Dealing with Intruders: A Personal Experience and Lessons Learned

Have you ever had an experience where an intruder entered your home without permission? In a personal encounter, the author faced a situation where an intruder broke into their home to steal marijuana, taking caution not to damage other items. This article shares their experience, strategies for dealing with intruders, and learning from such events.

Experiencing an Unauthorised Entry

One day, the author faced an unexpected challenge when an intruder entered their home. The person knew the location of the marijuana and broke a window to access it. Despite the intruder's destructive actions, they showed a level of respect by being careful with other items. The author recognized the intruder, who was known to them.

Handling Intruders

The author has a protocol for handling such situations. When someone enters unauthorisedly, they always shout that no one is at home and instruct the person to return later. If this doesn't work, they threaten to use a 9mm pistol, aiming to make the intruder leave without causing any more harm. The lesson here is to show assertiveness without escalating the situation.

Uncle's Experience

The author's uncle also faced a similar situation. He discovered three intruders in his home. After scaring them with his loaded shotgun, the intruders ran away. Despite the adrenaline rush, the uncle managed to clear the rooms and called the police. While it was a terrifying experience, the intruders were armed and quickly fled the premises.

Small Town Interactions

In a small town, the author noted that many people are open and friendly. While daytime visits can be from those selling products like solar or religious items, these conversations are usually brief. However, if it is after dark, the author looks out of the window to identify the person. On one occasion, it was the police looking for someone, who were respectful of the firearm.

Tragic Confrontation

The author recounts a more recent and tragic incident. While living in an apartment in Dallas, Texas, a window broke in the kitchen. The author, armed with a gun, saw a shape outside and fired three shots. Although the shots missed the intruder, they killed a 17-year-old burglar, leading to the conclusion that this has been the author's sole regret. The incident garnered threats from the young person's family, necessitating the author and their family to remain vigilant until they could move to a safer home in McKinney, Texas.

Learning from the Experience

While each situation is unique, the key lessons from these experiences include:

Assertiveness and clear communication can often dissuade intruders. Preparedness and having emergency plans can provide a sense of security. Understanding the local culture and community can help manage situations effectively. While self-defense is important, the consequences of actions must be carefully considered.

These experiences underscore the importance of being prepared and vigilant in our homes, while also highlighting the potential for tragic outcomes when dealing with intruders. By learning from these situations, we can better protect ourselves and our families.