[Bamaispriceless]

If the thief wants in bad enough, there are just too many ways to get in. No need to go overboard, just the basics like locking all the doors and windows in your house, installing an alarm system, having proper lighting (motion sensing lights work great) and the dogs you have could be awesome. I assume you are a cop from your name, so once he's inside I assume you know what to do. Just focus on preventing the thief from harming you or your family, and have a plan on what to do if someone breaks in. Seriously, it might be a good idea to sit down with your wife and kids (if you have any) and go over different scenarios and the proper response from each family member. Me and my family have a plan in case anyone breaks in, and we know how to run it (in practice anyway). Preperation is what it's all about.

[muerteverde]

Here in the US I have not seen any serious prevention measures taken. Go to Latin America and you will know how to keep thieves out. When I was in Costa Rica, well, it is a whole different world. Theft is a HUGE problem there (not so much violent crime, but just theft) and thieves will take anything anytime. It is terrible. So their countermeasures are more advanced as well....

1. No wood+insulation walls.
2. All windows have thick bars on them (pray you never have a fire)
3. Even cheap homes have high walls out front with razorwire and broken glass on top. Sometimes the walls are made of thick ****l bars (inch thick) and sometimes they are big old cement and stone type walls. The door to this has an overhand with spikes and more razorwire and muliple locking mechanisms (huge padlocks too).
4. The main door to the house is solid steal and has a strong lock.
5. The roof is usually ****l or sometimes ceramic tile. Many houses have razorwire on the roof too if they have second story windows that could be accessed from a roof.
6. Dogs. Big, mean dogs. You can literally walk down a suburban street and see a HUGE attack dog in every single house, snarlling and growling as you pass.
7. Neighborhood watch programs and private security. Many neighborhoods in Costa Rica pay for a guard to patrol up and down the street all day and night and you will see guard shacks on some street corners. The neighbors all pay his salary together.
8. Guns. Most homeowners in Costa Rica have guns in their homes to shoot intruders. The city dwellers do not hunt or target practice--the guns are just for defense.

[carson2121]

why would you post this on here

[muerteverde]

Originally Posted by carson2121

why would you post this on here

Who? Post what? Are you referring to my list or the 'thread's original intent (home protection)?

Could a strong lock be considered a defensive weapon?

[Jiu-Jitsu Cop]

Originally Posted by muerteverde

Who? Post what? Are you referring to my list or the 'thread's original intent (home protection)?

Could a strong lock be considered a defensive weapon?

I started the thread and I like your answer. I was looking for preventive measures.

[Jubacat]

I once read something by a former thief who said the best thing to do is have lights on.

Because then the thief doesn't know if someone is home.

Of course if someone really wants to break into your home, there is not much you can do to stop them.