe coach the guys in situational awareness. I tend to notice people lingering near my front door before I open it, especially if I'm already outside (returning home, as was the case in the story). If there are hiding places near the door, like stupidly large shrubs, have the landlord remove them, as they pose a safety hazard.

Does your son not realize he may be in danger, or does he realize it and still can't see himself using a firearm to defend himself? If it's the former, a serious talk could be all that's needed.

 

[Sentryau2]

tell him to carry a bottle of saber pepper spray. Serious stuff me and my cousin both got sprayed (wanted to see what it was like) Hes been tazed I havent he said it was worse, it dropped us both almost instantaneously.

 

[Sam1911]

Someone attempted -- twice -- to semi-forcibly enter the apartment, but wasn't determined enough to actually do so. That may be odd, fortunate, or possibly indicative of something important. While a camera/peephole isn't physical security, per se it might be a really valuable tool to get who ever is trying this (or playing games with them, which isn't unlikely) caught or stopped.

I completely agree that they boys SHOULD arm themselves at all times and be utterly prepared to defend themselves with violence should that become necessary. However, that doesn't appear to be likely to happen. And, of course, that may indeed be VERY MUCH the wrong solution to the problem should the intent of the handle-jiggler not actually be harm.

Regardless, they do need a significantly stepped-up situational awareness level, to include careful observation of approaches and cover areas BEFORE they get close enough to enter an assailants target zone. Even a coordinated habit of a staggered entrance where one enters the apartment and the other observes from a distance to see what takes place might shed some light on who's doing what outside. (Face it, it's college and dumb pranks are very much part of the culture.)

Not being armed is quite a risk. However, there is also a real danger of someone being shot when there was no need. That's a very tough problem to solve.

If guns are out of the question (and even if they aren't!) you (Bentonville) should speak strongly to your son about carrying something like OC Spray and getting in the habit of palming the can as he approaches the apartment. Use of those products without a justifiable need can still be a serious crime, but the results are not deadly. Could really be a life-saver.

 

[thefish]

I would follow up with the cops. I would also let the property manager of the complex know there is a prowler/possible rapist in the area. Explain what happened, and suggest they enhance the security of their renters with a foot patrol, and/or security cameras. I also second pepper spray.
Admittedly this is a gun forum, and I am pro 2A, but it would be a real shame on both sides if some collage kid got shot because he was playing a practical joke.
They should also put out a notice to others in the complex of what is happening, they may not be the only one. If everyone in the immediate area knows the situation, in the event someone does follow someone else in an apartment, the chances of a neighbor coming to help out if there is a fight or struggle, is probably a little higher.

 

[stressed]

Wait, so all they went off was someone trying to get in the building? How do they know it's an "invasion"?

I had a buddy who lived in an apartment and his intercom never worked and the apartment never would fix it for him, so I would catch the door behind someone who just walked in to knock on his door, or they just held it for me. I obviously had no ill intentions. I can see this being even more common on a college campus.

 

[Texan Scott]

Lighting. More. Lots. Demand it, install it, carry it if you have to. Sweep the area with a high powered light before approaching, if it's not well lit.

Pepper spray has been suggested, and it's also a good idea IMO.

 

[Phaedrus/69]

Tell the guys to install a wide-angle peephole. In fact, they come now with cameras so they'd have something real to show the cops.

Thanks, Sam! I hadn't heard of that before but it's a great idea. I'm going to do some Googling to investigate further and get pricing.

 

[Bentonville]

I am forwarding these posts to my son. I have instructed and have shown by example the concept of situational awareness. These boys are just naïve. I am going to get the pepper spray for them. Tell me the best and where to find it asap. I am enrolling my boy in a concealed carry class over his Christmas break. I plan to purchase a revolver for his present. He has a lot of experience with handguns as I have taught him to shoot since he was five. Like most folks, these college kids just don't fathom that it could happen to them. I appreciate the posts.

 

[JRWhit]

Someone attempted -- twice -- to semi-forcibly enter the apartment, but wasn't determined enough to actually do so. That may be odd, fortunate, or possibly indicative of something important. While a camera/peephole isn't physical security, per se it might be a really valuable tool to get who ever is trying this (or playing games with them, which isn't unlikely) caught or stopped.

I completely agree that they boys SHOULD arm themselves at all times and be utterly prepared to defend themselves with violence should that become necessary. However, that doesn't appear to be likely to happen. And, of course, that may indeed be VERY MUCH the wrong solution to the problem should the intent of the handle-jiggler not actually be harm.

Regardless, they do need a significantly stepped-up situational awareness level, to include careful observation of approaches and cover areas BEFORE they get close enough to enter an assailants target zone. Even a coordinated habit of a staggered entrance where one enters the apartment and the other observes from a distance to see what takes place might shed some light on who's doing what outside. (Face it, it's college and dumb pranks are very much part of the culture.)

Not being armed is quite a risk. However, there is also a real danger of someone being shot when there was no need. That's a very tough problem to solve.

If guns are out of the question (and even if they aren't!) you (Bentonville) should speak strongly to your son about carrying something like OC Spray and getting in the habit of palming the can as he approaches the apartment. Use of those products without a justifiable need can still be a serious crime, but the results are not deadly. Could really be a life-saver.
__________________

I'm in total agreement with the idea of O.C. spray. With all things considered and the atmosphere in which this is occurring, I think a non-lethal defensive method is best. This could offer both protection for your son, and a hard learned lesson may it be some form of prank. The fact that it has happened twice suggest a good possibility that some one is fooling with them. If this has turned out to be a bad and or dangerous place to reside, then perhaps it would be best for them maintain situation awareness, all while looking for a better suited location so as to focus more on study,"and girls", than worry about forced entry.

 

[sota]

my electronic 2 cents...
1) the peep hole/camera idea is excellent. make sure you get a "normal" one also to replace the fancy/camera one when he moves out eventually. then the owner/manager shouldn't have any complaints about the hole.
2) motion lighting would be a great addition. depending on the orientation of the door and building he/you could install solar powered LED lighting near the door to flood the area. the benefit is the minimal wall penetrations involved (2 screws per light) so again, less chance of the owner/manager raising a stink.
3) as was mentioned... college pranking is a way of life. while I would never advocate disarmament, do make sure both your son and his roommates think long and hard about the distinct possibility of pranking. it would be tragic for an attempted prank to go wrong and the worst of outcomes to happen.
4) pepper spray is an excellent idea. another to add is, if there isn't one already present, is a large, easily accessible fire extinguisher near the door.

good luck. I have at least a decade before I have to worry about these things with my kid.

 

[Mainsail]

Before considering anything deadly, make sure it isn't a (dumbass) friend playing a (dumbass) prank.

I agree with TexanScott; get some lighting out there. I can tell you from experience, when you're cutting through someone's backyard and the big bright porch lights suddenly come on, you have no way of knowing if they came on automatically or if someone's been watching you. Either way, they work and are easily installed wherever there's a porch light.

It would be better to have them supplement the regular lighting though. If this is only happening at night, make the night day.

 

[Ed4032]

Keep a can of wasp spray next to the door. If someone forces their way in just hose them down.

 

[Tirod]

From the description of the door location, it sounds like someone is attempting to enter the building - thinking it's a commons area or staircase.

Is there a number on the door, with other clues that it's a private entrance? People just might be following someone thru what appears to be an entrance to the building - not a specific residence.

A potted plant and a throwaway seasonal decoration on the door would express cues it's more private. It would also determine the following person's intent a lot more clearly.

I've had this happen at motels, the interior deadbolt was even disabled while I was out to supper - turn and bezel removed. I locked it anyway with multipliers. And the doorknob was rattled half hour after I turned in. It's not like the OP is being paranoid, but the situation of living in a highly populated campus with a large number of residents who are new to the area leads to a lot of experimentation learning how to navigate a complex.

Might not be an intruder as much as someone just clueless. I wouldn't want to be the guy who shoots a coed looking for a new way to get to her upstairs apartment.

 

[Sam1911]

Don't rely on wasp spray. That's one of those "truthy" internet memes that really should die.

Get a can of OC spray (I keep Fox Labs' spray, myself). It is designed for defensive uses, is effective, and is legal for the purpose.

 

[besafe2]

+1 for Fox Labs.

 

[Bentonville]

Fox Labs. Is there anything else about the product I should know before searching? As for pranks, this complex is populated by serious students, mostly Indians and younger families, and has a reputation for being quiet. I am stumped by the fact that neither time did whoever was on the other side of the door actually try to kick the door in. Perhaps they hoped for surprise and when that didn't work they left for easier targets. Who knows. We are calling the apartment manager today and asking for more general lighting in the grassy area in front of the apartments. I am going to get some motion sensing lights to install in the front and back door area. Thank you for the input. It really helps.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Take a look at http://www.amazon.com/ASP-Key-Defender-Pepper-Spray/dp/B000U2NGKO

Pepper spray, kubotan and flail all in one. 'Handle' tucks into the waistband and keys drop into the pocket for secure carry and easy availability. Comes in several sizes (Palm Defender is smaller, Street Defender is larger). Replaceable cartridge, and non-pepper training cartridges are available.

I've carried one for well over a decade, replacing cartridges every year.

 

[AZ PAUL]

If going the OC route, I would go with Sabre Red. I was sprayed in class and it was one of the most painful things Id gone through to that point. Having to fight after being sprayed was almost impossible and trying to determine the weapon my "attacker" was holding was even harder. I would take the TASER ride again any day before being sprayed again.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

This has happened twice in a few months? Have they talked to the neighbors and is this common on their campus? I'm surprised the person didn't try to just kick it in rather than rattle the doorknob. Very scary, I'm glad they're all safe.

But this is confusing; who waits for someone to walk in, and then try to open the door immediately? If the target was the roommate, they would waylay him on the sidewalk. Crooks usually don't want the occupant to be home, which makes it look like the roommate is the actual target. Very odd and scary.

This is all about opportunity and playing the odds.

It would appear that this person's thought process is to get inside and out of sight of other possible witnesses. As plans go, it's really not a bad one...watch a residence long enough to get an idea when people are and are not home, choose the time to walk right up after the individual and boldly open the door that has just been unlocked, and they're in and out of sight from the rest of the neighborhood with possibly one individual who has just been completely surprised.

I agree that a peephole would be great, especially one with a camera for actual video footage which can be observed afterwards.

However, of note is the good habit of the people entering the apartment with the lock still engaged...such that the door locks right behind them without any other effort on their part.

Spread the word to the neighbors, inform the police, and keep people on the alert. I once worked pizza delivery and one of our drivers was robbed at gun point, which was something totally avoidable...had we known that two other pizza delivery joints in the same area had been robbed in exactly the same way. We would have taken various precautions to further safeguard the drivers by making them poor targets. But at least nobody was hurt in that incident.

 

[CA Raider]

there is definitely a problem there. they need to get on top of this. whoever is doing this wont quit until they get arrested.

the best thing is to get the police involved. i like the idea of the peep hole, just so they can see who is out there. an outside surveillance camera might be a much better option as well - so the police have a good photo of the perpetrator.

they could also get a dog. maybe a black lab.

if they choose to use a gun - they better practice rogether what they plan to do. otherwise there is a real risk of one of their own people getting shot in the confusion.

good luck,
CA R

 

[Bentonville]

I respect and appreciate the input here. I am talking to my son regularly concerning these ideas and have given him this link so he can share the ideas with his roommates. Twice in the past two weeks a gang of seven or eight boys, probably high school age, have run up behind a single male ( one is the Bible study leader in my son's Campus Crusade group) and puts them in a bear hug from behind to hold their arms down. The others run up and start hitting the victim in the face. The friend of my son pretended to pass out and they let him fall but kept kicking him in the face and ribs until they decided it was enough. All they got was his phone which was sold the next day. The police caught the person who purchased the phone but that is as far as it has gotten in the investigation. I don't see this attempt to break in with the boys in the apartment as a part of the same group. It's a dangerous world even at best.

 

[boom boom]

I have lived around colleges and universities for a twelve years of my life and in the student slums surrounding such. Many were in high crime areas. The cheap rent in such places attracts students but also a floating population of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Personally, I don't for one minute believe that this is a "college prank". It is possible that someone was drunk or high and disoriented or that that apartment was targeted for an invasion. Either would constitute a threat. As pointed out above, one problem is situational awareness. Different apartments have different problems but security ground rules for each of the roommates should be established and agreed upon.

Now, one thing not mentioned you should be concerned about is that sometimes student apartments are targeted by criminals looking for drugs (or payment for such). Is it possible that one of the roommates is tangled up in such or associates with bad people that do these things? Another alert might be ostentatious display of wealth such as big screen tv's , gaming equipment, fancy cars, etc. These are magnets for trouble in a bad neighborhood.

Last, but not least, move--either to another apartment in the complex that is more difficult to hide around or move to another complex. Typically, I have found in my experience that the higher the rent, the less undesireables and their hanger ons and these are generally in a better overall neighborhood.

I agree with the others except I would get the bear spray size of pepper spray (as long as permissible by state and local law) and keep it by the door. Has a lot more capacity (and more mass if it comes to that) if more than one attacker. I do so myself after having some unwanted solicitors showing up at my door.