Multiple trespassing, attempted break-ins, and theft in my Neighborhood recently

Hey everyone! I’m new here and wanted to ask about the best possible ways to achieve high deterrence and security. We’ve always dealt with attempted theft and troublemakers, including a crackhouse raid on our block, but recently things have gotten worse. There’s a vacant lot next door that’s attracting a lot of transients, who often come through the alley. I’ve been shooing them away late at night when I spot them from my upstairs window. We’re in a historic neighborhood just a few blocks from Downtown.

Today, I had a direct confrontation with a guy who tried to break into my elderly neighbor’s duplex and threatened their family. My brother and I chased him off, and he ended up getting arrested. Then, tonight, I caught someone on a bike checking out my car in the back before breaking into another neighbor’s yard to steal a bike. I managed to chase him off, and he left his bike behind.

I’m a big, loud guy, and growing up in tough neighborhoods has made me unafraid to confront people who try to cause trouble for my family and good neighbors. But I feel like my pit bull and floodlights aren’t enough anymore. I’m planning to start taking gun safety classes soon.

You’re doing it. Run them off every time you see them hanging around your place. Motion activated lights, motion activated sprinklers.

Big dogs scare most people away.

but then you have to take care of a dog. This isn’t a viable solution to everyone

So? What is your point?

Because its not a good solution to burden yourself with a dog for security if you don’t want one or can’t have one.

I understand. A stray found me and honestly I can’t afford him and he needs training too but the look on ppls faces when they see that I have a cattle dog they look at me not as someone they can take advantage of and that I cannot put a price on! I do understand what you mean I probably should have let the pound take him but I am female alone in a really bad area and have had a lot of attempts into my apartment

Sounds like you’re not letting it take root so that’s key. Good cameras that can actually see faces. Solid reinforced doors, if nothing else make sure the hinges and striker plates have 4” or longer screws. Talk to neighbors and seeing if you can organize any sort of watch/plan so that you can notify each other of things happening. Probably a good idea to take friends when you can. Calling the cops if for no other reason than to be documenting problems could be a good idea. Maybe you’re doing this. Gun safety is great but it’s the basics. The safety component never goes away but if you’re going to carry, become proficient and comfortable by finding good instructors in your area. Get the fundamentals down and then practice regularly.

A thought/suggestion tho, responsible daily carry of a firearm and being the big loud dude that is actively going out and confronting people isn’t always compatible. At least from a litigation standpoint where you don’t want to be seen as the aggressor. Walk softly when you’re carrying that big stick and be careful out there

I think this is a great idea, because you never know who the hell you’re going to run into. Just because they don’t have money doesn’t mean they don’t have a stolen firearm.

Motion activated lights are a great idea, but I’ve seen plenty of brazen people try and rob/steal in broad daylight.

Cameras would be good in the event no one is home to deter these people. At least camera footage will make it very simple for insurance purposes.

Maybe enhance the vacant lot with some hunting tools

I would recommend this

Get a firearm and take a few safety classes and go to the range weekly. There’s a possibility that the confrontations could get worse and escalate into violence. Also get some good night vision cameras and I would get devious. Tape razor blades on windows and fences.

Benjamin Wilson, be careful about setting booby traps on your property. It is illegal in many places and will come back and screw you over. IE if the perp survives, they can legally sue you for damages and injuries from the traps, even though they are the intruder.

Razor blades aren’t booby traps. Exact same as razor wire minus the wire. Plus they’re not illegal and it’s cheap.

A dog. Preferably a big one with a good bark