Things you learn living in a shady neighborhood

[diyj98]

The 12% small loan interest you could take out from the bank would be far smaller than the price of your life or goods stolen.

That or cancel the internet access to save a few bucks, sell a gun or other luxury or items as needed, the move the heck out of town.

 

[ClayCow]

That or cancel the internet access to save a few bucks, sell a gun or other luxury or items as needed, the move the heck out of town.

So ive never been in dire straits but I feel like there is always a luxury to give up to save to get out. Anyways, the price of relative safe comfort is worth the extra 200 to 300 per month to me.

 

[Rastoff]

For all of those suggesting an immediate move, please feel free to offer the OP a loan of 'first, last, and security deposit.'

A move, whether across the street or across the country, costs $$$.

I have not suggested he move in this thread nor am I going to now. Even so, it can be done.

Yes, it costs money to move. Even so, that money can be found. All it takes is a little saving. A few dollars here and there and a few months and you're loading the truck for the new place.

That's what I did when the neighborhood we lived in went south. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

This thread is about situational awareness where you live. Part of that has to be canvassing any area you might be moving to. Sometimes we get caught because the area looks nice in the day only to go downhill quick at night.

 

[pineappleshooter]

I obviously haven't properly communicated it but the above quote is what I'm trying to convey.

Colorado Springs in general is becoming a weird place to live.

When I lived in the "nice" neighborhood( Patty Jewit for those familiar with the Springs) is when the guy tried to get in my house.

When I lived in the "nice" neighborhood I would come home from work at 2 or 3 AM and see random people just roaming the neighborhood.

I see people here do things I wouldn't do regardless of where I lived like letting their 13 YO daughter go to the pool alone after dark.

The other day I was walking my dogs and I passed a truck I presume belonged to a GI that had what appeared to be an entire issue of TA-50 unsecured in the bed. I wouldn't do that on post, let alone 6 blocks from a surplus store.

People, don't recognize the dangers, the other night I was out walking dogs (common theme) and I noticed the dealer across the street was having a busy night so I altered my route away from him (best block no be there Daniel-San). I also noticed one of my neighbors sitting on his steps obviously watching every transaction and if I was aware I know damn well the dealer was.

I agree 100%. I live in a nice neighborhood, less than 3 blocks from the township fire department, police department, and major suburban hospital. Should be pretty safe, right? The next street over had a rash of middle of the day home invasions. You can't be too sure no matter where you live.

 

[Neumann]

Im confused. Did you wear body armor underneath your nice clothes and watch? Are muggers really that cognizant of someone wearing a watch on right or left hand? Why would you wear nice clothes and watch in a bad neighborhood? Did you walk around in nice clothes with an AK and body armor?

People up to no good can be highly observant. If you might be a mark, every nuance and body movement is dialed into a plan. If they're not sure, they size you up, often by starting an unsolicited conversation or request. Once, while loading my car, I brushed the hem of my jacket with my thumb, and a guy standing there to "talk" jumped like he touched a wire, apologized and left. It worked out better for both of us.

 

[mwr1]

Smoke I don't know you but it sounds like you are doing what you can and doing it well. I could loose my home and money tomorrow and still have things that would require safe guarding, including my life.

People need to understand that living in a bad area is sometimes the only place you can afford while getting on your feet.

Smoke sounds like he has things well in hand and is relaying good advice to those who have never lived in such an area.

 

[GatorFarmer]

RE Body Armor and heat

You get used to it. Michigan was not too bad. VA in the summer was worse, and I finally gave up the habit altogether in SC. But by then I was no longer in a slum nor working as a slum lord. I was also no longer skinny but now old, sad, and bloated...like a minor Baldwin brother.

I wore a soft armor concealable, in part because of at times dealing with large sums of cash. Armor for the home is actually far more affordable now than it was then, albeit in the less comfortable form of steel plates.

Cabbies, jewelers, family practice lawyers, other slum lords...I met other people who took to wearing body armor.

 

[TexasArmed]

The 12% small loan interest you could take out from the bank would be far smaller than the price of your life or goods stolen.

I am just pragmatic. I figure the more your willing to pay the safer you are. If you pay enough you don't even need to carry a gun, you can hire your own body guards. Now me, i just prefer providing my own protection, two guns are not all that heavy, and someone is at my home with a gun 99% of the time.
One way in, one way out, the rent is cheap, i ain't moving.
I did recently add a 12 gauge with double ought buckshot.
I have not been mugged, robbed, nor burglarized. Yes there
have been a few home invasions around town. But i am
determined i won't be a victim and i won't be a teller machine
for a thug. I have seen my area get worse and better over time. I guess the thugs just like easier victims than me.

 

[gregintenn]

I live in the rural outskirts of Mayberry, so I have a hard time explaining to my wife the importance of taking note of what is going on around you.

We were on vacation last year, and she never noticed the drug bust going on next door to our condo until I pointed it out to her.

Everywhere ain't like home.

 

[Warren Sear]

Sure the acts they commit is evil, but many have chemical imbalances. It would do you good to research it.

For the past ten years I have been the legal guardian of a young man with significant behavioral problems, so I can assure you I have researched the issue in depth. I can tell you that almost all of the drugging is unscientific, ineffective, and total bull ****.

Let me ask you a question; What is the only scientific, forensic way to determine the chemical balance or imbalance of a patient? I know; do you?

Let me know what your research uncovers (post sources also, please).

 

[Magload]

Well, you might want to give that research a shot yourself. Personality disorders aren't a chemical imbalance and aren't treatable by medication. Some of the symptoms and effects are, but the various disorders by themselves are not. It's just how that person is wired. Some people are truly evil.

Evil grows in cracks and holes and lives in peoples minds.

 

[NE450No2]

SMOKE, I understand your situation. ONCE UPON A TIME when I was on the JOB I was an URBAN PIONEER. I lived in a good apartment complex in a bad part of town.
Kinda like the TV SHOW Beretta I actually lived on my Beat.

I recommend you stay extremely vigilant at ALL times. In truth I recommend the samefor every one, as you can be a ccrime victim no matter where you live.

Also I can say that in any city there are some areas that have much less crime than others...

 

[ClayCow]

I am just pragmatic. I figure the more your willing to pay the safer you are. If you pay enough you don't even need to carry a gun, you can hire your own body guards. Now me, i just prefer providing my own protection, two guns are not all that heavy, and someone is at my home with a gun 99% of the time.
One way in, one way out, the rent is cheap, i ain't moving.
I did recently add a 12 gauge with double ought buckshot.
I have not been mugged, robbed, nor burglarized. Yes there
have been a few home invasions around town. But i am
determined i won't be a victim and i won't be a teller machine
for a thug. I have seen my area get worse and better over time. I guess the thugs just like easier victims than me.

I can protect myself. Its me being at work for 12+ hours a day and my dog being home I dont like. They can take all of my possesions, I dont care I have insurance. Its my dog thats irreplaceable.

 

[Rastoff]

This is a very interesting discussion. Thanks for starting it Smoke.

Smoke has made a marvelous observation, but I'm not sure all are getting it. Being aware of your surroundings is far more important than owning a gun or two. Knowing how to use one gun well is far more important that owning many guns.

If the threat goes unnoticed, it can't be countered. If the tool is unfamiliar, it can't be used effectively to counter the threat even if it's noticed. "Owning a gun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician." - Col Jeff Cooper.

It doesn't matter where you live. Learn the surroundings. Be familiar with your neighbors. This is the only way to really know when something is out of place, abnormal. That is when you'll notice a threat before it becomes a problem.

 

[cmort666]

We live where we have to live . . .

I lived in nothing BUT "shady" neighborhoods growing up in Chicago.

I wonder where people think we SHOULD have lived? The Forest Preserves? The bottom of Lake Michigan?

 

[TexasArmed]

I can protect myself. Its me being at work for 12+ hours a day and my dog being home I dont like. They can take all of my possesions, I dont care I have insurance. Its my dog thats irreplaceable.

I am old myself, but if they want any of my possessions
they will have to prevent me from getting any older. I have
insurance too, but my home is not a shopping center for thugs.
It is nice though to always have the home manned with someone who can and will use their gun on anyone who comes in to scavenge. I don't have a dog though and would regret
very much if i had a dog and it got between me and an
unauthorized undocumented scavenger who wants my stuff.

 

[Protected One]

I am old myself, but if they want any of my possessions
they will have to prevent me from getting any older. I have
insurance too, but my home is not a shopping center for thugs.

I really like that statement! Too many people are unwittingly "enabling thieves" by adopting and promoting the "just give them what they want" mentality.

If the threat goes unnoticed, it can't be countered. If the tool is unfamiliar, it can't be used effectively to counter the threat even if it's noticed. "Owning a gun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician." - Col Jeff Cooper.

This is the only instance I can think of in which I have found myself disagreeing with the Colonel.
Having spent 10 years as a professional guitar player I can tell you that you won't just pick one up for the first time and play anything that sounds good. It takes practice, practice, and MORE practice. BUT...MANY people have successfully used firearms to defend themselves - having NO practice whatsoever.
So, while "owning a gun does not make you armed", if that gun is loaded, in good working order, and in your hand...you ARE indeed armed! Having a great guitar in your hands STILL doesn't make you a musician. Great thought...bad analogy.

 

[44wheelman]

Shhheeesh, musicians, so sensitive... just kidding.

I feel like starting a new thread now: 'Anybody not living with rainbows, unicorns, and puppy dogs should just move'

Thanks to Snake for the life's helpful hints. I appreciate him sharing life on the other side of the tracks. I know I have gotten very complacent with my middle suburbia life.

 

[cmort666]

I really like that statement! Too many people are unwittingly "enabling thieves" by adopting and promoting the "just give them what they want" mentality.

As I'm fond of saying:

"If you can't trust in the good judgment, common sense and basic decency of armed robbers, home invaders and carjackers, what CAN you trust in?"

No plan I've ever had, have now, or will EVER have involves trusting somebody THREATENING to maim or kill me, to do anything BUT that.

 

[RSanch111]

Some can and some can't. That's the bottom line.I have to disagree on the perverse pride thing. I am a blessed enough to be abel to save , to get back in a better living aera, i know. Some are not.

I just know Detroit. And I know the surrounding areas. The ONLY reason I could see for someone being unable to move to a better area is because they have no transportation and use relatives or friends nearby for child care. Other than that, there are plenty of low-rent suburbs that are safer than the worst areas. There is subsidized, income-based housing all over the place now. From what I've seen, there is ALWAYS a way to afford to move to a less dangerous neighborhood. Problem is, when YOUR kids are the one making the neighborhood dangerous! Those types of people should just stay put.