Prevention of theft

[JHZR2]

For cars and homes. What works best? What isn't worth it? Lighting? Bars? Alarms?

Experiences and thoughts will be helpful for all.

Thanks!

 

[BigCahuna]

For the home, a loyal big mean [censored] dog that doesn't have social skills, maybe two of them. For a car or bike, a good insurance policy. If someone really wants you stuff they will get it.

 

[Mr Nice]

+1 on having a dog for protecting your house.

We have a German Shepherd mix and she is gentle as a kitten around the family, but if she hears strange noises or senses something is not right around her 'yard' she goes into survival mode. Home security cameras are great but nothing beats a dog protecting their property when you are away from home.

 

[Turk]

Of course having a dog or two will change how you live your life. Think of training so it doesn't chew your things, on and on. Just like having a baby or kid...

 

[tyrannosaurusrex8888]

A Canary dog (Presa Canario)...If you never seen one before do a google search and check them out...

 

[tom slick]

I'm not sure anything really works on cars. An alarm may keep some teenagers out but if the right thug wants to steal it, they'll take it no matter what you have installed.

I think alarms work on houses, especially if you have neighbors that will pay attention (call 911) if the alarm goes off in the middle of the night. Many Police/Sheriff depts won't respond to, or some charge a fee, for alarm calls.

 

[simple_gifts]

I lived in the South End of Hartford for a few years. The woman who owned the house left the kitchen drapes drawn, lights on and a radio or TV going that can be heard as you walk up the back step. I think rookies may have a plan, but things change when there is the "possibility" of someone being in the house. Fourteen years, no issues.

Don't underestimate the psychological aspect of it.

 

[willix]

If someone is determined to break-in they will.

They broke in the house 1991 stole all my electronics $6500 loss.

I adopted a Basset hound. Not much of a watch dog but some how proved to be a effective deterrent.

In 2005 the dog had to be put down

The house was broken into in 2006 tools, electronics they broke the garage door trying to force it up $7800 in losses.

In 2007 broke in and they ransacked the place damaged & stole various items including clothes & my new tennis shoes to the tune of $12,000 most of that from damaged property, the burglar cooked sausage & eggs & left some very ratty clothes & shoes behind.

I sold & moved out of the city shortly after.

 

[TurboLuver]

For the house we have an English Mastiff.

 

[cbear]

For break ins, just don't advertise what you have. Don't leave a GPS or radar detector on your dash. For your home, don't put the flat screen in front of the bay window that faces the street. For theft of a car, if they want it, they'll get it.

 

[Cup of Joe]

Originally Posted By: TurboLuver
For the house we have an English Mastiff.


Good choice.

Bull mastiff is another good option. But they don't always play well with others.

I favour rotties.

 

[morris]

back in the the dark ages i had a 1982 dodge HD 3/4 ton, 360 HP engine, carter afb carb. i set up a electric fuel pump. with two switches, one turned the fuel system off, the other pumped fuel to the carb, "override". IF you knew where the switches were

 

[Cup of Joe]

If you want to prevent car theft drive a stick.

 

[Silk]

My mate said - ''If they can get past the dog they can have it''.Dogs have no loyalty to you,they can be bought by their stomach or gonads.Good thieves know this.

 

[dwendt44]

Make that guard dog a female. that eliminates that problem.
A dog can be trained to refuse food from anyone other than it's master, or from any one outside the family.

 

[Silk]

Originally Posted By: dwendt44
A dog can be trained to refuse food from anyone other than it's master, or from any one outside the family.


I think when tested between training and basic instinct,it's not that hard to turn a dog back into a dog.

 

[Warlord]

Originally Posted By: Silk
Originally Posted By: dwendt44
A dog can be trained to refuse food from anyone other than it's master, or from any one outside the family.


I think when tested between training and basic instinct,it's not that hard to turn a dog back into a dog.


But why would the thief bother if the neighbour doesn't have a dog.....

 

[crinkles]

Originally Posted By: TaterandNoodles
If you want to prevent car theft drive a stick.


+1

also work for joyriding teens who end up burning them out int he bush, seems to be a favourite past time down here. if you have an automatic holden, you better beware!

 

[Cup of Joe]

Originally Posted By: Silk
My mate said - ''If they can get past the dog they can have it''.Dogs have no loyalty to you,they can be bought by their stomach or gonads.Good thieves know this.


A thief carrying dog treats is set on robbing that particular house. Theft is a crime of opportunity in most cases.

 

[JHZR2]

So what about passive? The gun pic is of no use if one is not home/present. Ditto for the dog, potentially if, say on vacation.