But I don’t think they are a great replacement for a firearm and the will to use it.
Read this story of a hot burglary in Salisbury, NC and tell me if all the hairs on the back of your neck don’t stand up and do a little dance. While the story is bad enough, it’s the final quote about changing the screws in the strike plate from the standard screws to 3″ screws that just floors me.
“I just want people to know how to take precaution. It saved me and my children,” she said.
No, lady, what saved you and your kids was sheer, unadulterated dumb luck. The police arrived in the nick of time. I don’t even want to consider what would have happened in the next 2-3 minutes–and I don’t think you’re smart enough to figure it out on your own.
Sure, change out the screws on your door–I have, plus reinforced the jambs as well. The doors themselves are hurricane rated and have triple strikes, so good luck kicking them in. You’ll have better luck with a window. But if you do, watch out for the owner at this house–he has a gun and the will to use it to defend himself, his family and his property.
The door is mostly glass. Wanna bet she keeps it that way? Sigh. Maybe the husband is smarter- probably not, as she's the one who installed the life-saving screws. My back door is mostly glass (I rent) but the landlord insists it is safe as the blinds will keep anyone from looking inside the house to determine it is empty. Double sigh. He wonders why I have handy hearing protection by the bed…