Attempted Apartment Break-In Help

[Kalmado]

How secure are the keypad deadbolt locks? That's what I have going right now.

Whenever slickdeals.net has a listing it's always a split crowd for just how safe they are. One post for Defiant brand (sale was $30) had a lot of people saying bad things, but others saying they are fine.

[Kirin]

Had a good talk with my renters insurance policy holder (Nationwide) who I've been with since my time in Athens. They also told me it would be a good idea to catalog important items (TV's, game consoles, etc) and that's probably what I will do tonight. I'll probably stash a printed copy in my document box and keep a digital copy on a thumb drive.

The longer deadbolt screws are a good suggestion and something I can do easily, so I'll probably do that this weekend.

There is a pre-installed security system in my unit, but the service just isn't active. Waiting to hear back from the complex about activation options (and to see when they repair my door handle) or to see if I can't get some free & quick signage to place on some throwaway fake plant from home depot outside my door.

Outdoor solutions aren't really feasible, because 1) it is a complex and 2) the breezeways are already fairly well lit at night. Anything external I would install would need batteries or minimal drilling/mounting, but I greatly appreciate all the suggestions.

Looking at something simple inside to simply deter when we aren't at home, and the dog alarms sound like a good solution that can be deactivated with a key fob when me or my GF approach the front door.

Did not consider the shotgun either. Will probably price shop a little this weekend on options and see where we end up.

Thanks again for everyone's help!

[KuroTsuki]

Shotguns are usually the preferred weapon of choice for home defense because they're somewhat safer and/or stupid proof for less skilled individuals.

Any time someone suggests a shotgun it reminds me of this bill burr joke:
https://youtu.be/x9iYvyffAh4

[Boyiee]

Shot guns are great, just make sure you and the sig get out and shoot it occasionally.

[Kirin]

Reddit kind of turned me toward Abode for a security system. It looks like what I'm looking for and is affordable, even offering some stuff standard that SimpliSafe requires the monitoring fee for.

http://goabode.com

[Kalmado]

As long as it reports to a central monitoring station it'll give you a discount on renters and home insurance too.

[Brill Weave]

If you are going to explore the firearm option there is nothing more unsettling and recognizable than the sound of a 12 gauge being pumped. Handgun you may miss. 12 gauge in a hallway, someone's in for some pain.

[Brill Weave]

how do i convince my anti gun wife to let me get a shotty

It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. I feel like I've told you this before.

[Arkanna]

In PA at least, shotguns are much easier to buy than handguns. And as Brill said, it's easier to miss with a handgun.

[Kalmado]

In PA at least, shotguns are much easier to buy than handguns. And as Brill said, it's easier to miss with a handgun.

Tell that to John Wick!

[Mertron]

It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

just fyi this is terrible dating advice

[SephYuyX]

I dont know if I can really suggest a gun in this situation with you being in a apartment complex. People tend to think structures are more durable than they really are, but in close quarters even a 7-1/2 bird shot will go through several walls. Unless your units are separated by some sort of brick or fascia, good chance if you miss it will go somewhere else. Bird shot also doesn't spread out as much as it's shown in the movies as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dbtBWp_beo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6clay9pFaw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C29mEJFFIvo

Also, a lot of people dont agree with the whole gun cocking thing. The thought is to always have it locked and loaded, and cocking it just gives away your position and slows you down. Debatable.

As most have said already, a good deadbolt will deter most everyone; I doubt the guys in your example would attempt to actually break in, but you never know. Most will see if it's an easy entry, and if not, go to the next. It's all about numbers and mitigating risk. A good scare alarm, light, etc will be enough. Stickers are kind of meh.

Typical B&E'ers also wont carry weapons either. This way if they are caught, they dont have extra charges thrown at them.

Taking an inventory is good. Whenever I get a new expensive item I just add it to a spreadsheet; it makes things much easier if they actually get away with stuff.

Cameras are a nice extra if you want to.

Another easy step is to buy a polypropylene bat or sword from coldsteel (or the like)

http://www.coldsteel.com/products/ot...-products.html
http://www.coldsteel.com/products/training-knives.html


Myself I have a handle lock, deadbolt lock, dog, driveway alert, auto outdoor light, polypropylene sword, cameras, a 12guage, and a 9mm.

[Boyiee]

Fuck the neighbors, someone is breaking in.

I use hollow points at home.

[archibaldcrane]

Get renters insurance, keep your deadbolts locked, and stop worrying so much.

[Malithar]

Before jumping to a gun, be sure to look up your local laws concerning it. I'm in KY and they've got a pretty straight forward law in place which pretty much stipulates intruder = stop them via any force necessary. I'm pretty sure some states are strict that if the intruder is unarmed, firing a gun at them is a crime, and manslaughter if you kill them. Of course, how you're expected to know if they're armed is beyond me.

[tyven]

It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. I feel like I've told you this before.

I'M OFF TO THE GUN STORE

[Fiye]

https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wi-Fi-En...16%5Bb%7Cdeals

Ring doorbell (Gen 1) on sale for $150 (Normally $180). Not the ultimate version posted earlier.

[Brill Weave]

I'M OFF TO THE GUN STORE

[Boyiee]

Yeah in Jersey if you don't kill the guy they can argue attempted murder. You have to be cornered with no means of egress or escape with imminent fear of doom and have to warn them like 3 times that you have a gun. So just kill them and say that all happened basically.

[-Zer0-]

Sorry to hear your place was nearly broken into. Glad you're safe and well. Like the others have stated, get renter's insurance. I didn't have it when my place was broken into. I was moving constantly for work and it didn't occur to me at the time. Now I know better.

I've learned that light is one of the best forms of security. If you can get a motion detector or somehow have one turn on inside as a deterrent - would be a good start. Deadbolts are fantastic as long as they cover all your major entrances. We had one on the front door, but the back door didn't, and the guys that broke into our place went through the back. Seeing as how you're in an apartment, guessing you only have the one entrance and should be okay.

And yeah...gated communities only go so far. Shit sucks. Good luck!