Woke up to a man sleeping in my yard

[Anonymous]

Sprinkler on in the evening for a few days. Will be unappealing to sleep there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This morning I woke up to a man sleeping in my back yard. We back to an alley and have no fence, only arborvitae for privacy. He must have snuck through with his bike because when I opened my blinds at dawn, there he was. I quickly and quietly called the police but my noise or something woke him or got him moving because he was gone before the police got here. I have no camera back there and while I gave a description, and while they couldn’t immediately find him, they told me there was evidence under the trees that perhaps he had been doing this for a while. I had to get my kids to SACC and myself to work, but they said they’d canvass. When I called before heading home they said they’d had no updates. I’m sure I’ll be criticized for saying this but I’m honestly feeling a little bit violated thinking about how he was right outside my window all night? most of the night? most of the morning? and a little scared he will return. I live alone with my kids. I don’t have an alarm system and can’t get one today; I’m not even sure I can get one period, since I rent. I don’t have a gun or anything else. Any ideas how I can feel a little safer tonight?

While I would be scared, too, if he has been staying there for a while he likely has no intention of doing anything to you or your family.

This is true. The police didn’t think I needed worry, either. It’s probably just the shock of it.

[Anonymous]

Can you leave the porch light on so it is too bright back there to sneak in/not be seen?

[Anonymous]

Umm yeah not cool. I second the sprinklers and pick up a ring camera on your way home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sprinkler on in the evening for a few days. Will be unappealing to sleep there.

Spray him with a hose on jet.

[Anonymous]

A gun is a sensible option. Get some training on how to use it. Hollywood movies is not the way to learn, any more than watching movies on how to ride a bike.

If things turn for the worse, the police might be there in 5 to 10 minutes. A bullet will get there in a second.

Your children are #1 priority. If you have to flush somebody away to protect them, that is what you have to do.

[Anonymous]

Advice from someone who had a breakin over night while at home with small children (now some years ago): You can buy over the counter security systems - I don't remember the name because we have ADT but they're fairly commonplace and available at Best Buy etc.

Good lighting is also a deterrent. We also NEVER leave any door unlocked, all first floor windows are alarmed, always double check cars at night.

If it's just a matter of keeping weirdos out of your yard, you can buy no-dig fencing that is not permanent at a big box store, stick in front of the arborvitae and it might just be enough to persuade him to go to someone else's yard: https://www.lowes.com/pd/No-Dig-Actual-3-8-ft-x-4-7-ft-Grand-Empire-XL-Black-Steel-Pressed-Point-Decorative-Metal-Fence-Panel/1000864882

Police told us the best defense is a dog.

[Anonymous]

Leave a note asking him to move on.

Don't list that you're single with kids.

My husband and I would appreciate if you slept elsewhere from now on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Advice from someone who had a breakin over night while at home with small children (now some years ago): You can buy over the counter security systems - I don't remember the name because we have ADT but they're fairly commonplace and available at Best Buy etc.

Good lighting is also a deterrent. We also NEVER leave any door unlocked, all first floor windows are alarmed, always double check cars at night.

If it's just a matter of keeping weirdos out of your yard, you can buy no-dig fencing that is not permanent at a big box store, stick in front of the arborvitae and it might just be enough to persuade him to go to someone else's yard: https://www.lowes.com/pd/No-Dig-Actual-3-8-ft-x-4-7-ft-Grand-Empire-XL-Black-Steel-Pressed-Point-Decorative-Metal-Fence-Panel/1000864882

Police told us the best defense is a dog.

Thanks SO MUCH for sharing this fence. I’ve been wanting something there even before this, but couldn’t figure out a temp solution. This would be ideal!

Off to water my landlord’s beloved arborvitae before I head to bed. Not sure how wet it’ll stay, but hope it encourages him to move on, if he comes back.

Thanks, everyone!

[Anonymous]

Can you put a motion activated light in the backyard? That will probably be enough of a deterrent and much safer for you and your kids than a gun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Advice from someone who had a breakin over night while at home with small children (now some years ago): You can buy over the counter security systems - I don't remember the name because we have ADT but they're fairly commonplace and available at Best Buy etc.

Good lighting is also a deterrent. We also NEVER leave any door unlocked, all first floor windows are alarmed, always double check cars at night.

If it's just a matter of keeping weirdos out of your yard, you can buy no-dig fencing that is not permanent at a big box store, stick in front of the arborvitae and it might just be enough to persuade him to go to someone else's yard: https://www.lowes.com/pd/No-Dig-Actual-3-8-ft-x-4-7-ft-Grand-Empire-XL-Black-Steel-Pressed-Point-Decorative-Metal-Fence-Panel/1000864882

Police told us the best defense is a dog.

LMAO. Defund those police.

[Anonymous]

Where do you live?

[Anonymous]

Motion activated lights would do more to keep him out than a gun. You don't actually want to murder a person, I'm assuming? You just want him to sleep elsewhere?

[Anonymous]

Get a plug in ring camera with siren and spotlight. I have one on my back deck pointing at the yard. I can turn on the spotlight and siren from my phone and get alerts when there is a person in the yard (usually just the yard guys). It was simple to install as long as you have an outdoor plug.

[Anonymous]

Tell your landlord. I’m sure they would want to know that random people are sleeping on his/her land. Maybe mention that the police said a fence would be helpful.