OT/Attempted break in, how do I protect myself???!!

Saturday morning at around 2 am someone tried to get into my house.  I have never been scared living here alone and I do live in a rural area out in the country, but have several neighbors nearby.  I must have scared the person off when I got up to look what was going on, and I did have the sheriff out here, etc.  But since then, I have been so nervous at nite.  I now leave on the security lights and exterior lights all nite long.  I went around to my neighbors and asked them to be careful and for everyone to watch out for each other. I have a large, scary looking dog but he must have been out with his girlfriend that nite as he is prone to do.(otherwise he sleeps in a barn)  But, I have trouble sleeping now, and just don't feel safe.  Anyone go thru this and have any ideas or solutions??  I would really appreciate some help.  Thanks.  deb

I think you might want to invest in a security system if just for some peace of mind.   In the meantime I'm sending you some big ass angels to guard over you.   

I would have 2 inside dogs inside and a handy little item to protect myself.   I used to live on a horse ranch and at nite people used to come and try and mess with the horses etc.  My alarm dogs would wake me and I would turn on all the lights asap to scare them away.  Also I hung bells on my doors and windows enough to wake me.    Little things will help keep the freaks away.  I am sorry that happened to you!~Ann~

Oh my goodness Deb...I am glad you are ok...Try getting a dog that doesn't have such the social life...Just kidding....Seriously, I would possibly consider a security system...I know it takes time for help to arrive, but at least it would wake you and possibly scare off the intruder...Also, I would purchase a good Louisville Slugger and get ready for some batting practice...Take care and be safe!

I'll give you the advice my private detective/bodyguard gave me: get an alarm system. Jean

Girl that is really scary!!!  When I moved in alone I got a gun..... I have 2 dogs so I hope that helps but I do feel safe having my gun.  I cant afford an alarm system or else I would have one of those as well. Hugs to you!  I would be scared to death! Barbara

I'm so sorry you had to go through this - I'm sure it must be very upsetting. I recommend a yappy little indoor dog, which might then alert your big outdoor dog.

I would bring that dog indoors at night he isn't doing you any good running with his girlfriend.  I have a french mastiff and he is only 7 months old but if someone comes near my house he alerts me quickly he is a great gaurd dog.  My dog sleeps outside my bedroom door which makes me fill quite safe before him I had a Rottiwieler who was also a great gaurd dog.

i was broken into one night a few years ago. it is a very unsettling feeling. you feel violated. it is like a rape (been there too so i know what im talking about). anyway as the others have suggested get a security system put in. shop around get the best for your needs.it really does help. also your telling he neighbors was good . they will be keeping a closer eye out around for unfamialiar cars , people ect. another thing u can do if u have it in your area , is neighborhood watches. your local crime prevention units of police come to a neighborhood meeting , do a walk around the neighborhood and give you pointers about how to make your home less inviting , they also help u set up a program for you neighborhood m supply signs stating u live in a neighborhood watch area and when possiblethieves see it active with you and your neighbors patroling as well as the signs , they soon look for a new area to target. hope that helps tara

I'm so sorry that happened to you. Its so hard to feel the same after something like that happens, its a good thing you scared them off, thank goodness your okay, thats the important thing. I would get some motion lights put up outside, very bright ones, there are also night motion survalence cameras you can have mounted outside too, to record the intruder as they try to get in, when the lights go on, he will run, but you still can get his mug on film. If you get a security system and he sets it off, he will take off, you can almost always count on that. You can find good ones for not too much $$$ and even have them set up to be monitored by the company to call you and see if your okay or need help, if you do not answer, they send help. We have ADT and it offers that plan. I also have 2 great danes, they are pretty intimidating, over 150 lbs each. AND they live IN my house, I feel sorry for the fool who breaks in my house... It would not be pretty. I do have a little friend by my bed too, so if the boys dont get him, me and my little friend will. Yes, I do live in a not so good neighborhood, and have had a few break in's myself in the past, but just having that happen to you really makes you prepare for the next time. Locks are good too, window and door, putting a stick in your sliding glass doors and windows will not work. They can just pick up the door and lift it out, you need to drill into the metal through both frames, and slide a bolt into the two holes, that keeps them locked securly the only other thing is to break the glass to get in. I highly suggest you get some of these things, they are all options that will work very well for you. Good Luck and Stay Safe!!!!