I'm a little scared now... re: crime (Charlotte, Kannapolis: violent crime, home)

[Robin2007]

The good news...with the humidity in Charlotte and the pollen...you probably will not want to sleep with your windows open anyway. ;-)

Krisia...Please close that downstairs bedroom window when you are sleeping...that worries me!!!

[CVP]

Well I'm a little more scared now too since a break-in occurred in our quiet little neighborhood in Indian Land on a weekday afternoon a couple of days ago. The jerks backed their van into the driveway, kicked the front door in, and helped themselves to TVs, laptops, and more. I heard the family that was robbed had repair men in their home last week and you have to wonder if they were casing the joint at the time because why single out that house (it's tucked in the back of the neighborhood and is surrounded by other homes) and take only things upstairs, where the repair men had spent their time?

[aquastone]

We open our windows (have two dogs), and doors to get some nice fall or early spring air in the house. I keep an eye out and especially if the dogs get to barking I see what's going on, usually someone walking by.

[Native_Son]

It is my opinion that the crime threat is overblown greatly for your average Charlotte citizen.

We commonly leave windows open. I've slept in my home scores of nights with the doors unlocked. My digital camera and wallet stay in my car many nights (I have rear-access parking though).

I'll run errands and leave my house for 1-2 hours with the doors unlocked. Oh yeah, I live in the much maligned 28205 area code too. If you listened only to this forum you'd assume I should be dead by now.

Now, to be fair, I should disclose that my home is patrolled 24-7 by the dynamic duo... these guys make sure the shenanigans stay away. The Doberman (sweet as a blueberry muffin) is the most intimidating dog I've ever owned and I know he's one heckuva a deterrent.



Be prudent, be aware, be prepared. But for goodness' sake, don't be a paralyzed by fear.

[Mattman704]

Get a dog and a 12 gauge shotgun. Dog'll distract any would-be threats while you line the sights up with their head. Rough justice for the win.

[Damemeow]

I am in a apartment complex in Matthews. Recently we have had a strong armed robbery in our parking lot at 7 PM on a weeknight, and have had quite a few home invasion burglaries. We are on the ground floor and I never have felt comfortable opening the windows, but that is not just because of crime it's more about privacy and the fact that we get a lot of foot traffic. In a house I would probably keep my windows open when I am home but only a few inches with a dowel on the top so it cannot be forced open.

[nascarnancy]

I never keep belongings in my car. I am just as vigilant as I was in So Cal regarding locking up the house. I do open my windows on cooler days but shut them if I leave, juts like I did in CA. Of course I have Dear Labby on patrol.

[bajd517]

I LOVE the advice about getting a dog We have a sweet little 20 lb spaniel but I've been wanting a bigger dog for a while. Now I have an excuse to persuade hubby to get one when we move there

[chicagocubs]

Originally Posted by bajd517

I LOVE the advice about getting a dog We have a sweet little 20 lb spaniel but I've been wanting a bigger dog for a while. Now I have an excuse to persuade hubby to get one when we move there

Please go to a shelter. There are literally hundreds of large-breed dogs there just waiting to be adopted.

I am an advocate of large dogs. The meaner the look or sound, the better!

[bajd517]

Originally Posted by chicagocubs

Please go to a shelter. There are literally hundreds of large-breed dogs there just waiting to be adopted.

I am an advocate of large dogs. The meaner the look or sound, the better!

Yes yes yes. I am very pro-shelter. I used to foster... I would love to eventually get back into that when we purchase our own home in Charlotte.