got broken into - padlocks?

[isaac338]

Last night I woke up at like 2am to an awful racket. The neighbor kids were having a party so I went to take a piss and when I looked out the window I noticed my upstairs garage door was open.

Talk about rage.. I ran out there and confronted a couple of fuckers just chilling inside having a smoke. I called the cops and they arrested them on their way out of the party next door.

So anyways, this guy was just some skiv ************* trying to impress his retarded lady friend, but it got me thinking about how easy it is to get in to the shop. We're going to replace the busted upstairs door with something heavier and some big pipes to bar it from the inside, and I think I'd like to install some motion lights and bars on the downstairs windows.

The two main doors are just locked with basic Master padlocks. Is there any point in buying some heavier locks? I know I'll never stop someone who's determined but I'd like to stop the average jackass with a prybar and bolt cutters. Anyone have any lock recommendations?

 

[ishiboo]

Last night I woke up at like 2am to an awful racket. The neighbor kids were having a party so I went to take a piss and when I looked out the window I noticed my upstairs garage door was open.

Talk about rage.. I ran out there and confronted a couple of fuckers just chilling inside having a smoke. I called the cops and they arrested them on their way out of the party next door.

So anyways, this guy was just some skiv ************* trying to impress his retarded lady friend, but it got me thinking about how easy it is to get in to the shop. We're going to replace the busted upstairs door with something heavier and some big pipes to bar it from the inside, and I think I'd like to install some motion lights and bars on the downstairs windows.

The two main doors are just locked with basic Master padlocks. Is there any point in buying some heavier locks? I know I'll never stop someone who's determined but I'd like to stop the average jackass with a prybar and bolt cutters. Anyone have any lock recommendations?

Disc locks provide more protection against a bolt cutters than a regular padlock, and the stainless ones are a bit harder to cut to begin with.

The Abus disc lock (or similar) is a good choice. I found out from the locksmith when I lost my key to one that the cheap disc locks you can drill the EXTREMELY SOFT brass lock out and the padlock just falls right off. On the Abus, if you drill the brass the lock still does not open.

This gives you casual protection against most bolt cutters that I've seen, obviously a 4.5" angle grinder is another story, plus what the padlock is mounted to.

 

[nateplumb]

.45 by your bed for just these occasions! Once you are lovingly referred to as the crazy guy with a gun that will keep most of thelocal rif raf away. Then of course upgrade your locks and fix the doors. Keep in mind that door jams are usually very cheap and long screws that get into the frame of your shop and or bolts, nuts, steel, are your friend. I use 6" screws on all my doors so that i am into the frame and major damage will be done to enter without permission. But unless your building it like a gunsafe it is still just gonna keep out the honest man. All security measures can be defeated, the goal is to make it not worth the time to defeat yours so they would rather go down the street.

 

[A**holes Garage]

Hidden shackle padlocks offer maximum security

http://www.masterlock.com/products/...lue=High&category=MLCOM_HiddenShacklePadlocks

 

[pop pop]

Press charges on the scumbags. The local DA will drop everything. File a civil suit against them. You'll get a better outcome. Word will get around. and Mom and Pop will have to get involved then.

 

[MoToys]

Hidden shackle padlocks offer maximum security

http://www.masterlock.com/products/...lue=High&category=MLCOM_HiddenShacklePadlocks

The American 2000 is a better product, I rather the master hasp though.
Doesn't matter much as they are now the same company.

 

[nehog]

A simple, LOUD alarm system works wonders. As soon as the door opens, it blares a noise that can't be mistaken and you'll be alerted. Have a hidden kill switch so you can get in of course. It does need to be setup so that once tripped you have to either manually reset it or it blares for about five minutes. That way the bad guys can't just go in and close the door.

 

[bob15]

For a new padlock and cylindersl, American made(as the mexican made master-lock) go to: http://www.padlocks.com/default.asp

Wilson Bohannan also has great customer service. I called them because I didn't see exactly what I wanted (stainless and brass), and they "hooked me up." You can also call them with the lock number (if you already own their lock) and they can make more, keyed alike to what you already own.


bob

 

[kbs2244]

The OP is in Canada.

Different laws RE guns and lawsuits.

 

[Zeke]

The OP is in Canada.

Different laws RE guns and lawsuits.

Yeah, I wonder how many people have really drawn down on someone else and not faced the cops. I leveled a shotgun once at a guy and I almost went to jail.

He sure didn't no matter what he was doing (breaking in to the neighbors).

I'd like to spend the rest of my days enjoying my tools rather than sitting it out in county.

Back to the OP: I think alarms and layers are the best strategy.

 

[NUTTSGT]

A simple and bsaic alarm would have scared off your intruders that night. It probably would have woke you up also. Anything you can do to slow down the intruders and scare them off is better than nothing.

I would have confronted them armed and let them know you were half off your rocker. But since you're in Cnada, I have no idea what you gun laws are.

 

[theoldwizard1]

You have to get a metal door. Even the cheap thin metal skinned ones are better than wood.

After that you need to do some thing about the door frame. A steel frame is best, but very expensive, but any reenforcing will help.

Replace all of the hinge screws with ones long enough to go through the door frame, shims and sink deep in the 2x4 stud. Probably 3-4" long.

Last replace the strike plate with an oversized heavy duty one with extra long screws.


Nothing will keep a "professional" thief out forever. You want to slow them down long enough that they go look for easier pickin's.

 

[isaac338]

I would have confronted them armed and let them know you were half off your rocker. But since you're in Cnada, I have no idea what you gun laws are.

Believe me, I hesitated briefly when I passed the safe on the way out the door; I probably would have gone to jail and I'm glad I didn't use a gun.

As for charges, they were both charged with B&E and trespass.

I'm going to look into the hidden shackle padlocks or at least some cylinder locks. I have an old car alarm siren which I might could fashion into a simple alarm with some mag switches, too.

Thanks for the replies

 

[jumpingryan]

In Canada the gun laws are changing.... Long Gun registry is almost gone which is a good thing.... pistols and other more ******** weapons will still be registered however. Both pistols and long guns are easily obtainable in Canada as long as you don't have a criminal record involving violence, and the laws are the same across the country (as compared to the US, where they change state to state)

Other self defence laws/honest citizen laws are changing for the better in the interests of the honest citizen based on recent events such as the shop owner who detained a shoplifter (who had stolen several times before from his shop and was told to leave), and had a criminal record 5 pages long. The shopkeeper was charged with illegal detainment.... but this was later thrown out by the courts. The Prime Minister later met with the shopkeeper and talked with him about changing the laws.

However the key thing to remember is that lethal force in Canada is allowed only to protect yourself or the lives of others from bodily harm..... to protect property you must used non-deadly force.... In other words, the guy breaking into your house has to be coming after you, and not your property.

As to detaining them..... that is tricky as well..... as you may not be considered a lawful authority. The could be attempting to leave your property with no violence towards you, and you are in their way..... thus you are infringing on their rights technically.

The problem is that the courts usually determine this stuff after the fact (with some consideration as to what happened at the time).

In the meantime, likely you will have to go through a lot of legal issues no matter what the action taken if you act outside of the view of police.

I am on your side though, I really wish Canada had property rights entrenched in our Constitution at times (although property rights can really get in the way at times with regards to other things such as development).

R

 

[billygoat21]

"However the key thing to remember is that lethal force in Canada is allowed only to protect yourself or the lives of others from bodily harm..... to protect property you must used non-deadly force.... In other words, the guy breaking into your house has to be coming after you, and not your property. "

You can now buy 12 gauge shotgun shells with those bean bags or rubber buck shot in them for non lethal force. Have that as your first round and a load of "00" lead buck shot for your second round.

 

[rwhite692]

Replace your man doors with steel casement prehung doors w/deadbolt lock.

 

[RobertMo1988]

i got a Metal door, with a metal frame from a local door shop around my house after i got my side garage door kicked in, The door is made by Ingersoll Rand and was pretty stout i would recommend them to anyone, the price was a little steep (475 or 495 its been awhile)but you get what you pay for. and i can guarantee they cant pry it open or kick it in. but it is peace at mind

 

[stripped]

Happened to me once, same thing, cops came, took them away, two hours later they were home. Charge was B&E, slap on the wrist while I had to do a security upgrade. A couple of days later I confronted one of the punks. In typical punk fashion, I got the usual answer, "what are you going to do about it?" I then told him that he needed to know that he had a special relationship with my property, if as much as a weed was touched, by anyone, he would bear the blame. Never had a problem after that.

 

[rodm1]

American Padlock - 700 Series are very good quality used on many store fronts. Very hard I've broke a large pair of bolt cutters on one.

 

[SGKent]

I ask every know a dog that pee'd in his own water bowl? They look confused so I ask next why they'd pee in their own water bowl by causing trouble in their own neighborhood and suggest that if they want to mark their territory they need to do it somewhere away from their own water bowl. Usually they have an ah-ha moment and don't cause trouble there out unless drugs are involved in which case you've got problems.

With any padlock be sure to scratch the numbers off the bottom. That is the key code.

 

[4wd4ever]

I caught a guy once breaking into my Jeep, gave him a choice: take the beating of his life or I'd call the cops...he chose the cops...but he "fell" several times trying to get off my property...lol

Same outcome tho, slap on the wrist from the cops. But I haven't been broken into since.

 

[Steevo]

You always want to make sure you are in the right and have the necessary permits before pulling a gun on anyone. Even then, you can expect to be treated like a criminal until it all checks out.

As for padlocks, I like the ones with the hidden shackle like these:

http://www.masterlocks.com/catalog/pro-series-hidden-shackle,117.htm

 

[nateplumb]

I would not ensenuate that anyone pull a gun to protect their property. However if I decide to goto either of my garages in the middle of the night I have the right to carry a handgun. If I stumble into a B&E in progress I will defend myself if necessary.

 

[joe6749]

Join the NRA. Support a Castle doctrine in your state

Second Amendment

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

 

[ARAMP1]

http://www.pyrocreations.com/inc/sdetail/11971

 

[isaac338]

Join the NRA. Support a Castle doctrine in your state

Second Amendment

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

I wonder where you'd find that in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

I ordered some LSDA hidden shackle locks and hasps; I have a pile of steel with which to build window bars, and we're going to build a stout door for upstairs. I don't think a prehung door will fit as the door is a very odd size.

Thanks for the advice all.

 

[satcat]

Sorry to hear about your B&E. I live in Canada also. Our property laws are very lame ; almost non existent . I found this video on You tube of a Swat team trying to breach a door for over 14 minutes, in an apartment building. Toughest door I have ever seen in a residential situation. Wish I new how that door was constructed..

 

[Ironhorse]

Buy American Locks...and one of the last locks to be made in USA..( I know Best Locks are great as well but hard to find ).while there trying to cut this lock off.... you have time to cook breakfest, clean your gun...watch a little tv..and if they make it in 4 or 5 hours later...shoot them

 

[E.T.Privott]

LA, Calif. has alot...ALOT of breakins so just look at how they HAD to fix there doors & windows !!! wrought iron doors and windows, steel bars well keep them out. a pad lock only keeps an honest man honest, a lieing cheat & thief well get in your shop or home !!!learn from those that have had to deal with that type or kind of people.

 

[Ironhorse]

LA, Calif. has alot...ALOT of breakins so just look at how they HAD to fix there doors & windows !!! wrought iron doors and windows, steel bars well keep them out. a pad lock only keeps an honest man honest, a lieing cheat & thief well get in your shop or home !!!learn from those that have had to deal with that type or kind of people.

Sounds like you have lost Snap on tools as well....thus why most of mine are at the home garage...my rule for the past 10 years or so is spot em...get rid of em...it works.

 

[nehog]

Buy American Locks...and one of the last locks to be made in USA..( I know Best Locks are great as well but hard to find ).while there trying to cut this lock off.... you have time to cook breakfest, clean your gun...watch a little tv..and if they make it in 4 or 5 hours later...shoot them

That lock offers minimal, to no, protection. Why bother, that chain will cut with bolt cutters in a second, the lock (and chain) then secure nothing.

 

[cyamaha2007]

Phew if that was my house or shop things would have been way different. Im pretty far out and 911 is practically dial a prayer. But i understand your gun laws are different and therefor you had no choice. Mainly you cant stop them but just detur them, most thief's are the lazy type already so if you make it work they move on to the next quick buck. Ive had good luck with the hidden shackle locks. Good luck and am sorry to hear about the break in. For us it bothered me more some one had the gaul and were in out property, its a spooky feeling for sure.

 

[Outlander]

Believe me, I hesitated briefly when I passed the safe on the way out the door; I probably would have gone to jail and I'm glad I didn't use a gun.

Haligonians are usually such a peaceful lot!

After I was robbed I replaced the man door with one that opens out to avoid the 'kicking in my door'.

Sorry to hear about this happening, took me a while to get it all out of my head. One of the two guys spent 4 months in jail, I took some comfort in that.

 

[EOC_Jason]

All you need is one of these... problem solved...

 

[Toolman12]

Something like this might help if it lives under the stairs.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Hi -

IMO , no need to spend a fancy lock or chain. What about the windows, the hinges in the doors, the frame around the door, etc.

I'd put a decent lock on it.

Install a alarm with both door, window and motion sensor and a internal and external siren. Siren could have strobe light if needed. It's easy, it's cheap and ITS LONG TERM.

I've installed it myself in both of my homes. On my phone, I get alerts whenever the system is armed, disarmed, if it armed in STAY or AWAY mode, etc. So the cost for the alarm itself is a one time spiel. The costs for *monitoring* is around $25 for this setup and add like $10-$15 more if you want to view your cameras should you go this route also.

A fancy lock is just that . A fancy lock..
I've been down that route. I have a boxful of some Abloys Padlocks, Deadbolts, etc. Some I'm still using at home but most of my exterior padlocks are just American 5200's

 

[Chukster]

Regarding an alarm system: Don't go wimpy with just a little car alarm. Dip into your favorite auction site, get a full 100Watt. siren amplifier & speaker, and a hefty 12V power supply (about 12 to 15 amps, maybe a little more for 'headroom'). Work up a relay to trigger it, set the speaker right over the door. Make sure you give yourself a little time delay to turn it off, or you'll be cleaning your pants & then shouting "WHAT??" for the rest of your life.

Siren wail, hi-lo, phaser, airhorn, yelp. whatever you want. The little rats need to feel pain and experience fear.

 

[Motofixxer]

You can buy very reasonably priced CCTV systems now. I just installed an 8 camera system around my house and shop. You can mount cameras anywhere you can run Cat5e wire to and using video baluns, easily hide the DVR anywhere convenient or even locked in a safe. Or use the standard BNC and power cords generally supplied. Connect to your internet and you can view and access the recordings from any internet connection. I would also recommend upgrading most of the cameras or piecing a kit together with 1/3" cmos wideangle lenses and more IR LED's for better night vision. It's no guarantee, but you may capture their crime for better prosecution.

As mentioned before the biggest issue is the weak design inherent in door jambs. Here is good info on upgrades I would recommend to anyone.




http://kickproof.com/ good illustrative pics

http://www.armorconcepts.com/Our-Solutions/Door-Jamb-Armor

or the Linebacker

for installation info

http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-P...s-entry-door-and-lock-reinforcements/View-All






.

 

[Ironhorse]

That lock offers minimal, to no, protection. Why bother, that chain will cut with bolt cutters in a second, the lock (and chain) then secure nothing.

the chain is larger then the mouth of most bolt cutters...I checked before I installed at the shop...so no you can not cut it with a normal pair of bold cutters...you would need to bring the 4 foot tall HK pair..and most thiefs will not spend the money for a good tool...lol

 

[Outlawmws]

Get a good grade re-keyable pad lock (Almont or Falcon are good) that use the Schlage style keys (like your dead bolt uses)

Get a Hasp that provides shackle protection. Here is the one I made for the sliding door (solid core commercial fire door) to my work room (I also made the rail and rollers that it is supported by, as a regular sliding door setup will not hold up a heavy solid core door...)

I utilized the existing door knob hole for this bit:

This is the main hasp hinged on the inside, the plate on the outside has carriage bolts all the way through, and before anyone brings it up; no, you can't just grind off the heads; that is bait for the stupid. The bolt is also welded to the plate on the other side...

Pulled through waiting for the lock plate and shield:

Plate on and lock hooked in place:

Lock locked; no bolt cutters here:

Shielded padlock hasps are available commercially.

For a hinged door, drill and tap one hinge, then install a socket head bolt, and match drill the other hinge plate for the head of the bolts to engage. use 4" deck screws to get into the framing as the casement is too weak.

Get dead bold with hardened steel rollers inside the bolt to defeat a saw, and make sure the striker plates are also reinforced plates and anchored with 4" deck bolts.

Steel door if you can swing it, frame too if possible.

Lexsan windows screwed in with plates on the inside of the glass windows. (Lexsan is super tough, and 1/8" will stop a .38 slug at point blank range IIR)