People that break into homes typically fall into two categories. The larger is robbery. The other is rape. Robbers don't want conflict. They want to get the goods and leave. They look for times when you are not home. So when they are confronted they typically run. I would avoid confrontation if I could. No material goods are worth it. Somebody did case my building last year. They broke into my neighbors place. Why? Because she hadn't taken precautions with her window which is floor level, old and obscured. Nobody else has obscured windows or they are home bound/work at home. She has the least valuable stuff too. Rape is much rarer in the place I live. One reason I live here. I also am not stupid about locks and alarms. I take precautions. The risk of rape or a violent robber is too low to justify having a gun around.

In college I lived in a seedy section. Crack house across the street. A federal task force a few buildings down. I took extra precautions there like crossing the street if I was at all uncomfortable or taking a cab at night if necessary. Although I didn't know as much about the neighborhood as I should have I chose a less vulnerable apartment. I was in a situation where my instinct flag went into red zone. I was alert enough to not get too close. Sure, I was lucky too. All things being equal I still wouldn't pack a gun.

EDIT: we know they cased the place because somebody saw strangers hanging around. At least now they know to take a picture if they don't feel comfortable asking them to leave. That would have let them know people are aware.

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