home invasion scare

[bigger hammer]

I'd suggest adding a third layer of protection to the already mentioned alarm system and dogs. That's a locked and hardened bedroom door. Even if the crook(s) get through the alarm and dogs, all that they can get is property. While I'm loath to let them have it, that's why there's insurance. In order to cause harm to a person they have to get through that bedroom door. Doing so will surely awaken even the soundest sleeper, giving them time to make good their self defense IF they've prepared beforehand.

 

[MedGrl]

To answer a few points that have been brought up:

My brother just turned 21 and his CCW is being processed as we speak...he started the process about 3 weeks ago (it can take up to 90 days in VA). We have a list of defensive handgun classes that my sister is investigating.

My sister was home and asleep. My brother could not get a response from her and was afraid someone was upstairs doing something to her, and that is why he retrieved the guns and cleared the house so he could check on her.

She is not normally such a sound sleeper but she has been working odd hours and was incredibly tired.

The police think that the reason someone kicked in the door and then left without harming anything or any one is that the person was intoxicated, came home and was at the wrong house but didn't realize it. Thinking they had been locked out they broke in to what they thought was their own house then realized it was the wrong house and fled

 

[Unknownsoldier]

Hi,

I wish my country (UK) would allow us the right to use guns for personal defence, over here the police would be harder on you than the burglar!

ATB,
Tom

 

[smallbore]

Glad to hear your family members are safe.

 

[DFW1911]

Okay, that's scary. Good news all are safe.

A few lessons worth repeating: clearing a building is very, very hazardous work. Even if you're on a team (which is how I was trained) the chances of taking a hit remain.

Clearing by yourself, to me, sounds like a really bad idea. Sure, you know the lay of the place, but you're totally reactive. The bad guy doesn't even really need cover, concealment will work just fine to get the drop on you.

I hope you pass this on to you brother: call 911.

An alarm and / or a dog are very good ideas. If your sister sleeps through the noise they make, a security door on her bedroom may be a wise investment. You may want to consider all three.

Remember that if you have to use your gun your home defense layers have failed: spend some time and money to keep them out or slow them down by strengthening your HD layers.

Being dead asleep with a gun on the nightstand isn't going to help if someone can creep in without setting off any alarms.

Just my $.02, YMMV.

Stay safe,
DFW1911

 

[Vern Humphrey]

+ 1.

And one more point: There used to be a gag sign in some restaurants, "If you value your hat and coat -- wear 'em!"

If you value your life and have a gun, carry it.

 

[Bruno2]

big mean dog!!!!!!!!

Little dogs will work , but , the burglars will be mean to them if youre not there

 

[fireflyfather]

Clearing by yourself, to me, sounds like a really bad idea. Sure, you know the lay of the place, but you're totally reactive. The bad guy doesn't even really need cover, concealment will work just fine to get the drop on you.

DFW1911: He suspected that a *family member* was in the house with an intruder. Dialaprayer(cops) may not be fast enough. How many people here make the point that firearms ownership is a necessity because of poor police response times? If my family is home with an intruder possibly inside, I'm not going to wait for the cops, even if I have to go in barehanded. I have a three year old daughter. Is it an ideal circumstance? No. Necessity? That's a matter of opinion, but put yourself in that guy's situation with a loved one inside. 911? Sure. Wait for the 911 responders after you dial? Hell no. I've been put on hold on 911 for over 30 minutes during normal business hours!

 

[AJM]

I agree with fff. It's one thing to come home to your house that was empty when you left and now shows signs of having been broken into. I agree completely that you shouldn't attempt clearing it on your own. It's a whole other ballgame to come home to your house that you left your wife/family member in alone and come home to signs of a break-in.

 

[DFW1911]

fff/ajm:

I don't disagree at all giving the context you've outlined. You both raise very good points.

To me it's imperative to know what you'll do and discuss how you're going to handle this stuff before it happens: don't practice the game during the game. Have your game plan ready before you have to execute it.

Options are nice to have; knowledge is essential to have.