Paranoid and feel like my privacy has been comprimised

[paramountciders]

How is everyone?

this morning at (4:30AM) i was in my shed running a batch and out of the corner of my eye i see someones head coming through the curtains he is looking at me i say "whats up" he says "is this *** ***s house?" I said "nah bruv you got the wrong place" then i firmly told him "get out of here mate" he said absolutely nothing then went before i got to open the curtain he was gone so i shut off the still then i stood on my deck for about 3 hours chain smoking ciggs and smashing down coffee like beer ears wide open hearing whats happening around nothing out of the ordinary. Now i have a big gate and it makes a huge sound when opening it and the dogs go off when they hear it so this guy must have been snooping around right casue i didnt hear a single thing before he showed up. Now im paranoid that he knows i pretty much live in the shed and saw everything in the room my still everything. What should i do? lock my back door when im outside and also lock the door to the shed i am in? this is one of the most scariest things thats ever happen to me and i really do feel like my privacy has been comprimised i feel verry valnurable outside now but before this event i didnt have a worry in the world that something like this would ever happen

please let me know your opinions and what you would do in this situation
the laws in my country worrie me the most i cannot hurt the inturder what so ever until he decides to hurt me and then i can only defend myself with reasonable equal force, Would anyone here just do there own thing and make this guy dissapear if he come back again?
thank you guys

[BentJar]

Put motion sensor lights up and beat the dogs. That's what all perverts say when they are caught.

[yakattack]

Man that sucks. I know from experience it's not cool when something like that happens. I would Def put up some lights. Maybe u grade your lock and make sure there is no other point of entry. Also if your in the states get a big nra support sign. Less likely to bother you if it's know you support and use guns, even if it is just smoke and mirrors. Keep a shotgun loaded with rock salt. Won't kill but will hurt Like a sumofabich.

[S-Cackalacky]

Sounds like he was a thief looking to score some tools and it probably surprised him as much as it did you when he pulled back that curtain. I can't imagine how that must feel - having a perfect stranger just walk into your private space like that. Like others said, take some steps to prevent it in the future. I wouldn't think that guy would ever return again.

[DFitz]

I know how you feel! I was running a batch early one evening and all of the sudden I hear a commotion. I man up and crack open my shed door fearing the worst With my chest pounding so hard I thought it'd explode. I see a vehicle in my yard with super bright lights. You know those lights. It ended up only being our son. I was quite brave for a few seconds though.

[SassyFrass]

Sounds like he was a thief looking to score some tools and it probably surprised him as much as it did you when he pulled back that curtain. I can't imagine how that must feel - having a perfect stranger just walk into your private space like that. Like others said, take some steps to prevent it in the future. I wouldn't think that guy would ever return again.

+1.

Gotta get you some early warning set up. Dog, motion sensor lights, etc...

Edit: Reread your OP and have to amend my post with "more alert dogs." Since you already have dogs.

[HDNB]

my (our?) country has the same laws.

my shed is always locked. even when i'm in it. the one window is frosted. i have CCTV from all angles of approach and my house and shed is alarmed. my 105Lb dog barks real good. i keep shotguns in the house and shop. i have a gated driveway.

thats what i'd do.

personally i'm more concerned about an underaged moron (or neighborhood kid) getting into the high proof aging shit and killing himself. that would be indefensable.

shoot 'em in the front, centre of mass and opt for a trial by jury.

[SassyFrass]

my (our?) country has the same laws.

my shed is always locked. even when i'm in it. the one window is frosted. i have CCTV from all angles of approach and my house and shed is alarmed. my 105Lb dog barks real good. i keep shotguns in the house and shop. i have a gated driveway.

thats what i'd do.

personally i'm more concerned about an underaged moron (or neighborhood kid) getting into the high proof aging shit and killing himself. that would be indefensable.

shoot 'em in the front, centre of mass and opt for a trial by jury.

Old saying here at home," better to be tried by 12, than carried by 6."
and, " Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean someone ain't out to get me."

[S-Cackalacky]

Sounds like he was a thief looking to score some tools and it probably surprised him as much as it did you when he pulled back that curtain. I can't imagine how that must feel - having a perfect stranger just walk into your private space like that. Like others said, take some steps to prevent it in the future. I wouldn't think that guy would ever return again.

+1.

Gotta get you some early warning set up. Dog, motion sensor lights, etc...

Edit: Reread your OP and have to amend my post with "more alert dogs." Since you already have dogs.

My dogs will bark when a bird flies by, but if a burglar offered them a Beggin' Strip, they'd probably hold the door for him while he emptied the house.

[bellybuster]

I've got into the habit of keeping a camera with me all the time.
I heard a bit of ruckus outside one night and went out to find a couple kids rooting in my car. I snapped a flash pic and lo and behold I found my gps and even the change from my ashtray sitting on the hood next morning. There were of course a few choice words for the little bastards too.
In Canada, we cannot protect property with force. Really don't want to get into it but a simple pic solved what could have been otherwise a violent situation.
I have seen this 1 kid a few times since and just wave my camera at him.... he knows

[SassyFrass]

SC,
I got two yard dogs the same, that won't do nothing unless you disturb their naps, and if you rub their bellies or give them a treat, they will be your new bestest friend.

BUT, the Great Pyrenees that are in fields on either side of the drive lose their flipping minds when strange vehicles drive up. And I live almost a mile off the main road, and on top of a mtn, so I don't get a lot of uninvited visitors.

Last 500 meter section of drive is ranged and marked for KD.

Best watch dogs I've ever had was guineas. Only problem is if there are trees that hang over where the vehicles are parked.

[Swag]

You could always throw a jar of fore-shots on him and threaten to light it, (or worse, trick him into drinking it).

[yakattack]

I've got into the habit of keeping a camera with me all the time.
I heard a bit of ruckus outside one night and went out to find a couple kids rooting in my car. I snapped a flash pic and lo and behold I found my gps and even the change from my ashtray sitting on the hood next morning. There were of course a few choice words for the little bastards too.
In Canada, we cannot protect property with force. Really don't want to get into it but a simple pic solved what could have been otherwise a violent situation.
I have seen this 1 kid a few times since and just wave my camera at him.... he knows

Glad that worked for ya. we have crazy laws here in canada.

But it's still a great country imho

[DAD300]

I've been robbed several times...bit dif when you're actually there. Fortunately in most of the U.S. we can use force on our own property. I carry a pistol and a flashlight 24/7. I know that makes me the crazy paranoid bastad...so be it.

Where you can't you have to make them not want to be on your property...lots of lights, lights on timers, motion lights and an outside dog.

Remember my old avatar...Cooper the Anatolian Shepard...there's a burglar alarm!

I've stopped fights with powerful flashlights. Usually a drunk backs down at night if you blind him with a flashlight and a burglar runs.

I find it amazing this guy actually took the time to talk to you! Makes me think he'll be back.

[Yummyrum]

My local Home Brew shop has been burgled several times recently ......each time they have targeted the stills . According to the cops , its becoming an increasing occurrence as Meth cooks apparently use stills in their process and they regularly need replacing as they clog up or something . The store owner now dismantles his stills each night and hides bits of them so that a complete still is not on the shelf ready to grab.

This may become an increasing concern to us home distillers as the epidemic of Meth seems to be sweeping the world .It reinforces the don't tell theory ......the less people that know what you do the better .

Regarding security , I hate guns .Sorry......Too many fuck ups have happened .....Sensor lights and cameras are the best deterrent IMO

Having the cops turn up to investigate a shooting and discovering what you do in your shed .....they would fuck you over

[pfshine]

The cops wouldn't show up cause I wouldn't call em. Thief's make great fertilizer or dog food.

[thumper123]

How is everyone? this morning at (4:30AM) i was in my shed running a batch and out of the corner of my eye i see someones head coming through the curtains he is looking at me i say "whats up" he says "is this *** ***s house?" I said "nah bruv you got the wrong place"

I sympathize with your concerns. And I don't think you are paranoid in the least. Neighbors knowing what you are up to is my worst nightmare. But looking at it realistaclly, here we are exchanging recipes like we were making a cake in a World in which Verizon and Google are selling our private information to the government. I had some great guideance from a guy on the Legalization thread of this forum. His thoughts were basically "don't sweat the small stuff". He has fully exposed himself, and is yet unscathed. My God! Alaska just legalized pot yesterday. Should we be worried about making a legal substance in our own homes?

[Maritimer]

my (our?) country has the same laws.

We do?

M

[thisguy]

security cameras might not be a bad choice either. edit: not pointed near the still but around the outside shed area.

Ive had my house broken into a few times, wasent home, but its still a creepy feeling. I invested in a shotgun, and for the walks home at night through the city, I have a CC Pistol.

Some granny got robbed some time last year, and as the kids were running off she shot em both. If theyre stupid enough to do that stuff, than screw em.

But that situation is freaky. Id invest in cameras, and maybe stop stilling for a while.

[The KYChemist]

Game tracking cameras are a great alternative to a CCTV system. Plus, they're are easier to hide. And, your not stuck reviewing a lot of footage, of they're not motion activated. I get a lot of pics of the mailman, and squirells on the back porch. Plus, they're cheap!

[StillLearning1]

I like to leave a few empty shotgun shells around the yard, on the porch...you get the idea. Its like a silent security sign for intruders. I'm not saying I'll shoot ya, just saying I've practiced.

[HDNB]

my (our?) country has the same laws.

We do?

M

not a lawyer, and i'm not giving legal advise.... but yes. equal and reasonable force...meaning i have a baseball bat, you can incapacitate me with a 2x4, but not a gun.

sometimes you can get away with more....a guy was sleeping in his electronics store in edmonton a few years ago because of repeated breakins. he shot the robber in the ass with a .22 as he was running away, after the bad guy broke into this guys store. the store owner was not in any...never mind grave or immediate...danger, the guy was running away....

the cops gently charged him, and he did have his day in court...and the jury walked him.

not that i want to find out personally but i think any jury in Canada would walk anyone protecting their home, family or livelyhood in the same manner. You shoot a guy at 430 am on your property that has done you wrong...If i'm on your jury you are definitely getting a walk. and a Tim Hortons gift card.

Any Texans out there? i've heard that in Texas can shoot a guy through the door...any truth to that? That, right there has got to reduce tresspass and breakins.....

[Brutal]

In your situation I would Hide the stilling equipment and put up a well hidden game camera right away. The guy only talked to you because of the laws. he knows you don't have a gun, and as a law abiding citizen are compelled to not beat his head in with a bat.

My stilling situation is pretty close to other people. I usually have one door of my garage open and work behind the other. From there my driveway is probably 20 feet long and then there is the road. People jog and walk their dogs, kids screw around out there from time to time, and folks slam car doors. I don't keep a gun out there anymore. I keep brass knuckles. If anyone comes and wants to give me trouble I will put them down quick. The closest encounters I have had were with people trying to get me to go to their church and ask me about faith. I just explain to them that I don't have to answer their questions and that they need to get off my property right now. If it ever came down to something physical I would knock them out and drag them to the street, then shut down and close the garage. I might call the police and tell them that I caught some assholes trying to steal my barbeque. Hope it never comes to that.

[HDNB]

I use my CCTV observation system to give me eyes where i cant see, and allow me preparation time for whats on the other side of door. they are very much in plain sight and the sign on my driveway says that you are subject to video surveillance.
the reverse angles are hidden to see anyone damaging the more overt cameras.
motion light help illuminate if there is motion otherwise the infrared night illumination on the cameras allows for great night vision.
I use 2MP and 5MP IP cameras that allow multiple veiwing options, and the ability to "drill into" an image, for a close up of a face or plate number, in the unlikely need.... "post event"

recording is for posterity, you can show your buddies the prick that broke in...observation is what is needed, when you are all aloney on your owny.

guess what i'm saying is at best... a hidden game camera will give you a very frustrating recording of an event. unless you know the guy, the camera will not help you id anyone. and you are not going to give it to the cops, who would not be able to id anyone either.
the bad guy won't see it and won't be deterred.

you gotta let people know they are being watched and recorded to have an effect on their actions. even with my fancy stuff if i get broken into, all i got is a movie of it afterwards.(unless they find the NVR and steal it too) But you ain't gonna sneak up on me, i keep a pretty good eye on the screen when i'm in the shop on my own.

[T-Pee]

I've been robbed several times...bit dif when you're actually there. Fortunately in most of the U.S. we can use force on our own property. I carry a pistol and a flashlight 24/7. I know that makes me the crazy paranoid bastad...so be it.

tp

[Jimbo]

[Brutal]

Seen that before. I like it.

[T-Pee]

Kinda like the story of the cop pulling an elderly woman over and finding guns all over in the car.

"Ma'am, what are you scared of?"

"Not a damned thing, sonny. Not a damned thing."

tp

[MoonBreath]

Cheap motion lights and detectors to light up outside, and light or beeper inside ..Adjust the one to allow you to know before the outside lights come on ..Or for daylight, you'd want the warning quick also ..Most cops look and talk like cops ..You have to be savvy to that ..They try, they just can't hardly 100% act civilian ..They don't have that certain 'cool' factor we all have ..If your heart is unsure, go with it ..Always better safe than sorry.

[DAD300]

MoonBreath... I often try to look and sound like a cop. Never tell anyone I am, or that I'm not. The flashlight gives that impression too.

Once yelled HALT at a guy purse nabbing. Of course he ran like hell, but the crowd was impressed.