[CFrance]

Originally Posted by CassieInVa

I don't think taking regular precautions is living in a prison. I'm from up north, just outside Washington DC. We have always been security conscious. Now that we have arrived here, each night we lock our doors and have the extra lock on the sliders, our CYV gate is padlocked, our alarm system is turned on and we turn the garage door toggle to off. It becomes a routine.

This allows me to feel safe and I get a good nights sleep. I don't feel like I'm in a prison at all. I feel like I have my safe haven within a wonderful, beautiful community.

I also always close my blinds at night, unless I'm entertaining. I have always felt like a fish in a fishbowl at night if people can see into my home. I see no reason for keeping the blinds open at night since I can't really see out.

I've seen firsthand how someone who laughs at my security system and supposed paranoia, has a break in and feels violated and the first thing they do is buy an alarm system. I also agree with the poster that said the main thing you want is a noise that will makes a thief realize that this house is just not going to be that easy and hopefully they will leave before they can take your valuables.

I love it here. There is crime everywhere. But there is nothing wrong with protecting yourself just in case.

Well said.