Many people are considering buying a gun and or fighting back, so I thought I would share this video that is recommended by the police and other law enforcement agents
Before you watch it. I will share a very scary experience that occurred in SW Florida many years ago, it could have been much worse. I was physically assaulted and robbed. I was in top physical shape and lifted weights 5-6 days/week, had taken several self-defense classes and did have heavy keys and mace.
First, let me tell you everything happens in a second and regardless of how prepared you think you are or how many weapons you have it may not be enough. I am not saying not to fight back if that is your last option, but it may be wiser to leave the situation if you can or act non-threatening. This same non-threatening behavior saved our neighbors from further violence in a recent violent armed robbery in Santa Lucia, A safe room is another smart option. If a invader feels threatened they will try to stop you and remove your security tools.
It was almost dusk, but was still bright out when I was walking to my car in an upscale parking lot. My friends remained inside to order dessert. I was aware of my surroundings while walking, When I got to my car, I pushed the remote to open the car, a man came from behind another parked car and instantly twisted my arm behind me with such force I had to drop my only weapon, heavy keys with mace attached. Yes I was holding the mace at the time. Bruises were left on my arm as I was instantly over powered.
The man looked like he was high on drugs and was very angry. He stole my purse and searched my car for other items. Thank god I left my gun locked in a safe at home. I also removed myself from the situation when he was searching my car and when I returned I used my car horn to alert others and to further scare him away.
I am not sure if the same man was involved, but a very similar situation occurred a few weeks latter ( the man had the same description). A woman had a gun in her purse and was unable to retrieve it when attacked. The man used her own gun against her and drove her to a remote location where she was beaten, robbed and raped.
It is fine to be empowered and have weapons like mace and know self defense moves, but sometimes it may not work. Removing myself from the situation and not making the man more angry most likely saved me in that situation.
1. Travel in groups and escort each other to each others cars.
2. Have a employee or security guard walk you to your car if alone.
3. Cross the road or parking lot at an angle if being followed. This puts distance between you and him.
4. Have a safe room with a solid locking door. In that safe room have a working cell phone and possibly weapons in case the thugs try to enter.
5. THINK, if you are one person with one gun and three men break in with three guns, you are out numbered. At that time go to your safe room and call for help.
6. Home security with a loud siren, perimeter protection and a strong neighborhood watch may be the smartest defense. Walkie talkies and a auto dial alarm system can call for help in seconds.
7. Never get in a car with an attacker, even if they say they will not hurt you. Run and try to get away or drop to the ground and kick fighting back.
The police and other licensed organizations can help you take the proper steps to be safe for free. This information is available to all neighborhoods. Neighborhood watch and FREE security evaluations are available from AAC and Safe Home Security. Or you can look online and get many ideas on perimeter and other smart security options.
www.safehomepanama.net has a lot of information on security.
Replies
Super video.
As the change of recent events display, the one man that appeared calm and nonreactive was not harmed. The men that stood up or acted with aggression were injured or killed. Do not turn a robbery into an assault.
There has not been any mention to the enormous amount of backlash that would happen if one of the gringos killed a local fifteen year old breaking into a home. The gringo would have to leave Panama or live looking over their shoulder. No thanks I will take the advise on the video and lock up and use our alarm.
I totally agree with your conclusions, Doc, but Joe, the man who was killed in Caldera, put up no resistance. In fact, according to his wife, he immediately threw his arms up and was immediately shot. Their security measures, however, were minimal, and I agree that prevention in the way of tight home security is one's best defense.
Bonnie,
Do not get me wrong, we are aware Joe did not mean any harm, but standing up and putting his arms up is considered aggressive body language.
From what I have read the man in Santa Lucia, spoke Spanish and immediately displayed non aggressive body language (shoulders in, arms down). The man was smart as he probably was very upset after the armed young men hit his wife. He did not react, he remained calm and not aggressive.
Take what you want, we will not get in your way attitude saved them from being hurt or killed. If he reached for any weapon or made any agressive moves the outcome would have been different.
Keeping a back-up cell phone in your safe room is a great idea, but don't forget to keep its battery charged.
BE AWARE that its SIM card may be disabled if not used for 3 months and your prepaid minutes expire after 1 year.
Remind yourself to charge your cell phone's battery and make a call on a regular basis.
Very good video advice.
Thanks Joanne and Mark.
Mark was not sure if you did home evaluations or not? Or I would have added your name.
Great day to all!
Well done! We are all on the same page.
Thanks for sharing.