# What is the best way to prevent home invasions? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 6, 2009, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754 "2009-02-06T21:47:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cuckoorex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2009, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/1 "2009-02-06T21:47:59Z")
I think that, ideally, use of motion-sensor lights, a home security system, and decent locks should be used whenever possible. I also, however, think that some sort of clear indication that the homeowner owns and is willing to use a firearm to protect himself and his home goes a long way to dissuade potential home invaders; even if they laugh at the other preventive measures, I bet most criminals, if they knew ahead of time that the homeowner possesses and is willing to use a firearm, they’ll move on to an easier target. However, all of those preventive measures I mentioned may not be available in some situations. I rent an apartment, for example, that has two doors that someone would have to get through to enter my place. But apart from that, there is no alarm system and I don’t have a chain or a peephole on my inner door, so there’s no way apart from me completely unlocking my inner door to see what’s going on with the outer door. If someone is trying to break into my place, of course the first thing I do is start to dial 911, then turn on the light in the entryway, hopefully scaring off the intruder. If that doesn’t work, I’m forced to find some way to defend myself in case the police don’t arrive in time. That means arming myself with a melee weapon of some sort, and if the invader has a gun I’m most likely screwed; there’s not really anyplace in my apartment to hide, and there is no back door to escape through. In this situation, I would probably really be wishing I had a gun. I would even argue that unambiguously displaying a warning that the homeowner owns and will use a gun would be a more effective deterrent than a fence or lock or home security system. Or am I wrong? ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2009, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/2 "2009-02-06T22:02:50Z")
I know quite a few people who recommend against advertising that you own a firearm, because it makes burglary more likely, even if it does deter home invasions. ---
**Author:** ![pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2009, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/3 "2009-02-06T22:03:03Z")
The owner should also tell in detail the types of firearms are in the house, in case the crook is tempted by a puny handgun or two to go in anyway, and should also include information about just how unstable he is. Something like HOME INVADERS-- BE WARNED! I AM SITTING RIGHT INSIDE THE DOOR WITH A LOADED UZI. IF YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO COME IN ANYWAY, UNDERSTAND THAT I AM A DANGEROUS PARANOID, TWO WEEKS OUT OF A PADDED CELL- (MY THIRD STAY IN A MENTAL INSTITUTION IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS) AND I WILL SHOOT AT THE FIRST NOISE OR TWITCH. I’VE KILLED THREE FAMILY MEMBERS ARRIVING HOME UNEXPECTEDLY SO FAR, AND I WILL PROBABLY GET A FEW MORE SOON, SO YOU WILL MUCH SAFER BREAKING INTO ALMOST ANY OTHER HOUSE ON THE BLOCK. KTHXBY, HAVE A NICE DAY. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2009, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/4 "2009-02-06T22:04:24Z")
I imagine that a gun is a valuable find for a break-in artist. And break-ins when nobody is at home are far, far more common that a home invasion when you can defend your property. A notice or warning like you propose might lead to more break-ins to houses that contain guns… When the criminals figure that you’re not at home. ETA: Late to the party! ---
**Author:** ![Paladud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Paladud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paladud)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2009, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/5 "2009-02-06T22:12:26Z")
A dog. A pair of old, large, possibly dirt-encrusted boots by the front door. No obvious valuables visible from the outside. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2009, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/6 "2009-02-06T23:09:20Z")
> [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](#): > > The owner should also tell in detail the types of firearms are in the house, in case the crook is tempted by a puny handgun or two to go in anyway, and should also include information about just how unstable he is. Something like > > HOME INVADERS-- BE WARNED! I AM SITTING RIGHT INSIDE THE DOOR WITH A LOADED UZI. IF YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO COME IN ANYWAY, UNDERSTAND THAT I AM A DANGEROUS PARANOID, TWO WEEKS OUT OF A PADDED CELL- (MY THIRD STAY IN A MENTAL INSTITUTION IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS) AND I WILL SHOOT AT THE FIRST NOISE OR TWITCH. I’VE KILLED THREE FAMILY MEMBERS ARRIVING HOME UNEXPECTEDLY SO FAR, AND I WILL PROBABLY GET A FEW MORE SOON, SO YOU WILL MUCH SAFER BREAKING INTO ALMOST ANY OTHER HOUSE ON THE BLOCK. KTHXBY, HAVE A NICE DAY. So the rest of you should all just put “skald the rhymer” on your mailboxes, is that it? ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2009, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/7 "2009-02-06T23:50:46Z")
perhaps a “beware of snake” sign? ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2009, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/8 "2009-02-06T23:51:33Z")
The best way to pevent home invasion? A: A dog. B: Raising the standard of living so that none go hungry, all are rich, and without want or need. No need, no want, no crooks! ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2009, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/9 "2009-02-06T23:53:48Z")
Rotating knives. ---
**Author:** ![Xan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ac8455/32.png) [@Xan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xan)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2009, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/10 "2009-02-06T23:58:06Z")
land mines ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/11 "2009-02-07T00:04:19Z")
All fine and well until you let the dog out Or forget where you put them. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/12 "2009-02-07T00:07:05Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Rotating knives. Excuse me, did you say “knives”? We only wanted a simple block of flats. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/13 "2009-02-07T00:19:23Z")
Tax cuts. ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/14 "2009-02-07T00:20:38Z")
Get metal bars on your windows and metal doors. Then, electrify 'em. ---
**Author:** ![Cuckoorex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/15 "2009-02-07T00:30:19Z")
> [@begbert2](#): > > Get metal bars on your windows and metal doors. Then, electrify 'em. Quite important to do those in order. ---
**Author:** ![mutantmoose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a87d85/32.png) [@mutantmoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mutantmoose)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/16 "2009-02-07T00:50:46Z")
Agreed, it’s an invite to the bad guys - there’s a gun in this house, come rob me. They might break in when you’re out but, more worryingly, they might break in when you’re in. You get a knock on the door early evening, you open the door. They rush in and suddenly you’re on the ground and they’re yelling WHERE’S THE GUN WHERE’S THE GUN A gun is quite a desirable object in the criminal world, I would think. I’ve been wondering about this issue recently- are burglary rates noticably lower in the states with the most liberal gun laws eg Texas etc? Is there evidence to show that burglars are more wary of breaking in somewhere because there’s a higher chance the owner will be armed? ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/17 "2009-02-07T01:03:26Z")
> [@Cuckoorex](#): > > I would even argue that unambiguously displaying a warning that the homeowner owns and will use a gun would be a more effective deterrent than a fence or lock or home security system. Or am I wrong? How would you display it? A neon sign? If someone is breaking in at night how would they even see a display? ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/18 "2009-02-07T01:03:47Z")
The best way to prevent home invasions? Being homeless. As for the efficacy of advertising your gun ownership … well I offer [this small bit](http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3985/is_200212/ai_n9160492) of statistics: > [@](#): > > Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia and New Mexico were the leaders with gun thefts twice as high as the national average of 16.8 per thousand households. > > States with the highest theft rates share common traits such as a large number of gun owners, high crime rates and no laws requiring safe storage of guns in homes… > > … Nearly 10 percent of state offenders incarcerated on gun crimes say the weapons they used were stolen. Which suggests (but does not prove) that you’d merely be advertising that you have what they want to steal. ---
**Author:** ![achilles\_bogart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/58956e/32.png) [@achilles\_bogart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/achilles_bogart)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/19 "2009-02-07T01:06:08Z")
> [@E-Sabbath](#): > > The best way to pevent home invasion? > A: A dog. > B: Raising the standard of living so that none go hungry, all are rich, and without want or need. No need, no want, no crooks! Dogs don’t work, unless it goes running with teeth bared towards the person getting ready step on the property. Do you pay any fucking attention to what the rich have been doing? They have been systematically stealing, robbing and conning everyone, even other rich people. You get rich by being able to throw morality out the window. You stay rich by being crooked and donating just enough so no one really looks at how crooked you are. Take the Clintons for example. [http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2009/jan/bill-s-donors-got-hillary-s-senate-clout](http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2009/jan/bill-s-donors-got-hillary-s-senate-clout) Of course if everyone is rich, then everyone is poor and almost no one wants to be poor. The best way to prevent home invasion? Lock your doors and windows. Don’t make a conspicuous display of wealth. Keep objects that could be used to gain easy entry to the house (shovels, axes, prybars, rakes, etc) in a locked shed. An alarm system probably wouldn’t hurt either. ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754/20 "2009-02-07T01:11:42Z")
Build your home inside-out. Then when criminals try to break in, they will find themselves leaving instead. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754.md?page=2)