A lot of disaster films and apocalyptic movies have scenes showing people looting stores. These movies make you think of what you would do in case it actually happens. If you own a store, this is definitely something you should prepare for. Homeowners should also know what to do to be safe from looters and burglars.
In World War Z, Brad Pitt’s character and family got into a little trouble with a couple of looters in a supermarket while they were getting medicines and supplies themselves. Looting and other crimes were made legal for 12 straight hours every year in The Purge. In Contagion, desperate people infected by a lethal virus (sounds familiar?) looted a drug store to get their hands on forsythia, the supposed vaccine perpetuated by a fake newsmonger and scammer similar to the phony coronavirus remedy peddled by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
Real life is no different. In Mexico, people are worried about widespread looting caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It all started after thieves posted on social media to loot businesses after robbing a number of closed stores themselves. While the mayor of Mexico City indicated that the criminals have “nothing to do with” poverty, it’s not farfetched to think that those who don’t have much and are desperate to survive may resort to crime. Things like these happen all the time and while we wish better things for them, we should still be vigilant and know what to do to stay safe from looters and burglars.
Not being insensitive here but if you’re yearning for one positive thing amidst all the negativity that’s going on around the world, it’s the time spent at home with your loved ones. Of course, we’re not discounting the sacrifices of the frontliners that can’t go home and hug their family for fear of infecting them. There are also those who are far away and can’t go home because of the lockdown.
Another positive thing about the lockdown is the decrease in the crime rate. Since a lot of people are in their homes right now, there’s been a decrease in home intrusion and burglaries. That doesn’t mean you have to just sit back and relax, though. You should still watch over your home and make sure nothing untoward happens.
Unfortunately, that leaves businesses vulnerable to looting and burglary since there’s no one there to dissuade them. In case you’re still doing business, the risk of getting robbed is still there considering most police officers are busy with COVID-19 stuff. There’s also the possibility of a societal collapse and the looting that will likely follow.
Insure Your Business and Property
There’s been a spike in insurance sales since the coronavirus pandemic. Aside from getting insurance for your family, you should also consider getting one for your store. In fact, the best protection for your business is to have it insured.
There are different kinds of insurance for small businesses, especially those that are prime targets for looters like grocery stores, food stalls, hardware, gun supply stores, and drug stores. Check out this list of different types of insurance policies you may consider for your business.
Install A Security Alarm System
One effective way to protect your family and property from looters and burglars is to install a security system. A security system detects movement around the property, especially an unauthorized entry, which will then trigger an alarm or notify the owner.
When you started your business, one of the first things you should have done is to set up a security system. If you haven’t yet, you’re in luck. The production of security systems should not be affected that much by the coronavirus as compared to other industries. That’s because only 10% of alarm equipment revenues worldwide are courtesy of Chinese manufacturers.
The Ring Alarm 5-Piece Home Security System is quite popular among homeowners who want nothing more than to keep bad things from happening to their loved ones. This Ring Alarm set includes a base station, motion detector, contact sensor, keypad, and range extender.
For an additional fee of only $10, you get a 24/7 professional monitoring option gives you even more peace of mind. It also provides cellular backup and 60 days of unlimited video recording. There is a short contract though you can cancel anytime without paying any fees.
The Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Smart Security Camera is another one of the best-selling home security systems in the market right now. Its main selling points include two cameras that can record and view 1080p HD videos, customizable motion detection, two-way audio, two-year battery life, and free cloud storage.
Secure the Perimeter
You don’t have to go medieval and dig a moat around your property to keep it safe from looters and burglars. That would be lit, though. What you can do is build a fence along the perimeter. A concrete wall or metal fence would be ideal but if that’s not possible, make do with wood or wire mesh. Check out the fencing laws in your area before building one.
Install lights and security cameras along your fence and use a high-quality lock to protect your gate. Don’t forget to lock it at night. Another way to secure your perimeter is to plant trees and cacti. Avoid growing shrubs or bushes in spots where intruders can hide. Reserve the rose shrubs for the area under your windows.
Install Motion-Sensor Floodlights
Burglars try to hide their identity as much as possible, which is why they avoid light as much as possible. Install LED floodlights strategically around your property so that you’re less likely to be targeted by looters and burglars.
If you don’t want to spend too much on electricity by leaving all the lights on outside, you can use motion-sensor floodlights in some areas instead. Leave at least a couple of lights on outside all night, preferably over your front and back door. Then install a few motion-sensor floodlights around the rest of your property, especially the dark parts. Once the sensors detect movement, the lights will turn on and surprise the intruder.
Sansi Motion-Activated Ceramic LED Security Light provides a light output of 1800 lumens and a color temperature of 5000K. The dual-head security light comes with four high-powered LED bulbs that can light up around 861 square feet of space. It has a total power rating of 30 watts, which is equivalent to a 150-watt incandescent light.
Put Up Security or Warning Signs
Most home security companies include signs that say the property is protected by an alarm system. These security signs alone can make criminals think twice about entering your property. If you’re lucky, they’d leave you alone.
Some homeowners can’t afford an actual security system so they do the next best thing, which is to put up a fake security sign. If the potential intruder believes the sign and leaves, then the $15 to $20 you spent on the faux sign was totally worth it. Be wary of copyright infringement, though. Find out first if you can legally put up a fake security sign of an actual security company.
Whether you have a firearm or not, you can also put up a sign saying your home is protected by a gun-toting madman. Another option is to post a sign that says you have a dog. Don’t depend on just these signs, though. Apply other tips on how to keep your home safe from looters and burglars.
Get A Dog
Dogs are not only man’s best friend but can also be your living, breathing security system. The larger and louder your furry companion is, the better. A good guard dog should be fearless. It should bark a lot at strangers and attack if necessary. You need to take your dog to a professional so he can get the proper training to be a guard dog. According to Spruce Pets, the breeds that make the best guard dogs are German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Bullmastiff, and Komondor among others.
Lock Up
It’s a no-brainer that you need to lock your doors and windows to stay safe from looters and burglars. However, some locks are not enough to keep persistent intruders away. To address this issue, you may need to replace your locks.
Avoid using cheap, knockoff locks. You’re risking your lives just to save a few bucks on these low-quality products. Use durable padlocks for your gate, garage door, or other entryways that require padlocks. You can also use them to secure your motorbike, bicycle, or other valuable items that can easily be stolen.
Stanley Hardware S828-160 CD8820 Shrouded Hardened Steel Padlock is considered one of the best padlocks around. It comes with a full shrouded body made of hardened steel and dual stainless steel ball bearings. The 6-pin cylinder makes it difficult to pry open with a pick. The keyway cover also protects the lock from drilling.
A smart lock is the better option for your main door. Smart locks can be locked and unlocked even if you’re far away. The August Home Smart Lock Pro + Connect with Wi-Fi Bridge, for example, can be voice-controlled using Alexa or other virtual assistants. It also tells you if the door is locked or not thanks to its unique DoorSense technology. This is something forgetful people should really consider getting.
August Home Smart Lock Pro also makes it easier to go in and out of your home. Your phone can act as the key as the smart lock will automatically unlock as you approach the door. After entering the smart lock will also automatically lock. You can also keep track of whoever enters through the door.
Reinforce Your Door
Most residences use standard doors that could easily be breached. To keep intruders from kicking down your door, you have to reinforce them.
First, replace your typical door knob with a smart lock or deadbolt. The Kwikset Single Cylinder Deadbolt features the SmartKey technology, which re-keys your lock in just seconds. The easy-to-install deadbolt comes with a side locking bar technology to safeguard against lock bumping.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ1ujBXI_lM
The door jamb also has to be secured properly. Some builders just use nails or small screws to install the door jamb. This makes it pretty easy for intruders to kick the door in. Use screws three inches long to secure the jamb to the frame. The door hinge also needs to be fastened properly with the right screws.
Finally, install a sturdy strike plate and add a door reinforcement lock. The Defender Security Bronze U 11126 Door Reinforcement Lock can withstand 800 lbs. of force and we doubt there’s a thief with a kick that powerful. Well, unless the burglar is a down-in-his-luck UFC fighter with a kick as strong as Shogun Rua’s 2749 lbs. of force.
Secure the Windows
Locking your windows may not be enough to keep a determined burglar away. A large percentage of burglars say they gained access to the home through the window. Either they’re left open or are pretty easy to pry open.
Protect your windows with bars or grilles. Thieves will need a hack saw to get through the metal bars and even if they use one, the noise will likely wake you up. Make sure you have a way to remove the metal bars in case you have to escape through the window during an emergency.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhGUvhozXuM
Use sliding windows security locks. The Defender Security U 9819 Sliding Window Security Lock fits rails up to 1/8 of an inch thick. These easy-to-install sliding locks can keep the windows slightly open to allow ventilation while still keeping intruders away.
Anti-shatter films will keep the shards together even after your glass windows are broken. Install security cameras and bright floodlights along the windows, too. A cheaper way to keep looters, thieves, and your teenage daughter’s boyfriend away from your windows is to plant thorny bushes under them.
Invest On A Firearm
Some people are wondering why Americans are focusing their pandemic preparedness on toilet paper and firearms. Normally, you’d think of procuring food, water, and other basic necessities to prepare for disasters. But hoarding and fighting over toilet paper are just absurd. Guns, on the other hand, seem a bit more logical.
There’s been a spike in gun sales among Americans and Canadians. In fact, a whopping 1.9 million guns were purchased in March alone. It’s now quite common to see people lining up outside gun stores to purchase their firearms and ammo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haJWQalW0Ww
Many believe that civil unrest or societal breakdown could happen in a prolonged lockdown due to the pandemic. Some local police districts announced they will temporarily delay making arrests for theft, burglary, stolen auto, and other non-violent offenses while social distancing measures are in place. As a citizen depending on the police to protect you from such crimes, you’ll definitely be alarmed. This may lead many to invest in guns so they can protect themselves.
There are some things you should consider before purchasing your first firearm. First, you need to buy it legally. Make sure you have the proper documents to avoid any hassles. Second, learn how to use a gun properly. It’s not as easy as pointing your gun and squeezing the trigger. You need to know how to properly hold and shoot one. Plus, you need to know how to care for it.
Most importantly, make sure your gun is safe from your kids. Invest in a gun safe. It will help keep your firearms from falling into the wrong hands. The lightweight solid steel safe box features fingerprint identification, biometric lock, gas strut, and LED lighting.
Other Weapons for Self-Defense
It’s easy to think of guns as the best choice for self-defense. They’re pretty effective if you know how to use them. However, you have lots of other things you can use to defend yourself and stay safe from looters and burglars.
(Related: Effective Ways to Defend Yourself Without Using Guns)
Be like Crocodile Dundee or Johnny Rambo and learn how to handle a big-ass knife. One look at your huge survival knife and the intruder would be scampering away. If he doesn’t, your knife training will surely come in handy.
Baseball bats, batons, tactical pens, pepper sprays, and stun guns are other weapons you can use to defend yourself from looters and burglars.
The Mace Brand Self Defense Pepper Spray Gun gives you the feel of using an actual gun and the non-lethal effectiveness of pepper spray. Brandishing this pepper spray gun may also scare intruders into thinking it’s an actual deadly weapon. The Vipertek VTS-989 – 58 Billion Heavy Duty Stun Gun, meanwhile, is effective when you get really close to the perpetrator.
You do need to get proper training on how to use all these non-lethal weapons. While you’re at it, learn some self-defense and hand-to-hand moves as well.
Hide In Your Panic Room
In case an intruder manages to enter your home, don’t confront the stranger. Don’t be like those people in films or TV shows that just have to go down to check if there’s indeed an intruder. What are you going to do if there is one? Take him by surprise and hope he runs away? I don’t think that’s a good idea.
Your best move would be to stay in your room, lock the door and call 911. If your family is at home, get them first then stay in one room, preferably your panic room. Make sure you have a phone in your panic room so you can call for help.
A panic room should have a reinforced door and the proper locks. It should also have a fire extinguisher, food, water, essential supplies, an emergency kit with necessary survival gear, and weapons. Don’t forget your escape plan. You should have a way to escape the room if things go bad.
A secret room will also work and is a lot of fun. It will also double as your stockroom where you can keep all your emergency food, water, and other supplies. It’s important to make your secret room soundproof so intruders won’t figure out where you are. Also, keep all your valuables in here so looters and burglars won’t get their hands on them. According to a study, burglars often start searching the master bedroom for valuables so it’s a good idea not to keep them there.
What to Do If There’s A Stranger at the Door
With the ongoing lockdown, you shouldn’t be expecting a knock on your door unless you had something delivered to your home. Normally, packages are left at the front door but you have to meet the delivery person if you ordered food. Also, most burglars would knock on the door to see if someone’s inside before proceeding with their criminal activity.
Take a peek and make sure it’s safe before opening the door. Look around for something suspicious. Shout out something that will make the person at the door think that you have company even if you’re not alone even if you are alone. Say something like, “Honey, pizza’s here!” or something similar. Ask the delivery person for identification. This should be practiced even if there’s no lockdown. You’re not being paranoid here, just being extra careful.
(Related: What Would I Do If There’s A Burglar In My Home)
Another safety tip is to set off the home or car alarm. If the person is really delivering your food, he or she will not leave. Criminals, however, will be scampering away. Turning on the lights may also work.
If there’s a stranger at the front door and you suspect something amiss, call 911 immediately. Don’t open the door and make sure all the other possible entryways are locked.
We already have our hands full trying to avoid getting infected with COVID-19 and surviving the lockdown. A societal collapse is definitely something no one is hoping for. But with more than 25,700 deaths and over 600,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States so far, you shouldn’t be surprised if things go from bad to worse. That said, we hope everyone calms down and just does what’s necessary for the coronavirus to finally bid us adieu. Still, we need to prepare for the worst so might as well take steps to secure our home and protect our family.
Follow Gentleman Pirate Club to stay up-to-date on the things you can do to stay safe while on lockdown. We will also keep sharing important information and tips on how to avoid getting infected with the coronavirus until this thing is finally over and done with.
