My friend has interesting new neighbors...

[ArmedPreacher]

A fellow preacher and close friend of mine lives in a mildly questionable neighborhood with his mother. Just a couple of months ago, some new neighbors moved in just across the street. Both he and his mother work different hours, so he's never there when she comes home. She has recently noticed that when she pulls into her driveway, a couple of men will step outside on the porch and watch her go inside the house. When she checks out the window once inside, they are already back inside the house. It definitely makes her feel uncomfortable knowing that these men come out specifically to watch her go inside by herself. Now her main home defense weapon is a .38 spl. My friend is contemplating on getting a firearm but has not yet. Apart from moving (which they can't afford to do in the first place), what should be the strategy here?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Jaxon06]

Check with the local police on the area and mention this scenario.
Put motion-sensor lights in the back and front.
House alarmed?
Better doors/locks
As we don't know the ages of the preacher and mother, its hard to suggest a different weapon, but anything would be better. A shotgun is always best for interior work (YMMV).

[ArmedPreacher]

As we don't know the ages of the preacher and mother, its hard to suggest a different weapon, but anything would be better. A shotgun is always best for interior work (YMMV).

Mother is in her mid-fifties, he is 28 and pretty strong. He's never shot a long gun before and has only ever shot a handgun once when he was 10.

[joker1]

So she pulls into the driveway, they come outside, she goes into her house, puts down her purse looks out the window and they are back inside. Are they inside their house for sure? Definately peculiar behavior. Do they seem to do it with anyone else in the 'hood? It doesn't sound good.

20 (or 12 if she can handle it) gauge pump shotgun? Get them both to the range and try some different things out.

[svgheartland]

20 gauge I think.

[OldVet]

"She has recently noticed..."

At least she's paying attention. That's a wise start. She needs to keep her radar on 360 degree scan until she's safely inside. One of those keychain pepper sprays wouldn't hurt either.

[Jaxon06]

Mother is in her mid-fifties, he is 28 and pretty strong. He's never shot a long gun before and has only ever shot a handgun once when he was 10.

Then times awaiting...

[farronwolf]

Maybe they are good folks and simply keeping an eye out on the older neighbor. Have they done anything else other than simply watch her get into the house? Have they met the neighbors to get a feel for them?

I wouldn't be quick to think the worst of folks because they do something quirky.

[Jaxon06]

Maybe they are good folks and simply keeping an eye out on the older neighbor. Have they done anything else other than simply watch her get into the house? Have they met the neighbors to get a feel for them?

I wouldn't be quick to think the worst of folks because they do something quirky.

And maybe you never assume otherwise, trust your instincts. None of the above suggestions are anything more than a better preparation.

[_Hawkeye_]

Need to make an attempt to vary her schedule, and bring home a couple young men friends from time to time.....you know what I mean, not that

[gasmitty]

Depending on whether your county or town participates, you could take a look here to see if there's any shady stuff going on in their neighborhood: SpotCrime Crime Map

[tokerblue]

Maybe they are good folks and simply keeping an eye out on the older neighbor. Have they done anything else other than simply watch her get into the house? Have they met the neighbors to get a feel for them?

I wouldn't be quick to think the worst of folks because they do something quirky.

- Agreed. Have they taken the time to introduce themselves to their neighbors? It may be hard to believe, but not everyone has nefarious intentions for you.

[ArmedPreacher]

- Agreed. Have they taken the time to introduce themselves to their neighbors? It may be hard to believe, but not everyone has nefarious intentions for you.

I would agree, but the community they live in is known for nefarious at times. The home they moved from just a few blocks over was in front of a crack house. I would say move, but it's economically a forgone conclusion, so it's one of those situations where they need to straighten out their security issues around the house. I talked with him tonight and he revealed to me that some things have started to become missing in the yard. Bad sign.

On a plus side I took him window shopping for an HD weapon and he's in love with a mossberg 500 20 gauge. He's on the right track.

[farronwolf]

Preacher,

You might look over this thread.

Affordable home video surveillance system.

[Chaplain Scott]

Since they have different schedules, a good dog would be a real asset. Have them go to a rescue shelter and have him ask his "real Boss" for guidance and discernment and pick a dog. Dogs who have been rescued seem to know it, and they can be exceptionally loyal (and protective). They could also ask the local PD to do a few more drive-bys.