Self-Defense Tip: Maintain Op Sec

 We’ve already discussed the inadvisability of deploying lawn or window signs that advertise the fact that you’re armed and dangerous (i.e. on vacation with a nice gun collection inside your unoccupied home). In case you forgot, a prosecutor would be glad to remind you that nothing says trigger happy quite like a “Go Ahead Make My Day” posted warning. Down at downrangetv.com, Ed Head loses his, suggesting that a little gun-oriented intimidation is a good thing, not a bad thing . . .

I’m assuming most of you are multiple gun owners and I would be willing to bet you have a collection of padlocks the manufacturers have thoughtfully included with your gun purchases.

Why not lock up your breaker box with a logo padlock? I’m thinking this could have a double deterrent effect as the bad guys might get the hint and go elsewhere if they see a “gun lock” on the power panel and you will deny them easy access to the circuit breakers.

Here’s a good reason: anything that makes you look like a gun nut can work against you in a court of law. In the same sense that you should never open your gun safe to the heat unless the cops have a warrant, the less gun stuff in evidence the better. Period.

Here’s another reason: if someone really wants to break into your house (as indicated by their desire to cut power to your premises) chances are they are some serious mo’ fo’s. Giving them a heads-up that you’re packing heat—undermining operational security—could make them more determined (i.e. dangerous).

If you’re that worried about the bad guys breaking your breaker box, you can get an alarm monitoring service that activates when the power’s cut. Or move the power for the alarm system. Or something. Depending on a Ruger lock to scare away invaders—to any extent whatsoever—is a bad, potentially disastrous strategy.