Thought I Was Safe

[ChattyKat]

My husband (who has his CHL) and I live in a "luxury" apartment complex in a [supposedly] low-crime part of town. We have felt this is a secure place to live because the complex is secluded in a wooded area set back from the main street, and there are looping, one-way roads within the complex, plus controlled-access entry gates and exit gates. We thought that a BG would not choose this complex because the winding roads and exit gate would not be conducive to a hasty retreat.

However, at approximately 7:00 AM this morning we were walking our dogs within the complex when a distressed lady driving a vehicle stopped and asked us whether we had seen her brown dog. She said that at about 3:00 AM a stranger kicked in her front door and started yelling at her. The woman said she called 911 and numerous police cars and even a helicopter searched in vain for the BG. Fortunately, she got away unharmed except for losing her beloved pet.

Hearing about this incident has dispelled our delusion of security in this complex (or anywhere else) and has caused me to rethink whether or not to carry when I receive my CHL.

-Kat

[WildBill]

Hearing about this incident has dispelled our delusion of security in this complex (or anywhere else) and has caused me to rethink whether or not to carry when I receive my CHL. -Kat

I am still amazed at the number of people who think that they are safe because they live in a gated-community. It is true that crime can happen any where. I am glad that no one was injured. It sounds like the BG knew the victim. I hope you will carry when you can.

[Excaliber]

My husband (who has his CHL) and I live in a "luxury" apartment complex in a [supposedly] low-crime part of town. We have felt this is a secure place to live because the complex is secluded in a wooded area set back from the main street, and there are looping, one-way roads within the complex, plus controlled-access entry gates and exit gates. We thought that a BG would not choose this complex because the winding roads and exit gate would not be conducive to a hasty retreat.

However, at approximately 7:00 AM this morning we were walking our dogs within the complex when a distressed lady driving a vehicle stopped and asked us whether we had seen her brown dog. She said that at about 3:00 AM a stranger kicked in her front door and started yelling at her. The woman said she called 911 and numerous police cars and even a helicopter searched in vain for the BG. Fortunately, she got away unharmed except for losing her beloved pet.

Hearing about this incident has dispelled our delusion of security in this complex (or anywhere else) and has caused me to rethink whether or not to carry when I receive my CHL.

-Kat

Welcome to the Forum, Kat.

When I was in law enforcement, the exclamation I heard most frequently at major crime scenes was, "I never thought something like this could happen here."

You've just had a first hand revelation of the fact that there is no such thing as a "safe" place in the sense that really bad things never happen there. Places that we consider "safe" or "not safe" are distinguished only by the frequency with which bad things happen. The fact is that they can - and do - happen anywhere, at least from time to time.

The fact that you've applied for a CHL indicates that you are aware of some significant level of potential risk and the fact that you and you alone are going to have to manage at least the first 8 to 10 minutes of anything that may happen to you unless you carry a cop around on your back.

Once you get your plastic, the next challenge will be to decide when you should carry and when it's not necessary.

The best and most succinct answer to that is: Carry 24/7 or guess right.

That's a shorthand way of saying it's far better to have it and not need it than to need it. The reality is that you'll either make a choice to go about your business prepared all the time, or, despite having a CHL, you'll probably be unarmed when you'll wish you weren't.

[ELB]

I think gated communities do reduce the chance for random/drive-by type opportunity crimes that you might see in other parts of the city. However, they also indicate higher $$ value homes, with accompanying higher $$ items to steal, (as well as a population that might be letting its guard down because of the "security") so a criminal with a little initiative and planning might be attracted to the possibilities. WRT to security, there is security, and there is "security theater," or the appearance of security.

Some places are safer than others, but there is no 100% safe...

When you get your CHL, carry as much as you can make yourself. You do not get to choose the time you will need it.

[CC Italian]

Well my dads friend lives in The Woodlands and lives in a very nice apartment complex that is gated and the monthly rent is more then my mortgage. About a year ago he was robbed at gun point and shot once in the stomach with a 9mm. He lived and guess what, he was a CHL holder and was carrying on his person at the time of the shooting. He never had a chance to draw his SIG P232. He still carries to this day even though he thinks there was little or nothing he could have done to stop the attack. The BG had the element of surprise and his gun drawn at point blank range. Like Bill said "it can happen anywhere".

[tarkus]

It's an illusion. Smoke and mirrors. viewtopic.php?f=26&t=31639" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CC Italian]

Illusion, that’s for sure. Cops told him the BG probably came up from out of the city and robbed him. The BGs go to areas where people have money. The Woodlands definitely has people with money. The sad thing is he gave the guy his wallet and he still shot him. For less then 40bucks!

[Excaliber]

Illusion, that’s for sure. Cops told him the BG probably came up from out of the city and robbed him. The BGs go to areas where people have money. The Woodlands definitely has people with money. The sad thing is he gave the guy his wallet and he still shot him. For less then 40bucks!

That's the power trip component I alluded to in my earlier post. For this type of armed robber, it's not just about the money, just like rape isn't about sex. Unless you understand that, the way these folks act won't make any sense at all.

For those interested in getting a better understanding of these crimes, No Nonsense Self Defense has some pretty good material on it. The same site has good info on carjackers, rapists, property criminals, stalkers, etc. Most of their info is well grounded and very down to earth. Their site is aptly named..

If you visit the site, be sure to click on the links embedded in the main article. There's much greater depth there which the author presents through these links so that a single long article doesn't intimidate those not fond of reading. You can just skim the surface if you like, or dig as deep as you want. The strategy is well done and the articles are truly enlightening in a way that's very understandable for most folks. There's a lot of worthwhile insight on those pages for those willing to invest a little time.

Edit: Link fixed.

[tarkus]

Good information.

[ChattyKat]

Thanks much for all of the information and advice -- this is very helpful.

-Kat

[Dan20703]

Take it as a wake up call.

........and don't hit the snooze.............

[.45mac.40]

Carry all tha' time, learned how to present and use it.

Ever have some one build a vegetable garden, fence it off, AND find there's a rabbit eating your garden ?
Now, just how did that rabbit GET IN MY GARDEN ? ? ? He didn't .... He was always there. ((When you built the fence up / around him.))

Same situation ... we have BGs and Dirt bags, amongst us.

Be safe.

Mac

[Stupid]

I would highly recommend 2 books: Strong On Defense and The Gift Of Fear.

The Strong On Defense is my #1 must read for personal security.

[Texas Dan Mosby]

crime can happen any where.

Gated communities could be highly prized by criminals for a variety of reasons:

1. The criminals probably don't LIVE there...
2. The homes could be far more lucrative targets...
3. The residents may feel "safer" and less prone to be suspicious...

Crime can happen anywhere.

Don't be afraid, just realize that human nature can be less than noble, and always be prepared to deal with that dark nature should it present itself to you and yours.

[ChattyKat]

I would highly recommend 2 books: Strong On Defense and The Gift Of Fear.

The Strong On Defense is my #1 must read for personal security.

Thanks for suggesting the books; my husband has already ordered Strong on Defense for both of us to read for starters.

-Kat