That’s a headline that makes me want to read the story. A rash of burglaries prompted several community meetings in Newark, Delaware. Residents, understandably concerned, just wanted to know if they could protect themselves. The advice from the police: do whatever the person wants ’cause your stuff is worth far less than your life.
Good advice.
In listing some things people could do to help prevent a break-in (including lock doors and windows, installing an alarm system, and making sure the outside of their homes are well lighted), Cpl. Tracy Simpson uttered the line:
“A criminal’s worst enemy is light. These people are giant, oversized cockroaches. You see what light does to them.”
Nice.
3 Comments
Not everyone agrees. Our story the other day from Burlington about the home owner who shot the home invaders is getting spread all over the pro-gun end of the blogosphere. (Do spheres have ends?)
The fact that we don’t see more stories like this makes me wonder if such successful defenses are as common as claimed. That said, if someone breaks into my house in the middle of the night, I’d have no compunction about pulling the trigger. It’s got nothing to do with my stuff and everything to do with my family. Cuz if someone has broken into my house in the middle of the night and says, “Hey, don’t worry about your family, I’m only here for the DVD player,” what, I’m supposed to believe him?
I see your point.
A few years ago my uncle walked in on somebody who had broken into his house. No weapon available, he proceeded to open up a can of whoop ass on the guy. My uncle’s a black belt in karate.
I have mixed feelings about this for the very same reason you mention – family. If I fired at an intruder and the bullet missed or hit him but somehow injured or, God forbid, killed one of my kids or my wife, I would never forgive myself. Also, the weapon would have to be kept in such a safe place that it would be nearly impossible to retrieve it in time, with the kids in the house and all. That’s why 911 is plugged into speed dial in the phones.
But, if I had time and it was safe situation for my family and I or they were threatened, yes, I’d put a couple in his ass.
Great quote from the cop though, huh?
In North Carolina, if someone is in the act of breaking into your house (as in, in the process of coming in the window or halfway through the door), then it is perfectly legal to blow him away without batting an eye. However, once the criminal is inside your house, you can only shoot in self-defense. I learned this in the course for the NC conceal-carry permit.