Use gun accessories to deter theft?

[ShooterMcGavin]

Some people show NRA stickers on their vehicle or home, but I don't like to advertise that there might be guns available for the opportunist... To me, stickers send the message that "I have several guns" to a potential thief, but an empty holster in the car says, "I have at least one gun and I'm carrying it" I have a target left in my car from a recent range trip. I also read recently about a guy who was having people mess with his motorcycle, until he mounted a holster to it.

I won't be leaving the target in the car for long. However, do any of you leave a hint that you shoot, to ward off a nosey looter? Maybe a used target within eyesight of people approaching your front door? Large caliber bullet holes in plain view might get an intruder thinking.

I still think the thought in my first sentence is what I will stick to.

 

[Ala Dan]

Nope, I don't advertise too thieves that firearms are present for their taking. No bumper stickers, No window decals, nothing showing from
the interior of my ride- Sorry crooks and gangsta's, are you still willing
too take the risks?

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

an empty holster in the car says, "I have at least one gun and I'm carrying it"

That might work for some theives but you also might be giving them too much credit for their mental capacity or deductive reasoning. They may think empty holster=gun=maybe more=drugs for me=lets break in and find out.

 

[Dorryn]

Both arguments are equally valid. The presence of targets, holsters, NRA stickers argue that the owner is a gun enthusiast, and therefore someone probably significantly more trained than the thief. Ergo, a threat, and no easy target. Conversely, many feel that advertising one's sympathies invites theft because the criminal "knows" what he/she can score. Then again, not knowing renders oneself equally likely to be robbed as the non-gun-enthusiast ALSO not displaying an NRA sticker... so one is gambling either way.

 

[thexrayboy]

I don't worry a great deal about "advertising". The average BG involved in property crimes is an opportunist. They might see an NRA sticker on your window and put 2&2 together but more likely they are too busy peering through that window to see if there is anything on the other side worth the smash and grab. Keep those IPOD's, packages and other items securely hidden away while in your vehicle. Keep your drapes closed at home when you are gone. This will lessen the temptations for the opportunist criminals.

Those that would take the time and effort to worry about whether or not you are armed will be the type to take the time and effort to try and verify that belief and/or set up a scenario that negates that advantage. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity. You happened to walk within their "target" radius in the parking lot or down the wrong dark sidewalk at the wrong time. Or park in their turf. If someone has singled you out for "special consideration" in the realm of crime you have a more serious problem than "does he think I have a gun".

Opportunistic property crimes are deterred by simple planning. Crimes of an intentionally violent nature are different. They require different plans and preparation. The world of crime, just like the world of regular people is populated by two types, those that prefer nonviolent activity and those that have no qualms about using it.

 

[NukemJim]

Best example of this has been done by a friend of mine who is a single mom.

If you go into her house in the garage (attached to the house) are her "best" silhouette targets showing nice tight centered groups with the calibre and distance on them.

NukemJim

 

[SoCalShooter]

I figure the only time to advertise is when you intend to use the weapon. No better advertising to a purp than staring down a .45acp caliber handgun