Marlborough Mesa

First off, I dont have many details....

A house 2 doors down from mine (south) was entered illegally Wedsday. We were headed out to the ballgame, saw the cops, and asked them what happened. She said that someone or someones had jumped the wall from Alma School Road, into this neighbors yard.... then kicked in the door. It happened after 7:45 AM. I am not sure what was taken other than a Sony Playstation. I didnt speak to the home owner yet.

My son and I discussed prevention, as far as our property is concerned. We decided on injuring trespassers. Once we are done with the installation, we will hope for a full fledged test.

I did tell the policelady that I see what I assume are homeless people walking the street (Alma School) at 5:30 when I go to work. I asked for them to sit a car near Nellos, to check it out.

Rick

easy, killer

First things first, the person that broke into your neighbors house more than likely was not a transient, or homeless person, Especially if a Sony playstation was taken. More than likely it was a juvenile walking to school. Most people that buy Nintendos, Sony playstations etc. don't write the serial numbers down, therefore making them easy to sell, and unable to track. Second, when discussing 'trespassing' prevention with your family, let's lean more towards security lighting, deadbolts, replacing broken windows, screens, alarm systems (operating)and a little less vigilante justice. You have to remember that if you 'booby trap' your yard to catch a criminal, you might injure a cop who is chasing that criminal into YOUR yard protecting YOUR family, or you may injure an innocent bystander or yourself in the process. An example may be... someone running from someone with a gun jumps into your yard trying to escape and is injured by your 'trap'.
Arizona Revised Statutes 13-1506 - A i.e. Arizona Law states:

Burglary in the third degree; classification.

A. A person commits burglary in the third degree by entering or remaining unlawfully in or on a nonresidential structure or in a fenced commercial or residential yard WITH THE INTENT to commit any theft or any felony therein.

And

13-1504. Criminal trespass in the first degree; classification.

A. A person commits criminal trespass in the first degree by KNOWINGLY:
1. Entering or remaining UNLAWFULLY in or on a residential structure or in a fenced residential yard

Think before you do something you may regret.You do have the right to defend yourself, but premeditating an injury is not a defense. And Rick, remember you are on the safety committee, let's not give our neighbors the wrong idea of justice.

The eyes and ears of the neighbors are the best prevention.

By McGruff

Irony

I have heard about this before... dont hurt or cause pain to the criminal because it is illegal. I feel that is why we are in the shape we are in. Why would anyone fear coming into my yard, or any yard, if they KNOW the system will protect them from any homeowners idea of protection.

What we were discussing in my house was putting up barbed wire inside the perimeter of my wall. Jump my wall, get hurt. We also discussed some concrete filled posts inside my wall, to protect us from another car coming thru. Would that also get me in trouble, if a drunk crashes thru my wall and gets hurt hitting one of the posts?

I made it well known when I moved here that I am not only armed, but not shy about trespassers. The houses nearby also know and are to call me if they need me. Being new to the area, I have a natural paranoia.

I am far from anti-police, but being a realist, I know that a smart criminal will know to hit and run due to the response time it takes. Citizen patrols have the same limitations that being a homeowner have.... you can not do anything to protect yourself. The system is hurting the people, not crime.

Lastly, being on the safety team is strictly informational. No one should follow my lead if they disagree with it.

I assume you are a policeman? Thanks for the input, more fact than emotion. I like that.

Rick

Backyard security

We've got zero ''booby-traps'' and 2 Rottweilers in our back yard.

Next your going to tell me to get rid of the dogs since they're liable to bite someone who jumps into our backyard.

Nice logic. No thanks.