@Axelle
That actually makes more sense than some homeless guys using the dark web to find your house.
@Axelle
I used to live in a bad neighborhood, and we’d see the same thing. The area got better over time, but every now and then, someone would show up looking for their old hangout after getting out of jail. They’d come back and find a totally different neighborhood with families and dog walkers. Just make sure you stay aware of what’s going on and lock up tight.
Sometimes you have to tell people they’re trespassing in front of the police for them to act.
Francis said:
Sometimes you have to tell people they’re trespassing in front of the police for them to act.
Yeah, we actually did that, but the police didn’t even get out of their car and left after 10 minutes. The guy wouldn’t leave even after we told him he was trespassing.
@Nyx
Next time, tell the police you’re in fear for your life. Say something like, ‘I’m afraid I might have to defend myself.’ That’ll get them to respond faster. Even if you don’t own a gun, the idea that things could escalate will make them take it more seriously.
@Farrell
Be careful about saying stuff like that. Even if you’re justified, it can complicate things in court later. Just focus on telling the police you feel threatened and let them do the rest.
Dana said:
@Farrell
Be careful about saying stuff like that. Even if you’re justified, it can complicate things in court later. Just focus on telling the police you feel threatened and let them do the rest.
Yeah, exactly. Telling the police you might have to shoot someone, especially when they haven’t actually broken in yet, can backfire big time.
@Farrell
Agree with AN here. Don’t say anything about shooting someone unless you’re forced into a situation where it’s absolutely necessary.
@Nyx
Sounds like lazy police. They’re supposed to deal with this stuff.
Francis said:
@Nyx
Sounds like lazy police. They’re supposed to deal with this stuff.
Ah, New Orleans cops… yep, sounds about right.
Sounds like the police there are useless. You need to make sure you’re prepared to defend yourself if it gets worse. Pepper spray, a bat, or a gun—whatever you’re comfortable with—just be ready. And for the love of God, stop opening the door to random people.
Oh, I should mention we did get a door camera so we don’t have to interact with these people anymore.
Nyx said:
Oh, I should mention we did get a door camera so we don’t have to interact with these people anymore.
Good call! Now stop opening the door!
This is seriously terrifying. It’s clear the guy has mental health issues, but I wouldn’t even engage. Keep pressing the police and make sure you’re ready to protect yourself and your house if he tries to get in.
You should really read The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker. And, for the love of all that’s holy, stop opening the door at night.
Broderick said:
You should really read The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker. And, for the love of all that’s holy, stop opening the door at night.
I’m reading that book now! It’s such an eye-opener. There’s so much bad stuff happening that never even makes the news. You’d be shocked to know what’s going on around you.
@Morgan
I love the book, but some of those crime talk channels are way too sensationalized. Stick to good advice, not horror stories.
You might want to consider hiring a private security firm. They tend to respond faster than the police and have more legal authority to remove trespassers from your property. Make sure they’re licensed and insured, though, and that they’ll arrest the trespassers if necessary. It might cost you, but it’s better than feeling unsafe in your own home.
Ever heard of hobo symbols? They mark houses with them sometimes. You can use chalk to put up some symbols that mean ‘don’t come here.’ It’s surprising how effective it can be. You can also get pepper spray with dye in it or even a non-lethal gun if you don’t want to use real firearms.
You need to get a gun.