Another house break-in yesterday... mine

[number9]

Whilst not nearly as dangerous and unlucky as kiditsmaug's situation, someone broke into my apartment yesterday where I live (with my wife and brother-in-law) during the day when we were all at work.

Ugh. The only thing stolen was a small amount of cash (like $100) in change -- everything else, electronics etc, was still sitting in the house. Maybe whomever it was got disturbed, or just young kids looking for something easy? Our last place was broken into a couple of months ago, and the feeling of violation that comes with an unknown intruder walking around your house takes a while to get rid of. And now it's back...

I don't carry (though I have been contemplating getting a CCW permit), and it wouldn't have helped even if I do as I wasn't home at the time. But, what if I was? I live in downtown Portland, so I guess it's about time I took my home security a little more seriously. But I don't really know where to start -- I love firearms but haven't (up until recently) lived in a place where using them for home defense was possible; most of my interest until now has been in hunting and target shooting. I guess that's gonna change now...

 

[JellyFish]

Get yourself a carry permit if you can. There's no reason not to if you aren't living in a socialist hellhole.

 

[MidKnight]

Wow. While it's not as intense as the other home invasion post... it still sucks. I can't image what it's like.

As far as the carry permit... I can't see why not. There is no reason not to get one, even if you don't ever use it!

Good luck.

Do you mind me asking how they broke in? Window? Busted door?

 

[cdkayak]

i'm sorry to hear that, that really sucks.

I'll PM you some contact info for a local firearms instructor. He puts on a good course that satisfies the requirements for the Maine CCW. He also runs more advanced courses. I'll also take a look at the club newsletters I have to see if either one is running a course.

I haven't been able to set aside time to get to the range yet, hopefully within another week or so. It will probably work out best on an upcoming weekend after both of our schedules free up.

CD

 

[number9]

JellyFish: Not a socialist hellhole, but still a tax hellhole. I have actually got the CCW paperwork at home, I was going to go through it when I get my hunting permit (yes, I realize the two are separate).

MidKnight: You're right, even if I never use it I would like to have one to just be another name "on the books", so if they ever try to take it away there will be one more guy to protest. They got in by forcing open a bedroom window, it wasn't my bedroom so I didn't know it wasn't locked properly.

cdkayak: Thanks for the info (when it comes), is it this guy?. I found his name today, I might give him a call as it seems he offers the NRA course. The other alternative is the one offered at Howell's in Gray. I am actually free this weekend if you're heading down for yourself, but please don't break any plans on account of me

 

[JellyFish]

You might want to check out this book too:

http://www.amazon.com/Concealed-Handgun-Manual-Choose-Defense/dp/0965678415

 

[cdkayak]

JellyFish: Not a socialist hellhole, but still a tax hellhole. I have actually got the CCW paperwork at home, I was going to go through it when I get my hunting permit (yes, I realize the two are separate).

MidKnight: You're right, even if I never use it I would like to have one to just be another name "on the books", so if they ever try to take it away there will be one more guy to protest. They got in by forcing open a bedroom window, it wasn't my bedroom so I didn't know it wasn't locked properly.

cdkayak: Thanks for the info (when it comes), is it this guy?. I found his name today, I might give him a call as it seems he offers the NRA course. The other alternative is the one offered at Howell's in Gray. I am actually free this weekend if you're heading down for yourself, but please don't break any plans on account of me

No, Peter Joyce is the instructor I've taken sever course with. You should have his contact info by now. I've seen Jeff at several meetings but haven't spoken to him personally and I haven't had the opportunity to shoot with him. I'm booked pretty solid for the next two weekends, but after that we'll try to work something out.

CD

 

[Jose]

Whilst not nearly as dangerous and unlucky as kiditsmaug's situation, someone broke into my apartment yesterday where I live (with my wife and brother-in-law) during the day when we were all at work.

Ugh. The only thing stolen was a small amount of cash (like $100) in change -- everything else, electronics etc, was still sitting in the house. Maybe whomever it was got disturbed, or just young kids looking for something easy? Our last place was broken into a couple of months ago, and the feeling of violation that comes with an unknown intruder walking around your house takes a while to get rid of. And now it's back...

I don't carry (though I have been contemplating getting a CCW permit), and it wouldn't have helped even if I do as I wasn't home at the time. But, what if I was? I live in downtown Portland, so I guess it's about time I took my home security a little more seriously. But I don't really know where to start -- I love firearms but haven't (up until recently) lived in a place where using them for home defense was possible; most of my interest until now has been in hunting and target shooting. I guess that's gonna change now...

If Maine is like most other states, you do NOT need any sort of permit or license to merely own a firearm, or to carry it in a concealed manner while about your dwelling or property.

And even if you cannot CCW in your property without a license, you can most certainly carry it openly, like holstered on your hip.

Some months ago Sheriff's Deputies were looking around my neighborhood for a suspect. My wife and daughter were downstairs so I closed all the windows except the ones I could see from the kitchen and strapped a handgun in a drop leg holster. If the scumbag came trying to get into my place he would not have made it past the window sill.

 

[jamz]

Maine requires nothing to own a firearm. You need some sort of photo ID to buy one.

Go down to the Kittery Trading Post and check out the handgun section. Buy one you like, take it home, keep it safe. Then get the CCW stuff done. Portland PD is somewhat anti-CCW (unlike the rest of the state) and they will put your name on some sort of list that the police can access during traffic stops and the like.

 

[Jose]

Portland PD is somewhat anti-CCW (unlike the rest of the state) and they will put your name on some sort of list that the police can access during traffic stops and the like.

You guys need to lobby your legislature to outlaw the keeping of firearm owner lists of any kind by any office of any legal jusrisdiction in the state.

 

[number9]

If Maine is like most other states, you do NOT need any sort of permit or license to merely own a firearm, or to carry it in a concealed manner while about your dwelling or property.

Because I'm a non-citizen, I might need to notify the ATF -- I have that information somewhere but can't seem to remember. I think there might be a small amount of paperwork involved, but I'm not actually restricted per se.

And even if you cannot CCW in your property without a license, you can most certainly carry it openly, like holstered on your hip.

I live about 10 yards from a school; when I went clay shooting last I happened to come home at lunch time with it -- had to make sure noone saw me!

Maine requires nothing to own a firearm. You need some sort of photo ID to buy one.

Go down to the Kittery Trading Post and check out the handgun section. Buy one you like, take it home, keep it safe. Then get the CCW stuff done. Portland PD is somewhat anti-CCW (unlike the rest of the state) and they will put your name on some sort of list that the police can access during traffic stops and the like.

I haven't lived in Maine for that long, but I remember hearing that the former Chief of Police in Portland was vehemently anti-CCW. But, of course, his opinions doesn't mean he can ignore the law, so as far as I know it was just him creating a scene. I'm not sure what the current Chief of Police thinks. packing.org does mention the stuff about having your info looked up at traffic stops, but I'm not sure how accurate that is these days.

No, Peter Joyce is the instructor I've taken sever course with. You should have his contact info by now. I've seen Jeff at several meetings but haven't spoken to him personally and I haven't had the opportunity to shoot with him. I'm booked pretty solid for the next two weekends, but after that we'll try to work something out.

CD

Sure, CD, no problem -- I think it's only next weekend that I'm free. But whenever works for you, please let me know!

 

[ArmedMainer]

Portland PD is somewhat anti-CCW (unlike the rest of the state) and they will put your name on some sort of list that the police can access during traffic stops and the like.

I was under the impression this changed after Chitwood left. If any LEO in the state pulls you over after your permit expires they will ask you if your carrying. I was told to expect it when I took my CCW course in Saco many years ago.

 

[number9]

I was under the impression this changed after Chitwood left. If any LEO in the state pulls you over after your permit expires they will ask you if your carrying. I was told to expect it when I took my CCW course in Saco many years ago.

I would think that it has, but I don't know for sure. I wonder if it's an "official" policy, i.e. that the Portland PD would tell me yes or no?

ArmedMainer: May I ask if/where you carry? You may, of course, prefer not to answer. There aren't too many Mainers here that I can see (compared to Ma**h***s at least ), so I'd be interested in seeing how many carriers there are. If you don't mind, of course.

 

[ArmedMainer]

I would think that it has, but I don't know for sure. I wonder if it's an "official" policy, i.e. that the Portland PD would tell me yes or no?

ArmedMainer: May I ask if/where you carry? You may, of course, prefer not to answer. There aren't too many Mainers here that I can see (compared to Ma**h***s at least ), so I'd be interested in seeing how many carriers there are. If you don't mind, of course.

number9,too bad you didn't get to the Pumkin Shoot NES had last weekend for members here. You would've met alot of gun owners from MA that are really great people. I didn't meet a single "Ma**h***" the whole time I was there. Wish I could say the same thing about some of the sandpits in So. Maine my wife and I shoot at. Although I was born in Maine and still own a house there, I live in MA. now. We both have permits in MA,NH,and ME.

 

[number9]

number9,too bad you didn't get to the Pumkin Shoot NES had last weekend for members here. You would've met alot of gun owners from MA that are really great people. I didn't meet a single "Ma**h***" the whole time I was there. Wish I could say the same thing about some of the sandpits in So. Maine my wife and I shoot at. Although I was born in Maine and still own a house there, I live in MA. now. We both have permits in MA,NH,and ME.

Unfortunately I was down in D.C. last weekend, so I wasn't around for it. I love Mass. though, I only call people from there "Ma**h***s" when they're driving around in Maine flouting all the road rules

 

[Jose]

I live about 10 yards from a school; when I went clay shooting last I happened to come home at lunch time with it -- had to make sure noone saw me!

Why? You do have a right to live there and own firearms........

Good grief.

 

[number9]

Why? You do have a right to live there and own firearms........

Good grief.

Well I know that, but I dare say I would have gotten quite a reaction walking less than 10ft past a bunch of kids with a 12ga over my arm and a box of shells in my hand.

 

[Lynne]

Why? You do have a right to live there and own firearms........

Good grief.

Ah...I just saw that you live in OH, Jose. That explains it.

 

[matt1956]

Several tips...

1 - Home alarm; Home alarms will typically deter the type of intruder you encountered. They will notify you and the police (if need be) if you have it monitored. You can get a wireless system and actually install it yourself for much less then an alarm company. Remember... the alarm will only notify and deter... not protect. But... loud noises and the though of blue lights will again, typically scare off many would be theives. But not all.

2 - Dogs; Small dogs work much like an un monitored alarm. They make a lot of noice and will wake/alert you to an intruder when you are home. Big dogs (not all, but most) will also deter and alert you to an intruder and some breeds will actually defend you with their lives if need be. Shepards, Boxers, Dobermans and the like. Although you always want to consider your lifestyle, Kids, not kids, frequent guest and the like. Plus, a good watch dog wil actually sense the threat befor they even breech your home. And they can buy you time to gather your family in a safe area and arm yourself.

 

[daceman63]

Several tips...

1 - Home alarm; Home alarms will typically deter the type of intruder you encountered. They will notify you and the police (if need be) if you have it monitored. You can get a wireless system and actually install it yourself for much less then an alarm company. Remember... the alarm will only notify and deter... not protect. But... loud noises and the though of blue lights will again, typically scare off many would be theives. But not all.

2 - Dogs; Small dogs work much like an un monitored alarm. They make a lot of noice and will wake/alert you to an intruder when you are home. Big dogs (not all, but most) will also deter and alert you to an intruder and some breeds will actually defend you with their lives if need be. Shepards, Boxers, Dobermans and the like. Although you always want to consider your lifestyle, Kids, not kids, frequent guest and the like. Plus, a good watch dog wil actually sense the threat befor they even breech your home. And they can buy you time to gather your family in a safe area and arm yourself.

Can't agree with this more than I do. When I was younger and lived in Mission Hill we got broken into.....I had several toys at the time but no safe....I did have trigger locks...and thank the lord they never looked in my room. My parents got an alarm......no issues since and every house I have lived in or moved to the first thing I do before I have my firearms there is have an alarm installed....I will never be without one again. Plus it's a great warning if someone does come in when you're home, not that I ever experienced that, nor do i want to.....

If you get a dog make sure it has acquired a taste for intruder flesh.

 

[C-pher]

I'm sorry to hear that you were broken into...

I know the feeling. I was broken into last year and it sucked.

All they got was some camera equipment, and some jewelry. They left all the electronics and computer stuff. I was thinking the same thing. Kids looking for something easy to get...things that would fit in a bag.

 

[Lynne]

Several tips...

1 - Home alarm; Home alarms will typically deter the type of intruder you encountered. They will notify you and the police (if need be) if you have it monitored. You can get a wireless system and actually install it yourself for much less then an alarm company. Remember... the alarm will only notify and deter... not protect. But... loud noises and the though of blue lights will again, typically scare off many would be theives. But not all.

2 - Dogs; Small dogs work much like an un monitored alarm. They make a lot of noice and will wake/alert you to an intruder when you are home. Big dogs (not all, but most) will also deter and alert you to an intruder and some breeds will actually defend you with their lives if need be. Shepards, Boxers, Dobermans and the like. Although you always want to consider your lifestyle, Kids, not kids, frequent guest and the like. Plus, a good watch dog wil actually sense the threat befor they even breech your home. And they can buy you time to gather your family in a safe area and arm yourself.

We've got both and I agree.

 

[Martlet]

Why? You do have a right to live there and own firearms........

Good grief.

I tend to conceal my firearms walking to and from the house as well. It's not that I care about the reaction of my neighbors, but the fewer things they think they can steal the better.

 

[C-pher]

I tend to conceal my firearms walking to and from the house as well. It's not that I care about the reaction of my neighbors, but the fewer things they think they can steal the better.

I agree.

 

[dreppucci007]

I tend to conceal my firearms walking to and from the house as well. It's not that I care about the reaction of my neighbors, but the fewer things they think they can steal the better.

+1

 

[Chuck]

2 - Dogs

We've had one since the wife moved in. Every LEO I know says its the best deterrent.

When I was talking about shooting and gun ownership to a young British couple (hey, they asked) over beers in a Prague beer garden a couple of months ago, they asked me if I would shoot anyone who enters my house at night. I said yes, no hesitation. They were incredulous, why would I be so sure they ask? I said because to get in my house they have to get past not only a locked door, but a very large noisy black Lab/Sheppard.

We know the Hamster will only lick 'em to death. But they don't. If they are so adamant about coming into my "castle", I'll get medieval on their ass!

-= chuck

Here's the latest picture of my deterrent, teaching the ropes, ah well the sticks maybe, to his new neighbor:

 

[reinbeau]

Aw, cute! Learning at the knees of the master