Homeless "crackheads" have broken into our house several times and keep coming on the property and breaking in and stealing things, even though we now have "No Trespassing" signs. The police won't help. What are our rights? Can we shoot at them?
by 
Helen
ANSWERS: 15
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Obviously the No Trespassing sign isn't biting these crackheads. Get a vicious dog. Get a security system. Move. Go above the patrolman's head to his boss. This is obviously a big problem or they wouldn't have broken in more then once. And it's the cops job to make sure you and your property are safe. This is why you pay taxes. As far as shooting them, I'm not sure. I think that depends on the state and county you reside. Generally, though, if you are going to shoot them, shoot to kill or they may attempt to sue you and quite possibly win.
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Make sure they are in your home when you shoot. Shoot to kill so they won't sue you later. Be sure to tell the Police you felt your life was in danger. Don't lie, and don't plant evidence. Good hunting.
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If you are in the house and they break in while you are there you have the right to shoot in self-defense only. If they try to run, you can't gun them down. If they are not in the house, you can't gun them down either. Loss of property or trespass can not be met with deadly force. Breaking in to an occupied dwelling can be.
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You can shoot them if they enter into your home in order to defend yourself and your family. You might also try playing loud "easy listening" or other annoying music, in an attempt to drive them away from the neighborhood.
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just hire some chinese guys to beat them up... the rate is fairly cheap! :)
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You can only shoot them if you feel your life is threatened - and you really can't pretend that very well, so don't even try it. Hitting them over the head with a ming dynasty vase might work better, if you happen to have a few spares sitting around. (heh) What exactly do you mean that the police won't help? They can't stake out your house on the chance that someone will break in again... but if you're having trouble, I suggest going to their superior officers and talking about it with them. Other than that, try getting an alarm system with loud alarms and flood lights and things. Video recording so you can positively identify the criminals will help. You can also try setting mouse traps around where they break in, so they'll get caught in them... which would be pretty funny, and definitely discourage repeat offenders if they get their fingers snapped in a mousetrap or two. Other "home alone" like options also seem effective... they'll move on to easier targets if you make your house less amenable to break-in.
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Self-defense in such circumstances are nearly impossible to disprove, so... FIRE AWAY!
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Have other local residents gotten together to form a neighborhood watch? We have those in our area, and are very effective. Even if you're not home, others are watching and can make the call to the police themselves. If the police won't patrol the area, it's up to you and the other citizens to step up and fight for your security and privacy. Also write to the mayor, the governor, your senator and congressman. Demand a plan of action as tax paying citizens.
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The limit of what you can do depends what state you are in. If you live in Texas or Florida, for example, you are able to shoot and kill them if they are on your property so long as you think they 'look suspicious.' I personally think it's a deplorable action, but by looking at the responses here I'm obviously in the minority. The reason the police cannot help is because, "a bunch of homeless crackheads" is not really a good description for a suspect. If you are robbed, they have to come down and file a police report - even if you live in the projects in Baltimore. Your best bet, honestly, is to beef up home security by getting something that makes a shit ton of noise. It's not very expensive, and it's a lot easier on the conscience than killing or maiming someone - not to mention safer.
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I think as long as they are inside your home and you feel your life is at risk ... YES! These days it is kill or be killed and if they are breaking in your house that is life threatenting. Dope heads are crazy and will kill you for that next fix and think nothing of it. You always have the right to protect your life. Just make sure you kill them. What state do you live in?
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I feel for ya, but shooting "at" someone is not really a good idea. If your life is threatened, you shoot to kill. If not, keep your shooter away. Crackheads are an unpredictable lot. You may be better off gassing them if you are sure they are unarmed.
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George Phillips of Meridian, Mississippi, was going up to bed, when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things. He phoned the police, who asked, “Is someone in your house?” He said, “No.” Then they said, “All patrols are busy - you should lock your doors and an officer will be along when one is available.” George said, “Okay.” He hung up the phone and counted to 30. Then he phoned the police again. “Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I just shot them,” and he hung up. Within five minutes, six police cars, a SWAT Team, a helicopter, two fire trucks, a paramedic, and an ambulance showed up at his house, and caught the burglars red-handed. One of the policemen said to George, “I thought you said that you'd shot them!” George said, “I thought you said there was nobody available!” Don't mess with old people.
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Try 911
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You can shoot them when they try to enter your house, as long as you indicate that you are in fear for your physical safety. And, unlike what most people are saying, you don't "shoot to kill." You shoot to stop the threat. The best way to do that is to kill the person you shoot at.
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maybe you should turn in those policeman for not helping
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