A recent newspaper article warned people that thugs from the city were following I-57 down from Chicago and stopping off in small towns to rob and steal. Once they get a garage door opener from a car they have access to the garage and sometimes the house. That was happening just a few weeks ago.
There have been several gas stations robbed along the small highway that runs trough our small town the last few days. One here in town was hit last night around 8:40 P.M. Gas stations in the next town North have been hit more than once in recent days.
I reasoned a long time ago that all the thugs had to do was to realize that all they have to do is follow a highway and they have vast opportunities to rob and steal.
I am better prepared than most people around here. I have cameras set up around my house and garage. An alarm for the house and good locks that would provide me with enough time to defend myself if need be.
Where the sheriff used to warn people to lock their doors every night by 9:00 P.M. now they say to make sure your doors are locked all the time. I even brought my garage door openers inside because it is a lot easier to carry them out to the car or truck than it is to worry that somebody is breaking into a vehicle to get access to my garage. I intend to extend the range of my cameras too as well as to set up a trip alarm along the narrow side of the house.
The FBI notes that violent crime is a up a bit from 2014 levels, but still trending downward (9% lower than 2009 levels).
And property crimes continues to decline:
While it's easy to get caught up in news accounts of crime and violence, it seems that we are actually living in some of the best times to be alive, ever. I'm not saying don't be prepared and vigilant, but times are good for the moment.
Back in the 70's-90's ignorance was bliss as they say. All there was for most people was the nightly news and the newspapers. Crimes involving guns weren't worthy of sensationalism.
This thread got me thinking about the notorious murders on which Truman Capote based his book "In Cold Blood". One Wikipedia stop away, this part captured my attention:
Capote writes that Smith recounted later, "I didn't want to harm the man. I thought he was a very nice gentleman. Soft spoken. I thought so right up to the moment I cut his throat."
I'm still not quite sure what to think about that other than how quickly a thoughtful, appreciative person can flip like a light switch into a cold, callous murderer. "Take nothing for granted" is a worthy piece of cautionary advice.
I've been an avid reader for a long time so I've read a lot of books. That one in particular has really stuck with me. The fact that people like those two psychopaths are walking among us is a chilling one for sure.
I love my little town of Winchester. Not much here but petty crimes. The only victims of anything serious are those who are involved or are participating in their dirt.
I love my little town of Winchester. Not much here but petty crimes. The only victims of anything serious are those who are involved or are participating in their dirt.
I live in a rural county about 10 miles from the nearest village. Catching sight of a Sheriff's Deputy anywhere except on the two lane blacktop that runs through the middle of it is a rare occurrence. Plenty of crime here. Especially drugs and child molesters. Don't have to import any.
when I was on neighborhood watch years ago and our meeting with our residents asked why crime was going up in the nice neighborhoods, the Deputy just responded:
"If you are looking to steal nice stuff, you head out to the nice subdivisions where everyone has nice stuff."
Same goes for the cock roaches leaving Chi-raq and heading down to Sleepy Hollow. It was that way when I lived in Champaign years ago. It will only get worse.
I have a very good alarm system, my alarm remote is clipped to my belt. My car key also. My Jeep has never been out of the garage at night. My new 43X 9mm pistol, plus a spare 10 mag, go where I go!
Most of my neighbours have garages full of junk, car in the street! I think I am the only resident who backs in!
English trained! Carrying a 9mm every day? My Yankee habit. My aggression, straight out of Liverpool dockland.
Our neighbourhood, 133 dwellings, townhouses, in blocks of 5. One way in, same way out. Had one stolen car, in 15 years. The young hood rat, parked in his designated parking spot when he arrived home? The only problem, he did not own a car! A police patrol spotted this new addition, ran the plate! Bingo. Had the owner catch a ride, with a spare key, his car was only missing for 5 hours.
The young man came out looking for his new car, in the morning? Patrol Officer said, "What's the problem?" "My car has gone!" Very quick arrest! Nobody said criminals were smart.
I should just plead "no contest" to the full garage part... but they are tools and equipment that I use all the time so I have an excuse!
I learned about backing in by driving a large pickup in my early driving years. I found that I could back into parking spaces that would have been very "iffy" to actually drive into. Then I realized how much safer it was when leaving the parking spot, not having to risk backing into someone else's path. I think, some 40+ years later, THAT last item is the most practical reason I still back into most parking. But in my own driveway, almost always back in, all 150' to the garage! And every vehicle is nicely illuminated by motion-activated security lights for the cameras.
I have another oddity. Walk around the jeep, open the door for my wife, help her in, hi heels and all. Pop the button lock her in, open my door, lock all doors. Start engine. Then the seat belt and drive out.
And head on a swivel, you are kind of vulnerable for those few minutes, yes? We have been visiting two Grandkids for ten days, in Folson CA. Cooler than home. Not seen a Police Car, or Officer yet?
And all my guns in Florida. My Wifes youngest has been here just one year, new construction all around.
It is a beautiful home, we have a wee portion to ourselves. Bathroom/shower. Great new bed, closet, a corner table for the laptop. Perfect.
We babysit shop, do stuff, laundry. Take the weight for a month. Just wish I could get a carry concealed license, for the month? The lack of Police is a hint?
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Defensive Carry
5.4M posts
117.5K members
Since 2004
A forum community dedicated to defensive firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about everyday carry, optics, holsters, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!