What’s the best way to handle a burglar without weapons?

@Rory
If you don’t love dogs, it’s better not to get one. They require daily care and a lot of attention.

@Rory
Dogs are wonderful, but they’re not for everyone. They take time, money, and training. Even a dog that looks intimidating might not actually protect you. My current dog barks a lot, but she’d probably just run and hide if someone broke in.

Get the biggest wrench you can find and run at them naked. Works every time!

Move to a country where you can defend yourself properly.

Charlie said:
Move to a country where you can defend yourself properly.

Ideally, the USA.

Keep a baseball bat with a tube sock on it. An aluminum youth bat works great.

Piper said:
Keep a baseball bat with a tube sock on it. An aluminum youth bat works great.

What’s the purpose of the sock?

Rory said:

Piper said:
Keep a baseball bat with a tube sock on it. An aluminum youth bat works great.

What’s the purpose of the sock?

If someone grabs the bat, the sock slides off, giving you a chance to reset.

Here’s what I’d recommend:

  1. If you want a defensive weapon, research what’s legal in your country (crossbows, machetes, etc.).
  2. Don’t confront a burglar unless absolutely necessary. Your life is more valuable than your stuff.
  3. A heavy-duty flashlight like a Maglite can double as a club.
  4. Harden your home with better locks, motion lights, and security film for windows.
  5. Follow the ARCH method: Arm yourself, Run away, Call for help, Hide. Staying alive is always the priority.

DIY solution: Extract capsaicin from hot peppers, dilute it, and put it in a sprayer. If questioned, you were just defending yourself with homemade hot sauce.

Place cans of wasp spray around your house and aim for the face if needed. Pair that with a high-powered flashlight and a reinforced door to keep burglars out.

Also, take some self-defense classes like Jiu Jitsu to feel more prepared.

@Joss
Stop recommending wasp spray for self-defense. It’s a myth. It won’t incapacitate anyone and might only piss them off more. Stick to tools designed for self-defense.

Sam said:
@Joss
Stop recommending wasp spray for self-defense. It’s a myth. It won’t incapacitate anyone and might only piss them off more. Stick to tools designed for self-defense.

Fair enough. Thanks for clarifying!