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I think i'm being scouted.
Newtron
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So Okay, as the title implies: I believe local thieves are scouting my place to see when i'm home, and if there is anything worth stealing.
It all started about a week and a half ago when I came home from a party at about 3am. I stupidly left my keys in the door over night, and they were taken.
The very next afternoon, a couple guys came knocking. They were wondering if some person was home, and I told them they had the wrong apartment. Come 9 pm, a young woman (her early 20s) comes knockin with a kid in hand, wondering if a different person was at this apartment, and told her she had the wrong place.
I had the locks changed the following Monday (Monday before last), and that was pretty much it for the next couple days.
The following Wednesday I get another knock at my door at about 9am, wondering if "person" is home, and again "no, wrong place".
From that point, there wasn't anything for about a week, till Sunday morning (last Sunday).
Some woman comes knocking on my door, and I decide not to answer it. She knocks and knocks and knocks, and I ignore it. She knocks for about 3 minutes, and goes away. Then she comes back and knocks for another 3 or so minutes and I still don't answer.
So this whole time I'm paranoid, but trying not to over react. I know one of my neighbors, and he tells me his wife keeps an eye out, but I doubt she vigilante 24/7. I tell him I think I'm being scouted and he admits to me that the neighborhood has seen some thefts, but they were mostly around the block, not very close to us.
Well, anyway, I mostly put off the insecurities I was feeling as paranoia. I've been in and out of the house long enough on a few occasions where if they had wanted to break in, they'd probably have done it already, or so I thought.
I came home about 2 hours ago to find the gate to my little side yard open. I was curious about it, because I hadn't gone in my side yard that day, and the wind isn't strong enough to blow it open (it's gotta be unlatched) and there wasn't any wind anyway. I check it out, and sure enough there's foot prints (my side yard is all sand, except for the really tiny concrete patio). The footprints led up to my bedroom window, where I realized that I stupidly left my shades open.
So, I feel pretty safe in saying my paranoia is confirmed (at least somewhat) and that I believe that I'm being scouted for break-in potential.
I went out immediately after my discovery and bought a padlock for the side yard door (something I should have done originally, admittedly), and am now looking for additional advice to deter break-ins.
Help! Advice?
It all started about a week and a half ago when I came home from a party at about 3am. I stupidly left my keys in the door over night, and they were taken.
The very next afternoon, a couple guys came knocking. They were wondering if some person was home, and I told them they had the wrong apartment. Come 9 pm, a young woman (her early 20s) comes knockin with a kid in hand, wondering if a different person was at this apartment, and told her she had the wrong place.
I had the locks changed the following Monday (Monday before last), and that was pretty much it for the next couple days.
The following Wednesday I get another knock at my door at about 9am, wondering if "person" is home, and again "no, wrong place".
From that point, there wasn't anything for about a week, till Sunday morning (last Sunday).
Some woman comes knocking on my door, and I decide not to answer it. She knocks and knocks and knocks, and I ignore it. She knocks for about 3 minutes, and goes away. Then she comes back and knocks for another 3 or so minutes and I still don't answer.
So this whole time I'm paranoid, but trying not to over react. I know one of my neighbors, and he tells me his wife keeps an eye out, but I doubt she vigilante 24/7. I tell him I think I'm being scouted and he admits to me that the neighborhood has seen some thefts, but they were mostly around the block, not very close to us.
Well, anyway, I mostly put off the insecurities I was feeling as paranoia. I've been in and out of the house long enough on a few occasions where if they had wanted to break in, they'd probably have done it already, or so I thought.
I came home about 2 hours ago to find the gate to my little side yard open. I was curious about it, because I hadn't gone in my side yard that day, and the wind isn't strong enough to blow it open (it's gotta be unlatched) and there wasn't any wind anyway. I check it out, and sure enough there's foot prints (my side yard is all sand, except for the really tiny concrete patio). The footprints led up to my bedroom window, where I realized that I stupidly left my shades open.
So, I feel pretty safe in saying my paranoia is confirmed (at least somewhat) and that I believe that I'm being scouted for break-in potential.
I went out immediately after my discovery and bought a padlock for the side yard door (something I should have done originally, admittedly), and am now looking for additional advice to deter break-ins.
Help! Advice?
Newtron on
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Also, if you haven't messed with the sand area yet, take a picture and measure the size of the footprints. It can't hurt.
Call the police and ask about your area. There's a website that I can't remember where it pulls up local crime in your area, from break-ins to domestic disturbances.
I think calling the cops is a good idea, aside from the advice, they could drive by your place at night deterring potential thieves. You could also try one of those timed light switch things, where it turns on random lights in the house.
0475 6628 0747
I can't get a dog, much as I want to. It's too expensive in care, and costs additional "pet rent".
I've taken a picture of some of the footprints that remain, but my own footprints and a light breeze has reduced the sight of them. (Wasn't really thinking when I first checked it out :oops:)
I'll have to keep an eye out for strange cars, but it's somewhat of a "party hood", so I'm not sure what to watch out for (I've got some cars pegged as normal, and there's limited parking space anyway). I think what I'm gonna have to do next time is watch these people leave and see where they go, I didn't do that the first few times because I brushed it off as normal.
Thanks!
Oh, and call the cops. Duh.
Edit: I guess this was pointless.
https://twitter.com/Hooraydiation
aha, I'll have to do that!
As far as the timed lights go, I'll look into it. Anyone got a figure of how much the average one might cost or how difficult they are to install? I'm not afraid of doing a little electrical work on my own, as I've already replaced the phone jacks in the place (for free no less!) and have rudimentary electrical knowledge thanks to school and my brother.
Also, I don't think I'd be comfortable with "borrowing a dog". I'll probably go pick up some "beware of dog" signs and just fake having one, though.
Have none of y'all seen It Takes a Thief? Dogs are pretty much useless.
I'd say be prepared for the worst just in case and do this:
http://www.statefarm.com/learning/loss_prevent/learning_loss_homeinventory1.asp
Steam
0475 6628 0747
You must be wary of "bump" keys, which criminals use to gain entry with no evidence of forced entry. When you changed your locks, if they are bump proof, then happy day. If not, you should look into it and take precautions (such as getting some goop that makes a normal lock bump proof).
Extrapolating on this, the ratcheting sound a shot gun can make can be fucking terrifying. What if when someone was knocking on the door you made that sound, then asked who it was?
I bet they would move away from the door, but I also wonder what legal areas this steps in.
so super beat'd
The floodlight is a brilliant idea, and I'll look into that too. Only problem with that issue though is the local stray cats that still use my side yard as a thruway and/or litterbox. I suppose that will scare em, though (and wake me up in the early morning :x ).
Thanks guys!
However, a shotgun is not nearly as effective when no one is home. He did say they were trying to find out when he isn't home. The motion sensing light is a great idea. You said this was an apartment, right? Checking with the landlord about security systems would be a good idea as well. Also, keeping blinds closed and having timers for indoor lights when you aren't home is also helpful.
Thanks for the heads up! I looked into this and it's pretty worrying stuff.
I'll have to see what I can do about this (I don't think I wanna replace my locks again, but I can do it myself next time for cheap if I have to).
I don't think these guys lookin at my place are to sophisticated to know about or use bump keys, but one can never be to sure.
Thanks!
as somebody who was robbed twice a few years back, i can't recommend this enough.
My dad is also crazy, and he put razorwire behind the TV so people would be sliced up if they tried to unplug anything without a good light. My mom made him take it down because it was crazy, and we would probably get sued if a burglar actually got hurt on it.
But the fake camera thing is pretty smart. Having someone you trust, like a friend/relative/etc, randomly show up and go into your house when you aren't around might help. Mix it up a bit so anyone scouting doesn't know whats going on. Just having another car show up in your driveway might make it seem too risky, and dissuade them.
Also, you should watch this documentary.
There are also some slightly more advanced, but still low-cost systems. That one, for about $150-200, will give you a keychain remote to disable it, and will make a similar tremendous noise if someone trips it while armed, which might scare off a burglar or alert neighbors or passers-by. For an additional $20 a month (a good investment for maybe 1-3 months until this blows over) you can plug it into the phone line and get actual alarm monitoring service, so if someone trips it you (and/or the police) get notified.
Many of these products (both low-tech and cheap, and slightly higher-tech like the LaserShield) are available at, e.g., Home Depot.
Or ask them for ID. That should freak them out.
The harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun.
I think that Mudd is on to something here. If I was a thief and my scouting target said "Listen asshole, I know I'm being scouted and I'm watching you and taking appropriate steps" instead of playing the dumb mark and setting up defenses in secret, I'd just move on to greener pastures.
Alarm- You might be able to get a decrease on rent if you are renting or maybe get them to pay for some of it as it helps the apartment be kept safe. An alarm in an apartment block will get your neighbours to come out and at least tell you to shut the F*kin thing off if not just to investigate.
Give a mate a key and get them to come and go a few times a week by themselfs. If someone really is checking out your place and they notice an extra person come and go it will change things completely.
about a year ago I noticed someone walking up and down our street a few days a week for 2 weeks. He looked out of place and was looking over fences. The week after I saw a van that looked out of place. I took the plates down and called the cops on it. I'm not sure if that was them but the police said they would certainly chase it up and if that doesn't scare them off I dont know what will.
You have already said that you gave them the impression that you were not home when someone knocked over and over on your door. If they didnt break in then they probably wont. The fact that they also walked up to your window and walked off means they probably didnt see stuff they like anyway.
Few extra things
Alarm company stickers, just the stickers works wonders on doors because they think you have a monitored alarm. But alarms are not expensive these days anyway. Nor are fake red flashing LED's that look like security lights.
I'm sure you will be fine. Apartments are not ideal targets I would think because the neighbors are more close to each other. Properties with high fences and are away from roads are main targets.
As mudd said next time someone strange knocks, go to the door and slip something along the lines of. Oh. sorry i thought you were hear to install the alarm. or Sorry im on the phone with a security company. Ill be with you in just a second.
dont be stupid....
What magical rulebook are you pulling that from. I agree that personal property isnt worth your life but if the guy is armed and you have a gun i'd pop him, just dont shoot the guy in the back.
Castle Doctrine in the United States
Not to start a debate or anything... New mexico is listed on there. Know your states laws before you go arming yourself (applies to everyone)
etc, so forth.
Beat'd by Beazle
That's not true at all.
Varies state to state. I know in CO it is perfectly legal for me to shoot and kill an intruded if I feel threatened. Hell, it is even called the "make my day" law.
I agree with the later sentiment, but you are still wrong about the legalities of self-defense in Australia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defence_(Australia)
So you have the right to reasonably defend yourself. I don't think many courts will claim that defending yourself with a firearm from an ongoing knife attack would be an unreasonable use of force. Can you cite a case?
I really don't understand why anyone still uses pin tumbler locks, as they're relatively easy to open in comparison. I guess they're a bit cheaper.