Just joined the home invasion club (Evanston, Winnetka: apartment, neighbourhood, buy)

[ccjarider]

The point of encouraging gov't sanctioned personal protection rights is to set a standard that this activity is no longer tolerated by society at large.

The fact that if the punk knows he/she could die by engaging in this stupid behavior will force him/her to undergo a risk/reward scenario. Is potential death worth the $20-$1000 they can get for somebody's stuff? My hope is that even the majority of these stupid, simple minded, punk ass kids can grasp this and make the right decision.

I agree with Manigault that a shotgun is better than a handgun, easier to use in a moment of panic and projectile will not travel though walls.

Sorry - it is a gruesome topic, but acknowledging reality is first step.

I am sorry you had this experience and I wish it on no one. I don't want anyone to get shot, but the fact that if punks had more realization that this could indeed happen, they may think twice.

Most instances of firearms being used for personal protection require just brandishing the firearm. This usually causes the morons to boogie. Actual firing of the fun is very rare.

[Huckleberry3911948]

bars are better than alarms. alarms work on fraidy cats. at some point a whole lota criminals need to get shot. but punishment and self defense have been criminalized.

[Lookout Kid]

Other than the handgun ban, how is self defense criminalized in Illinois? Do you think we need a "Shoot the Burglar" law that guarantees protection for homeowners who use deadly force against intruders?

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Other than the handgun ban, how is self defense criminalized in Illinois?

Isn't that a bit like saying "Other than the winter, how did you like living at the North Pole?"

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by HeadedWest

Isn't that a bit like saying "Other than the winter, how did you like living at the North Pole?"

No, it's not. The handgun ban is almost assuredly disappearing anyway. But if I had a shotgun under my bed and someone broke into my house, I like my chances a whole lot more than if I had some hard to aim .38.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by ajolotl

...Obviously, I have to protect myself, can't depend on the city. Any suggestions other than a gun? I'm not sleeping again tonight.

Easy. Get a big and loud dog. Or maybe two.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

...Do you think we need a "Shoot the Burglar" law that guarantees protection for homeowners who use deadly force against intruders?

Actually yes.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Actually yes.

I agree. If someone breaks into my house, I don't want to have to sit there waiting to see if he has a weapon. By then it's too late.

[hsw]

Sorry to hear about your incident, ajolotl

Best approach to crime is prevention...staying away from poverty in well-guarded/insulated suburbs like Winnetka...where one has a few layers of buffer like Chic's N Side, Evanston, etc before burglars/home invaders choose occupied NS houses w/modern security systems

Most affluent guys have a lot more to lose in using guns....amateurs (like many cops) aren't very proficient w/guns; criminal/civil liability in any incident; accidental tragedies when small kids find guns, etc etc

That said, anecdotally, know too many guys who've lived/worked in major cities for yrs; have driven everywhere; have lived in upscale parts of cities or suburbs....and have never faced even threat of violent crime, let alone an actual incident....we all just read about incidents somewhere else or facing someone using mass transit and/or going home at night to a poorly-secured walk-up bldg in LP, etc....suspect much is easily prevented by smart risk/reward choices of location of one's residence, security tech of one's home, how one commutes, where/when one shops, etc

[Avengerfire]

Huh?