General Question

tent's avatar

My personal space and safety has been tested several times the past few months. What can I do to feel more safe?

Asked by tent (467points) September 19th, 2021 from iPhone

Two weeks ago someone tried to steal my catalytic converter, then last night someone tried to break into our home. Back in May I was brutally attacked by my neighbor’s dog.

I love my neighborhood and I’m not giving up but I’ve been traumatized repeatedly.

What can I do to protect myself and feel safe?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

24 Answers

kritiper's avatar

Carry a gun where people can see it.

tent's avatar

I sounded my car alarm before I called 911 last night. It scared the guy and he left.

Always keep your car keys by your side.

jca2's avatar

Make sure every incident is reported to the police and documented. If they find that there is an increase in crime in your area, they should be increasing patrols, which hopefully will translate into hiring more officers.

kneesox's avatar

Would you consider taking a class in martial arts?

gorillapaws's avatar

Adopt a dog.

SergeantQueen's avatar

^^^ But can’t be any dog. It’s gotta bark to alert you plus attack if needed. may have to train it

janbb's avatar

Since the OP was brutally attacked by a dog, I don’t think an attack dog is the best idea.

gorillapaws's avatar

You don’t need an attack dog. Golden Retrievers are some of the sweetest dogs around, but they’ll defend their owners if they’re being attacked. A lot of breeds are like that.

canidmajor's avatar

Maybe install some home security measures like Ring doorbells and the like. Motion sensor very bright lights, maybe something with noise.

Dutchess_III's avatar

I second a dog. A German Shepherd.
She isn’t afraid of dogs in general.

canidmajor's avatar

@Dutchess_III Do you know the OP?

Inspired_2write's avatar

Wear a GO-PR camera, have a tazer ( if leagal) go out with a friend or friends in groups.
Safety in numbers.

Dutchess_III's avatar

All of this has happened in her home @Inspired_2write.

Inspired_2write's avatar

@Dutchess_III
WOW move neghborhoods

Dutchess_III's avatar

Read the details @Inspired_2write.

“I love my neighborhood and I’m not giving up but I’ve been traumatized repeatedly.

Smashley's avatar

Security cameras. I wish this wasn’t the answer, but it probably is the only reasonable thing that will help you feel safer.

And fear is no reason to buy a gun or an animal.

tent's avatar

I adopted two dogs almost a year ago. I also have cats. My landlord is gracious enough to allow us this many pets.

tent's avatar

I think I handled the home invasion as best as I could. I scared him in a nonviolent way and then alerted authorities. My problem is dealing with the emotions. It was traumatizing.

Dutchess_III's avatar

I can imagine @tent!

janbb's avatar

@tent Might be worth seeking out some short term counseling to deal with the trauma.

canidmajor's avatar

A number of people I know have used Betterhelp.com during the pandemic as a go to for specific issues, and have recommended it. The cost is reasonable.

tent's avatar

Thank you!

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther