The Zohan

I think what i am getting at is that this advise could lead to people being hurt or traumatised JUST for they car/keys

I am 6' weigh 16 stone, have some martial arts training along with spending a bit of time in the military - I can look after myself.
I keep a 6 cell Maglite by the bed and one in the car - just in case

My partner is 4 months pregnant.

I would much rather leave the keys downstairs to cut down on the risk of a confrontation in the bedroom or such!

I know where my priorities lie - family first every time.

[Edited by Paul Habgood - 7/11/2002 2:08:23 PM]

ianc

Agreed, sound advice, my keys are six inches away from me, next to my mobile phone that is left on but silent.

Also within reach are a piece of wood, shaped vaguely like a baseball bat, and my helmet.

The house is locked and all points of entry alarmed anyhows, if the alarm goes off I make a quick decision as to if it's genuine, then phone the police, then be ready to don helmet and stick in self defence.

I'm no fighter, would not actively attack anyone, but I have two daughters and a partner that I *will* defend, and the consequences I'll worry about later. I'd rather do 12months in prison than a lifetime without any of them.

my 2p....

(edited to say they're not gonna be after the car keys anyhows, I drive a Skoda!)

IC

[Edited by ianc - 7/11/2002 2:10:48 PM]

Riftzone

Doh, duplicate post...

[Edited by Riftzone - 7/11/2002 2:18:29 PM]

chrome

banshi; I'd prefer to leave the keys downstairs so whilst they are trying to find out which key is what I'll be sneaking down (with the wife and sprog safe and sound after phoning plod on the mob') to give em the suprise of their life AND retain my property.. and with a bit of luck hang on to as many of the oiks as poss' til plod/ambulance arrives....

"I was attacked officer, and in fear for my life and those of my family, so the fact he has to walk with a stick from now on is regrettable"

Im not big (unlike PaulH ) but I've more than enough martial arts training to at least catch em by suprise and **** em up

My keys are downstairs but out of sight... fwiw..

[Edited by chrome - 7/11/2002 3:49:00 PM]

banshi

Chrome, wasn't having a pop at you or singling out any other individual really. One of the few issues that gets me on a soapbox I'm afraid:-

Can I ask in which part of utopia you reside, and are the house prices reasonable?

FYI An outline of the attempted car theft follows. Not speculation, spin and not story from a m8 at the pub!

Four guys stealing the car off our drive. I grab a convenient pick axe handle and charge out. Wife calls 999.
Gang dissapears, I chase after the two smallest ones

They join a group of similarly clad youths. I tell 'em the police are on the way and we'll need to call an ambulance for anyone that moves more than 18ins.

A difficult 20 min passes they're becoming cocky, I start worrying that his mates may have gone back to the house.

Youths clear off I return home. No police and wife is convinced I'd been left in a ditch somewhere (a distinct possibility).

Key points of Police response to her:-
So they haven't taken the car?
No!
Well it's not a theft then.
They'll have dissapeared by the time we get there.
My husbands chasing them!
No point they'll have a car nearby.
Theres only one way out you can block it.
Most probably running down the railway line to the council estate!
Worried & exasperated wife gave up.

I ring the station.
This crime was reported 47 mins ago.
So! Where's the officer?
We haven't dispatched a car.
Why?
The car wasn't stolen.
So what are you going to do?
I can give you a crime report reference to pass to your insurance company

Sum total of police response, a letter giving us a contact point for Victim Support! This incident took place almost 10 yrs ago so you may think things have improved.

A few months ago a Pensioner called 999 from her bedroom as two men were breaking into her home. They wanted her life savings, as she knew the police were on the way she bravely held out. Before she eventually told them where the cash was they beat her so severely she was in hospital for a week and is recieving ongoing treatment.

It was THREE HOURS before the police arrived, they managed to get Ambulance to her within minutes but never found the perpetrators.

Everyones entitled to their opinion, afraid I don't agree
and somehow i dont think that old lady and her family would.

Call me bitter and cynical if you wish, you'd be absolutely right.

Nice point, Nick will be digging out the policy tonight.


[Edited by banshi - 7/11/2002 4:51:57 PM]

cryptwalk

I had 3 cars pull outside my house tuesday night at 830pm 2 rarther large dudes (chubby Type) got out and knocked on my door. I wassent in but my neighbours told me. One then said to the other lets go for a drive around! Maybe they were looking for the car??? I dunno but i have locked it away and now driving my mums fiesta.

What a ****e world we live in when you cannot own a nice car. [img]images/smilies/mad.gif[/img]

Sometimes I wonder is it worth it?? Maybe i should just get a normal everyday car, is it worth the hassle?

[Edited by cryptwalk - 7/12/2002 12:42:07 AM]