Maybe I Should Buy a Gun? (Phoenix: attorney, live, costs)
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What a bummer!. When this thing happened to me - I would be really mad for days. Hate to say this - maybe some cheap low life could see you as an easier/soft target since you are single woman and new in your neighborhood (and maybe have "more" than others).
As others have suggested, might want to consider a good size dog first and/or maybe some alarm system - something that will buzz alot and get attention or monitored. And look at security video system. Prevention is best but photo evidence might result in arrest. And thankfully our neighbors are kinda watching each other - although late nite, things can still disappear - 2 of my solars lights were stolen awhile ago. We were told by our neighborhood policeman that often these creeps are opportunistic - they prefer not to be seen and break-in when the homeowner is around so a gun might not help in most cases. And don't leave valuable stuffs seen in the open. Another common problem I hear - unlocked vehicles on the driveway are easy tempting targets.
Still a gun might be useful as self defence and sports with correct training and responsibility.
PS: I have mowed for too many years and I am so glad that now I have no mower with the desert landscape - lots of different plants/citrus - now just occasional "fight" with the irrigation leaks, pest and heat.
Don't let these low life take away your obvious enjoyment of your new life and home in phoenix.
Heh...maybe I'll get mace instead and put it under my pillow and hope for the best! I figure it's a win-win situation; if I spray myself I'll be in such agony that I won't care what the perp does to me, and if I happen to spray the perp, all the better.
As for getting a dog...I'd love to but I feel like I've got my hands full with my cats already! Just as owning a gun is a big responsibility, so is owning a dog.
A lot of people have suggested getting an alarm system, and perhaps that works as a deterrent to John-Q-Crackhead, but I feel like it's a waste because these crooks will just quickly break in, take what they want and leave. So, all it does is let you know someone has broken in. Is it really worth the money?
I guess the idea I have about my lawn mower is:
Maybe I need disassemble it a bit each time I store it, and keep some vital part or other in separate locations in the house? Or would they just steal whatever parts they could and sell them? How desperate or greedy are these people?!
^^^ Agreed here too. Dogs of many varieties are deterrents to potential thiefs. Anything that can bark and alert neighbors to suspicious activity can deter thiefs. Plus, no thief wants to get bitten.
I have some smaller dogs in my neighborhood that bark constantly and don't alert anyone to anything. But I've got a collie mix that is very protective of her yard and has a hearty bark only used when she feels it is absolutely necessary. I've had German Shepherds in the past that were highly protective with awesome barks.
I don't condone getting a dog just to keep in the yard to protect your lawnmower though. I believe the most protective dogs are those that are treated as members of the family.
What a bummer!. When this thing happened to me - I would be really mad for days. Hate to say this - maybe some cheap low life could see you as an easier/soft target since you are single woman and new in your neighborhood (and maybe have "more" than others).
As others have suggested, might want to consider a good size dog first and/or maybe some alarm system - something that will buzz alot and get attention or monitored. And look at security video system. Prevention is best but photo evidence might result in arrest. And thankfully our neighbors are kinda watching each other - although late nite, things can still disappear - 2 of my solars lights were stolen awhile ago. We were told by our neighborhood policeman that often these creeps are opportunistic - they prefer not to be seen and break-in when the homeowner is around so a gun might not help in most cases. And don't leave valuable stuffs seen in the open. Another common problem I hear - unlocked vehicles on the driveway are easy tempting targets.
Still a gun might be useful as self defence and sports with correct training and responsibility.
PS: I have mowed for too many years and I am so glad that now I have no mower with the desert landscape - lots of different plants/citrus - now just occasional "fight" with the irrigation leaks, pest and heat.
Don't let these low life take away your obvious enjoyment of your new life and home in phoenix.
Thanks, landbox.
What really irks me is, I'm not rolling in money. I have a very working class job and salary and try hard to save. In fact, the whole reason why I bought the mower was because I was paying $60 a month for someone to cut the grass, and I figured I could save money in the long run by investing in the mower and doing it myself.
The thing is, before buying this house, I lived in Phoenix for 10 years, and never had anyone steal anything from me. And I lived in downtown apartments, not too far from where I live now. So, I guess I have been surprised by the level of greed and shamelessness on the part of these thieves. What's next? The toaster? My pots and pans? You'd think I was living the high life in Scottsdale or Paradise Valley, but I'm not.
Now I'm going to have to scrimp and save to buy a new one and probably get some crappy security system that the pro burglars will scoff at, thinking I must really have something valuable to protect if I went out and bought an alarm system!
Sorry...I guess I am just in a foul mood right now.
Alarm system might still be reasonable in the long term. If I were a creep, I might want to find an easier target. If they break in and the alarm is triggered, there is higher chance of them being seen. But no it is not foolproof. Some people put dummy security signs but still better to have the real thing.
Dogs and cats can get along. The main problem is when you are away for some time, unlike cats they need to be taken care of. I had a very protective german shepherd a long time ago - did protect us from a snake in our backyard.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xica_da_Silva
Sorry...I guess I am just in a .. mood right now.
That is what I like about this CD - I can express myself, share and learn. Thanks!
Can't hurt to get a gun at all; if you're a little intimidated by the process, don't worry... it's a tool, just like any other. Driving a car the first time is nerve-wracking.
If you're in phoenix, and free on a friday night, show up at shooter's world, which is at 25th ave/indian school road, just south. Friday is ladies night. Ask at the counter, tell them you're a new shooter, and they'll be more than happy to help. Bet you they let you shoot a few free bullets to see if it's something you'd be interested in.
While getting a gun is always a good thing for a homeowner. I'd reseach the standing laws in our state. I learn a lot from my CCW class before purchasing a gun to determine if a gun would fit me needs. Shooting someone to "protect personal property" will land you in prison is the one thing that was hammered into us in the class. The laws are for personal protection only. "Fear of you life being taken" is the key phrase. If the incident doesn't cut the mustard. Your going to prison.
Comeon FireRX.... I left one thing out...get as large a caliber handgun as you can handle. Are you in the legaleze biz? When someone enters your own property unknown to you and is a threat...you have the right to protect your property AND you won't end up in PRISON! Quit scaring people into not protecting themselves.
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for days. Hate to say this - maybe some cheap low life could see you as an easier/soft target since you are single woman and new in your neighborhood (and maybe have "more" than others).
