It's a weird morning...

[msfledermaus]

Last night I found out that the night before there was someone in the neighborhood trying to break into whatever they could. One car was broken into, and the person tried to break into the back door of one of the houses, and failed. This person also stole a truck from one of the parking lots and abandoned it a few miles away. *shudder*

Right now, I'm grateful that Ben the Neighbor and Peaty had lit the back yard with these huge paper lanterns they got from their last trip to Ikea. You can see these lamps from space, and I think it acted as a deterrent...I know if I was sneaking around at 4am, the last place I'd want to try to get into is the yard that's lit up like Las Vegas.

Later on today I'm sending out an e-mail to our neighborhood group in my capacity as a security person, telling them useful things to do for home security--not just good locks on the doors, though that's incredibly important. Things like putting bells on the front and back doors, so you can hear someone trying to get in. (I have really loud cowbells.) Sometimes it doesn't take much to spook a would-be intruder. Also, in case of an emergency, a fire-extinguisher makes a good non-lethal self-defense tool. (I learned this one from my annual fire safety class at work.)

Anyway, I have a little fine-tuning to do, but before I went to sleep last night I tightened up my own security at the Maushaus, just so I could sleep better. And no, it doesn't involve Shamu with a marshmallow rifle, though that would be intensely funny...

Comments

[mcohenmn.livejournal.com]

I'd suggest ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts - properly installed with long mounting screws - on your solid doors as a good starting point. A decent Schlage would do.

[scentedwoods.livejournal.com]

That's what SHE said.

[mcohenmn.livejournal.com]

The marshmallow rifle would truly be a tool of last resort.

[msfledermaus.livejournal.com]

I wish I could make alterations like that, but since it's technically an apartment, I'm not allowed. It annoys me mightily.

[sageincave.livejournal.com]

That's scary. I hope whoever it was doesn't come back!

[msfledermaus.livejournal.com]

it looks like it might have been somebody who wasn't too experienced on the robbing front, meaning he'll get picked up really soon, I think.

[roadskoller.livejournal.com]

That's scary. My neighbor and I have our porch and outside garage lights on every night.

[msfledermaus.livejournal.com]

Thank goodness Ben and Peaty have the back yard lit up the way they do. *blows kisses across the yard*

[buscemi.livejournal.com]

Yow! I'm glad you're ok.

[msfledermaus.livejournal.com]

Me too. I really don't want to have to try to use the machete I keep by the bed. *shudder*

[bella-donne.livejournal.com]

Please take care!

[msfledermaus.livejournal.com]

I will do my best. *knocks on wood*