Just had a prowler outside my window... terrified me.

[Rocky998]

It's a question of degree. If someone could subdue an intruder without half killing them, then that's what they are supposed to do. Like a strong man could easily subdue a teenaged intruder without resorting to hitting him with an object. But if the intruder was the strong man and the householder a young woman, she could not subdue the intruder so she could use something to defend herself such as a bat.

Definitely! I'd try to resolve a situation without killing a person or maming them lol.
I know I said I have a sword in my room and carry pocket knives on vacation but for real, I wouldn't try to harm anyone unless my life was in immediate danger lol.

 

[GaryE]

It's a question of degree. If someone could subdue an intruder without half killing them, then that's what they are supposed to do. Like a strong man could easily subdue a teenaged intruder without resorting to hitting him with an object. But if the intruder was the strong man and the householder a young woman, she could not subdue the intruder so she could use something to defend herself such as a bat.

Some countries are arms races, with high crime. Some have brutal levels of inequality, with the crime that comes with it. Some have serious problems with racism (mine included). Some have different ideas of citizenship and community than others. You just look country by country and try not to project your own situation onto others. We all do that, but at least being aware you are possibly very weird globally is a good approach.

Maybe if I were in the US, I would want a gun. Maybe. I would have been raised differently and would have seen others as people in my community would. I don't know. Or maybe someday I'll put a tank under every window with a Hoplias wolf-fish in each one...

 

[TheLavenderBadger]

Or maybe someday I'll put a tank under every window with a Hoplias wolf-fish in each one...

That's the best plan for intruders ever, forgoing a pet honey badger..

 

[Alice B]

Get a gun to protect you and your dogs. Set boobies traps,to startle or mame it choice. Stand ur ground or they will keep thinking ur easy prey.

she's not in Texas. Window locks, a simple screw latch if it fits her style of window, would work better.

 

[Alice B]

Some countries are arms races, with high crime. Some have brutal levels of inequality, with the crime that comes with it. Some have serious problems with racism (mine included). Some have different ideas of citizenship and community than others. You just look country by country and try not to project your own situation onto others. We all do that, but at least being aware you are possibly very weird globally is a good approach.

Maybe if I were in the US, I would want a gun. Maybe. I would have been raised differently and would have seen others as people in my community would. I don't know. Or maybe someday I'll put a tank under every window with a Hoplias wolf-fish in each one...

I didn't want a gun Gary and I live in the US. I have grandkids. I did eventually have to get one, had a psycho about 10 years ago. Didn't have to shoot him, he got himself arrested assaulting someone else while I was gone to work, and swallowed his socks to commit suicide in jail. I do practice at a range however. If you're going to own one you should know how to operate it.

 

[Alice B]

Yah that's true but it doesn't make sense for the homeowner to get in trouble for defending themselves

the potential liability for self defense is very real and very serious even in the US, guns and all. Best safety - hate to say this - stay at home. I am avoiding malls and stuff as much as possible now that open carry is license free in Texas. Have good locks, good window locks, have a camera system, and in my case have 5 big dogs. The big 3 checking out my downed chinaberry tree. Camelo, the serious watch dog. and he always ends up with the rat. Teddy and Shadow have trouble holding still. Both part Australian cattle dog, both a little nutty, Very alert to any sound. Wulfwarro - 80 pounds of muscle with springs on his feet. I'm safe enough. Yes there is potential liability for my dogs too. But they are a heck of a deterrent.

 

[sharkweek178]

Guns are out of the question in the UK. We need a licence to keep a firearm and they are only issued to people who can prove they need one. Firearms have to be kept in locked cupboards which meet certain specifications, and a firearm licence holder can be spot checked at any time to make sure they are locked away.
I know there are firearms out there which are held illegally but if found the person with the firearm is prosecuted.

What about other self defense weapons? Pepper spray, stun guns, etc?

@AdoraBelle Dearheart Sorry this happened to you.

 

[connorlindeman]

the potential liability for self defense is very real and very serious even in the US, guns and all. Best safety - hate to say this - stay at home. I am avoiding malls and stuff as much as possible now that open carry is license free in Texas. Have good locks, good window locks, have a camera system, and in my case have 5 big dogs. The big 3 checking out my downed chinaberry tree. Camelo, the serious watch dog. and he always ends up with the rat. Teddy and Shadow have trouble holding still. Both part Australian cattle dog, both a little nutty, Very alert to any sound. Wulfwarro - 80 pounds of muscle with springs on his feet. I'm safe enough. Yes there is potential liability for my dogs too. But they are a heck of a deterrent.

In nj butterfly knives are legal. I know how to use one and wanted to get a real blade for self defense. Turns out I can't even use it in a fight or I'll get in big trouble. Stupid laws.

 

[Naughts]

What about other self defense weapons? Pepper spray, stun guns, etc?

No. Post #114 already answered this, please read the threads before posting on them. Going around in circles doesn't help anyone.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

I suspect we've all had our say on this thread and it's probably about done. Remember to keep things family friendly, and just plain friendly. Thanks.

 

[Familyfishny]

I’m really sorry to hear you had such a disturbing experience in your home, Bella. I hope you and your parents are having a quiet night tonight, and give that awesome dog some extra pats for all of us.

 

[Dexter Leopard Frog]

Very scary very worrying. But lets believe this person is no more than a coward or an opportunist pervert at most.

I also live in UK but work away from home, we have 3 dogs the wife has them as her fur babies and early warning systems. Two dog sleep in our room and the 3rd sleeps in kitchen. They are all little dogs but they can make a big noise. All ground floor windows are always closed at night or when hose is empty, doors always locked even during the day and whenever she does have to open house in times of darkness the dogs are by her side and outside lights are on to inspect before any dogs are let out. If in doubt she would not hesitate to call the police.

You don't need an expensive security system. A door bell camera or similar with motion detection, (small and discrete) no idea of what exactly to get but pretty sure something cheap BUT effective can be put in place. If I needed them I would have one front and one at back of house or any blind spots. WiFI connected and even have play back etc, you catch a picture or footage then the police will need to follow it up (it gives them proof and reason to follow up to). Don't need to be expensive or too elaborate cheaper the better. One of my mates also works away and has 2 cameras (less than £50 each) at home and sees the Amazon deliveries that his wife has delivered when he works. He has showed me footage, it is clear and every time activated he gets a message on his phone ( i guess you could also turn off that function too ).

You need no more than a warning system and some means of capturing footage of any pest. Let the police do the rest. Keep safe and give that dog a hug