Sleepless Night

[just strum]

I woke up about 12:30 and heard a loud vehicle driving around near the house. We are near the end of our street which is a cul-de-sac and it's odd to have any activity that late at night. I got up, went downstairs and noticed the truck pulling up going real slow, turned their lights off and parked across the street in front of the one entrance to my driveway. It sat there for a while and I decided to call the police.

As I waited for the police, the truck moved further down the street, turned around in the cul-da-sac and then into the driveway across from me where it sat for a minute or two. The truck pulled away and I thought they were gone. As I was going to go back to bed, I caught a silhouette of someone outside walking on the edge of the road. I couldn't make out much (it is extremely dark where I live), but could tell they were dressed in dark clothes.

I started to call the police again (they still hadn't arrived) when suddenly the truck went racing down the street heading for the exit of our development. About 5 minutes later a car went by the house real slow, it was the police. I called the station again and asked if they found anyone, the answer was "no". The woman on the other end tried to make a joke of it, but I got pissed and said something like "If you assholes would move a little faster you may have caught the person" and hung up (do you hang up with a cell or is it "I pushed the disconnect button with authority"? If someone was murdered across the street, the police will have a lot of explaining to do.

I am giving serious consideration to buying a gun this week. My description of what took place does not really describe the activity that took place earlier this morning.

[Kodiak3D]

Well, I'm not one of the hardcore pro-militia gun owners, but I do own guns you just described one of the reasons why. However, if you get a gun, make sure you learn how to use it properly and safely (I'm going under the assumption you aren't experienced with guns, which could be wrong).

[luvmyshiner]

That's some pretty scary stuff Strum. Whatever was going on, it wasn't good. We've had our cars broken into a few times, and it always makes you feel on edge for several weeks. I finally installed an outside light several years ago that seems to have solved the problem (knock on wood). The only problem is, it's so bright that airplanes keep trying to land on our front lawn.

[Blaze]

Too bad for you Strum ..

Try a motion detector light ,neighbor has one ,realy efficient or get one of these 2 guys...Please no gun..

[Spudman***]

Try a motion detector light ,neighbor has one ,realy efficient or get one of these 2 guys...Please no gun..

I'm all for the motion light. Crooks hate light. The only problem I see with blaze's idea is that you gotta feed them and you end up with a yard full of poop and an occasional dead neighbor. Guns you never have to feed, take for a walk or clean up after.

[bigG]

Bad news, strummy. Glad nuthin happened!

Add another vote for motion-detector floodlights. When I was an electrician, I must have furnished/installed literally hundreds of those. They are a great deterent and energy-efficient in that they are only on when needed. The bad guys will run from them! (Hint: try to mount them as high-up as you can, preferrably out of reach of a person standing at ground-level, as a crook can, and will, easily break or unscrew the bulbs real quick-like.)

[just strum]

We have motion detector lights in the back of the house, flood lights at the two ends in the back (I turned them on as soon as I sensed something. I told my wife that from now on the front lights stay on.

We have a large Airedale that will start barking as soon as she senses someone coming in, and two smaller dogs that go off at the drop of a dime.

This person or persons stayed across the street and besides the sound of the truck (pick-up or SUV, to hard to tell because of it being so dark) the only thing I saw was the light of a cell phone.

[kiteman]

Talk to any of your neighbors about that night?

[Tig***]

Talk to any of your neighbors about that night?

Yep, from what was described, it sounds like they were breaking into cars.

I use motion activated lights, and the dogs (even though inside) take care of the rest!

A past survey of convicted B&E types showed that most would avoid any house with a dog, regardless of size. Our little dog is the first to alert to a noise that doesn't fit and barks, which brings to alert the 2 big dogs. When they bark (rare) it would make most intruders wet their britches!

[kiteman]

Yep, from what was described, it sounds like they were breaking into cars.

I use motion activated lights, and the dogs (even though inside) take care of the rest!

A past survey of convicted B&E types showed that most would avoid any house with a dog, regardless of size. Our little dog is the first to alert to a noise that doesn't fit and barks, which brings to alert the 2 big dogs. When they bark (rare) it would make most intruders wet their britches!

Yep, two things that bothers them, light and noise.

I used to have a nephew living with us and the bastid is a sneak thief. Taking off in my car while I sleep but gas gauges don't lie. I set up the coke bottles close to my door and one night, CLATTER! I'm outta my bed and on his ***.

[just strum]

Yep, from what was described, it sounds like they were breaking into cars.

I use motion activated lights, and the dogs (even though inside) take care of the rest!

A past survey of convicted B&E types showed that most would avoid any house with a dog, regardless of size. Our little dog is the first to alert to a noise that doesn't fit and barks, which brings to alert the 2 big dogs. When they bark (rare) it would make most intruders wet their britches!

Similiar set up here, but for us, two yappers (Rat Terriers) one located at night upstairs and one downstairs. Then in the utility room on the first floor is the Airedale and she has a real deep large bark.

Kite, regarding my neighbors, I haven't spoken to anyone, but my daughter said the kid across the street posted on Facebook that someone was in their yard.

[oldguy]

Mark, it sounds like you've got a pretty good first line of defense with the dogs and the lights. If the police are slow to respond you might consider a good handheld spotlight and a video camera to document the situation.
Regarding buying a gun..........in a life-threatening situation, it's a deadly force last line of defense solution. I own several, and have used guns for hunting for over 40 years. However, unless everyone in the home is well acquainted with a firearm, it can become a slippery slope quickly if used to defend your home and family. A clear and present danger has to be established before the trigger is pulled, and after it is, there's no going back.
It makes a huge difference depending the situation you're dealing with.
Please think that through (although I imagine you have already) before making a decision.

I'll stop now before I get into a political discussion. I'm sure I'll get flamed from both sides, but using a gun for defense is a very serious matter, period.

[just strum]

I hear you OG and the others. If I was the only one living here I would be more likely to get one. However, with three other people in the house, I am reluctant. We do have a 22 semi automatic rifle in the house, but I have never used the thing. a friend left it at my apartment when I was about 20 years old, sadly that is 35 years ago.

[kiteman]

That 22 is good enough. Holds plenty of shells. I used to have a ruger mark II 22 that look like a luger. Holds 10 in the clip and one in the breach.

[street music]

Mark,
check with a local sportsmen club or for a Concealed Carry Weapons class and get a permit and learn how to protect your family. The time will come that many of us will at sometime have to defend your property. I have my permit and yes I do carry protection and know how to use it and when. In Kentucky if someone is putting you or your property at a point of danger you have the right to protect it.

[piebaldpython***]

Damn, Strum......that is some scary stuff. Guns scare the crap out of me..........but.....there aren't any weopens that cover the large gap between a knife and a gun.......so I guess a gun is best if you perceive a REAL threat......as in a possible home invasion or car theft.

Tongue-firmly-in cheek here......if you hit one too many "bad" notes on your git-fiddle, IT might "buy the farm" via the gun.

[Kazz]

a 22 is just going to get you hurt. If you want something for protection a 9mm or .45 is the smallest that you want. A .357 or .44 magnum are a little more serious.

[Kodiak3D]

a 22 is just going to get you hurt.

Only if you can't aim!

[hubberjub***]

Big up for the motion sensor lights. Buying a gun for protection is a big deal. Do not take it lightly. If you do go that route, please take the necessary precautions. Have everyone in the house take a safety course. They are an absolute last defense and are not to be taken lightly. I won't go any further as to not let my political views offend other members of this great forum.