Husband wants me to have an air gun for defence

[assess]

Hello MN. Unfortunately. I live in a street in London that is frequently targeted by burglars, particularly during the Xmas period when they can tell if people are away. In the last few weeks, there have been 2 burglaries on the street (daytime ones while people were out). But what worries me more, is several videos (captured by security cameras) of burglars coming up to neighbours front doors in the early hours. It’s not just this road, but also round the corner.

I am very freaked out at the actual sight of the burglars. More so than I was following the two occasions we were actually burgled (because both of these break-ins were in the day). My husband has set up very good security since then, but still I don’t sleep if he’s away on business. Last time, following our actual burglary, he got his driver to sit outside when he has to go away for a few nights, but this is not sustainable going forwards. Now we have an alarm system that shines mega bright lights in their eyes and also releases smoke on them if they get in, but I’m still highly anxious because one of the burglars on the CCTV had something that looked like a machete and I don’t think they even care about security. Possibly they are high on drugs, I don’t know? The police say they don’t have the resources to patrol the area. Now my husband has told me he has ordered an air gun - specifically for self-defence. Does anyone have such a thing and would you / have you used it if so?

Hi, on the question of a panic room... it’s a good one and yes, I’ve wondered about this too. The problem is, I couldn’t really just lock myself in without the children (!) and two of them sleep above on a different floor and one about that. Also we have 2 cats who wander about. I know most burglars wouldn’t be thinking to take cats, but I have nightmares about this because they are a breed that could be sold on.

In all honesty, I think we will end up with neighbours clubbing together for some kind of private security patrol system. As I said, a couple of neighbours are looking into this and there is a WhatsApp group now, People can decide when they know the cost. Hopefully, this will be feasible.

It hasn’t always been like this and I haven’t always been this anxious, so apologies if I sound dramatic. I am quite relaxed normally. We have lived in a few other cities, worldwide, and had issues there too (although different). I’ve just got myself worked up over the last month.

Sounds to me that your neighbours are whipping up panic.
With all your security OP burglars will go for the soft target and likely leave your house alone.
Most burglars just want to get in and out as quickly as possible.

I have top notch security too op but still feel worried sometimes. A panic room is the answer. Sleep like a baby then. Or move to an apartment with a concierge and security or stay in a hotel with partner is away. I've done all these things! Feeling scared and on constant alert and not sleeping is awful.

@assess

Hi, on the question of a panic room... it’s a good one and yes, I’ve wondered about this too. The problem is, I couldn’t really just lock myself in without the children (!) and two of them sleep above on a different floor and one about that. Also we have 2 cats who wander about. I know most burglars wouldn’t be thinking to take cats, but I have nightmares about this because they are a breed that could be sold on.

In all honesty, I think we will end up with neighbours clubbing together for some kind of private security patrol system. As I said, a couple of neighbours are looking into this and there is a WhatsApp group now, People can decide when they know the cost. Hopefully, this will be feasible.

It hasn’t always been like this and I haven’t always been this anxious, so apologies if I sound dramatic. I am quite relaxed normally. We have lived in a few other cities, worldwide, and had issues there too (although different). I’ve just got myself worked up over the last month.

Set up a cat bedroom near yours, for them to be in overnight. Then you can grab them if your alarms go and whip them into the panic room.

Your children could have their own? On their floor of the house.

The police are right though, if they are determined to get in they will. I'd look to move too. Quality of life is important and at the moment you are living in a gilded cage, that's no life

@Poetrypatty

As pp have said, get a dog.

Yes, this.

I used to know a reformed burglar, and he said that a dog with a loud bark was the best deterrent against burglars.

An air gun is likely to get you hurt imo.

For this saying to move, I know two people who moved out during Covid and both were victims of crime within the first year.

One was to outside Glasgow in a posh part.
Another in the Home Counties.

Sadly if you look like you’ve money (like the footballer’s kids mentioned upthread) with top end clothes, nice cars or jewellery, you’re a target where ever you are.

That said, I’d move if I lived in the Kenwood area of Hampstead as they do seem to be targeted disproportionately. (Not sure where the OP lives)

So you stay like a hysterical prisoner (guns and safe rooms) in your house with your kids and special breed cats worrying about people robbing you and taking the cats ? Doesn’t seem like much fun or much of a life.

Good luck to the burglars trying to catch your cats!
I know someone who made a lot of £££ in tech early on then got some trappings of wealth and is almost as paranoid as you re: it being ‘taken’ in some way. He was super worried about muggers attacking him for his watch or phone but when I suggest he not wear his £50k watch or diamond signet ring to gigs and the pub or the footie match he looked at me like I was mad…
Personally I think that getting security guards is only going to make your neighbourhood seem more attractive. Why would someone do that unless they had high value jewellery or money in the house??

We had a a border collie growing up who was an amazing guard dog
Not really their breed’s use but he hated strangers coming round the back of the house etc like if it was a different window cleaner that he didn’t know

He once chased a guy nicking out of our shed over a 6ft fence, and grabbed his ankle. The dog leapt over the fence after him. Legend.

I’d get a border collie over a security guard. But you will have to spend 8 hours of your day walking it 😂

When I worked on Harley street we had a few patients inc my boss who has been mugged right outside their home in Hampstead and they had weapons. I completely get why you're scared OP.. they set up a neighbour hood watch and because there were so many break ins the police were patrolling the area more.. one patient brought pepper spray which Is illegal but tbh I wouldn't really care if someone was trying to attack me... I'd hold a meeting first of all though and see what your neighbours think and get a plan together

Why should OP have to move because of some thugs

I would also get a dog before a gun! Sounds like you would be able to afford a walker if you couldn't do it.

the richmond park incidents - a 16 yr old was arrested for those (just to put your mind at rest!)

@BarrowInFurnessRailwayStation

My friends had those or gates outside their fourth floor flat . The local fire brigade advised them to take them down. In the event of a fire going to get the bolt cutters wastes valuable time.

Properly designed ones can easily be opened from the inside in the event of an emergency.

The issue the fire brigade pointed out is that if you are lying on the ground overcome by smoke, you can’t get to the gate to open it.

but I’m still highly anxious because one of the burglars on the CCTV had something that looked like a machete

😳 Bloody he’ll OP, I’d be a wreck. I’d also move.

OP, you should move to our house.

We bought it recently. It’s in a sleepy rural area and the previous owners had-
CCTV everywhere that can be viewed on all TVs in the house, and phones, and by a monitoring company when that option is enabled. They have bodyheat sensors too.
Very fancy alarm with sensors on every window- when you press a button it shows you what windows are open.
Real-time monitored perimeter alarm (so once we set it, if someone approached the gate or fence they’ll hear a booming voice saying “hey, you in the red hoodie, step away from the gate and state your reason for being on the property or the police will be contacted”). It’s so OTT and very annoying when unexpected visitors drop in.
Panic buttons
A ring doorbell
Automatic spotlights
Reinforced doors
A button that I haven’t even gone near yet but when you press it, it makes the sound of loads of barking vicious dogs.
There are also kennels out the back for security dogs.

It made me very nervous when we viewed the house so I did as much research as I could about crime levels in the area and they’re pretty much zero.

Since we’ve moved in, we’ve been using the alarm when we go out (not at night, our cats would set it off), the ring doorbell, and occasionally check the CCTV (mainly to see foxes). The monitored perimeter alarm subscription was prepaid for a year by the previous owners so we won’t renew when it expires.

Must figure out how to use the dog bark thingy. That’s probably be handy for answering the door to strangers when home alone.

I have no idea why the previous owners went so gung-ho with security. I’m guessing it was more of an interest in electronics and more money than sense. Our closest neighbour doesn’t even have an alarm and they’ve never heard of crime sprees in the area.

I think there are a few people on this thread remembering air guns of their youth. They have changed a bit.
Mine is a gas powered glock replica that fires metal ball bearings, and whilst it’s very unlikely to be killing anyone I can see it doing a fair bit of damage if it were to hit you. I’ve also got an old air pistol from the eighties that couldn’t knock the skin off a rice pudding. The difference is enormous.
That said i echo other sentiments, whilst it would bloody hurt it wouldn’t stop anyone and would likely put you in more danger.

‘ Mine is a gas powered glock replica that fires metal ball bearings,’

Sound like the quickest way to end up in prison or accidentally shot by the police if you’re in the U.K.!

Might hurt but not immobilise therefore more likely to make them angry, retaliate etc. Can't someone stay with you?

@Isaw3ships

‘ Mine is a gas powered glock replica that fires metal ball bearings,’

Sound like the quickest way to end up in prison or accidentally shot by the police if you’re in the U.K.!

And yet perfectly legal for me to buy, own and use on my own land. The fact it's bright orange tends to be the giveaway 😂😂

OP, isn't the real issue here your anxiety around the threat to you and your home...? If you've been the victim of burglaries at other homes too, then you're anxiety is understandable. But it sounds like no amount of security, alarms, lighting, etc is going to make you feel safe.

Rather than buy an air gun or a guard dog, your money might be better spent getting some therapy to address how scared you are.

I don't doubt that there is a very real threat of burglary and I don't wish to sound like I am victim blaming, but if you're not willing to move, you do need to find another way to feel safe in your own home.

OP I've met a few burglary victims through work and it can cause serious trauma. Yours feelings are valid.
I think the private security is the best idea. Also getting a dog, use a dog walker etc if you're worried about the commitment.
We leave the car keys by the front door hoping that if we are unfortunate enough to be burgled they take the cars and leave before getting any further. There are certain makes of car that are targeted, you could perhaps change car if you have one of the more attractive ones (attractive to the thieves because they are easy to sell on abroad or easier to steal).

‘ Isaw3ships
‘ Mine is a gas powered glock replica that fires metal ball bearings,’

Sound like the quickest way to end up in prison or accidentally shot by the police if you’re in the U.K.!
And yet perfectly legal for me to buy, own and use on my own land. The fact it's bright orange tends to be the giveaway 😂😂’

Bully for you, but you aren’t talking about getting one to use in central London for self defence.

I have many family members who own legal shotguns, which they can use on their own land et etc but I’m not suggesting that OP gets herself a shotgun licence…

@Isaw3ships

‘ Isaw3ships ‘ Mine is a gas powered glock replica that fires metal ball bearings,’

Sound like the quickest way to end up in prison or accidentally shot by the police if you’re in the U.K.!
And yet perfectly legal for me to buy, own and use on my own land. The fact it's bright orange tends to be the giveaway 😂😂’

Bully for you, but you aren’t talking about getting one to use in central London for self defence.

I have many family members who own legal shotguns, which they can use on their own land et etc but I’m not suggesting that OP gets herself a shotgun licence…

You were suggesting that merely owning one would get me put in prison or shot actually:

Sound like the quickest way to end up in prison or accidentally shot by the police if you’re in the U.K.!

Which is obviously utter bollocks.

I have many family members who own legal shotguns, which they can use on their own land et etc

Well Bully for you too.

And I don't think I suggested, or even the OP suggested wandering the streets of London brandishing a gun did they? I believe OP wanted one to keep in the house.
Whilst we're at it, I also never made any comment at all about what OP should or shouldn't do with an air pistol, I was actually commenting to the people on this thread that mistakenly think modern air pistols are as underpowered as their ancestors.