OT-What precautions would you take?

[Jason_W]

At the end of November my fiancee and I moved into a a really nice house on 20 rural acres in Northern Vermont. The surroundings are great and it's our first time living in a real grown up house where we don't have to share wall with other people

Unfortunately, through neighbors, we learned that the property has a bit of a checkered past. A while back there was a major drug raid on the grounds because someone had a whole lot of marijuana plants growing. The next people to live here were fugitives from justice wanted on drug charges, assault, and attempted murder. US Marshals hauled them in last September. That was a pretty interesting tale. If anyone wants the article, I'll PM it to them. I'd rather not post it in conjunction with my name here.

So, here are the potential problems that are in the back of my mind

1. A few seeds got away during the drug raid and this spring and summer I'll find Mary Jane growing in the woods. Do I just destroy the plants and keep it quiet, or call the police?

2. The fugitives or their associates come back to the house for whatever reason. It's possible that things are hidden around here that nefarious people may want back.

I'm probably just worrying over nothing, but I feel like I need to be a little more vigilant than usual.

[Tycer]

Well, don't sweat the plants. If you find any just kill them.

Get a flock of gunea hens as an alarm. You can eat the eggs and birds if you want.

Rent a metal detector and search the house and grounds. That'd be a bonus to find some cash or weapons. Look through all the insulation in the attic.

Talk about your concerns with your fiancé.

Make a plan of safety for each room fire and BGs. Escape and defense. Alone and as a couple. You should do this regardless of where you live.

Having a plan prevents freezin up under pressure. You don't have to try think when your in fight-or-flight mode if you've already thought it out.

You're a sharp guy Jason and I assume your gal is too, y'all will be just fine in an emergency.

Get the book "When All Hell Breaks Loose" by Cody Lundin

[Ysabel Kid]

I would call the local law enforcement and find out what they show about the place. If they confirm this, ask them what you should do if you find plants on your property (whether you want them to come collect them or if they want you to just destroy them yourself). Be up front, and on record, with your willingness to help.

Start wearing a gun at all times. If the thugs come back, it will be best to be prepared. I would also make sure that your valuables are very secure in case they come back while you are not home, and decide to help themselves to what is yours.

[Jason_W]

I would call the local law enforcement and find out what they show about the place. If they confirm this, ask them what you should do if you find plants on your property (whether you want them to come collect them or if they want you to just destroy them yourself). Be up front, and on record, with your willingness to help.

Start wearing a gun at all times. If the thugs come back, it will be best to be prepared. I would also make sure that your valuables are very secure in case they come back while you are not home, and decide to help themselves to what is yours.

This actually worries me more than the possibility of home invasion. Though, we do work an odd schedule that would put us home at times when most are at work.

I guess step one would be to check with the landlord to make sure the locks were changed since the last people's arrest.

[major]

very good advice

[Hobie]

A friend who bought a rural home formerly occupied by a similar "ne'er do well" put up a sign at the CLOSED gate announcing the change in "management". He put a fake camera with a painted LED light very obviously on the gate post aimed right at the gate (include the cable running down the back of the post into the ground). His mailbox was a lockable and custom made in his shop with heavy steel on a post sunk several feet in the ground. He was armed when he answered the door but was often alerted by his geese, guineas and dogs. He had a military hair cut (surprise!) and patronized the local gas and corner groceries making a point to be well known to everyone. He cleaned the place up neat as a pin. He had exactly one MISTAKEN visitor who promptly turned heel.

I think that's pretty good. My place has no such history and I've had a MISTAKEN visitor who wouldn't leave until "escorted" by a police officer (to a warm, secure place).

[AJMD429]

Make a plan of safety for each room fire and BGs. Escape and defense. Alone and as a couple. You should do this regardless of where you live.

+1

I would call the local law enforcement and find out what they show about the place. If they confirm this, ask them what you should do if you find plants on your property (whether you want them to come collect them or if they want you to just destroy them yourself). Be up front, and on record, with your willingness to help.

If the local LEO's have spoken to you and decided you're a nice law-abiding type, and not just another 'perp', then they'll be less likely to go of half-cocked if some DEA psychopath decides to earn points by busting your door down, and more likely to snitch if they see the alphabet agents plant evidence on you after they realize it you're not a drug dealer after all.

His mailbox was a lockable and custom made in his shop with heavy steel on a post sunk several feet in the ground.

Consider a see-through front on the mailbox, in case someone decided to make you a 'surprise' in it.

[kimwcook]

Jason, I've lived in the country and in the city. I'll take the country any day and currently do. But, there are some things a person needs to make routine. I carry a piece any time I'm going to be out and about working on the place. If someone pulls into my place and unless I'm next to the house they'd be between me and my weapon if I didn't have one on.

With the plants it's up to you as to whether you want LE involved or just pull'em and burn them. Yeah, burn them unless their very small. You don't want a bunch of dried plants lying around on your property.

Guinea hens are the noisiest birds around. Personally, I wouldn't have them. A dog or two would do in my book. Motion lights on the exterior of the house and outbuildings work real well for scarying BG's off. BG's usually work at night, not all the time, but most and they don't like being seen.

Never hurts introducing yourself to the local LEO's.

I wouldn't say I'm paranoid, I just have a healthy paranoia. It's my responsibility to be the first line of defense in protection of me and mine. Especially in a rural setting, LE usually isn't going to be around the corner if called. Just be aware of your surroundings and you'll be just fine.

[TedH]

I too would get in contact with the local law enforcement and express your same concerns you posted here with them as well. If anything ever does happen they'll know your one of the good guys. It's better to be a little paranoid and prepared, than to live with your head in the sand hoping nothing ever happens. I'm the former, my wife is the latter. I have a heck of a time just getting her to pay attention to her surroundings. She does at least keep a Glock and Surefire in her nightstand when I'm away.

[Wind]

Jason_W - If you don't already have one, you might think about investing in a good gun safe. They're good for more than just guns. I live in an area where I'm IN the food chain when out at night. Vigilance is good. When I started building this place, I put a gate on the highway access. When I leave, I lock it. It acts as a long distance front door. When I'm here I keep it closed but unlocked. It's a clue for friends as they can tell whether I'm home or not by the lock position on the gate. Strangers have to take a chance coming through a closed gate. I also have my mail delivered to the Post Office box in town. I never put a mailbox on the highway just to avoid any hassles with bank checks or credit cards etc. I'd be inclined to approach the top dog at your local police to see what needs to be done with volunteer plants that may present themselves. That could get touchy and prolly poses a greater risk than visits by low life friends of the previous occupants. Hope this helps (alittle). Watch yer top knot. Wind.

[RIHMFIRE]

my neighbor was the #1 chopper pilot for the local sheriffs department...now retired...
and made scores of finds from the air using infered equipment....
He was also pretty good at finding it with his naked eye...no matter
what the cover....I suggest you go straight to the LE and tell them
your concerns about the properties past.....I am pretty sure they will
help you out....and document your correspondence...
and should you find some.....call them...and let them take care of it...
Get a dog....and be prepared...

[AJMD429]

Guinea hens are the noisiest birds around. Personally, I wouldn't have them. A dog or two would do in my book.

Yes, but it is easier for bad guys or psycho alphabet agents to poison dogs or shoot them with suppressed firearms.

It's better to be a little paranoid and prepared, than to live with your head in the sand hoping nothing ever happens. I'm the former, my wife is the latter. I have a heck of a time just getting her to pay attention to her surroundings.

There should be an organization for guys to 'network' and at least discuss the economy, politics, and survival stuff, because the ones we most cherish and want to be with us through all the challenges (hopefully our wives) are usually of the "too unpleasant to think about it" crowd. That makes it hard to objectively plan for tough times, if the main other adult in the household isn't ready to deal with such things, or at least not ready to discuss them.

[kimwcook]

There's a bunch of good advice here. Wind brought up some good points. Two I thought of and didn't state. The gun safe and the driveway gate. Both are very good ideas. The safe especially. The mail box is also a good idea. I live five miles out from a small town and I don't get a stitch of mail at home. I have a post office box. Too many mail thieves and there's enough identity theft going on that I don't need to make it easier for them.

[TedH]

There should be an organization for guys to 'network' and at least discuss the economy, politics, and survival stuff................

I thought it was called Leverguns.com Forum.

[Rexster]

Some good advice thus far; the first thing I want to say is that the odds of visitors seeking the former occupants is going to be HIGH, and I say this as an LEO who has investigated burglaries and home invasions where this seemed to indeed be the case.

Regarding dogs, well, professionals, from either side of the law, know how to deal with dogs, if they can get to them. The dogs need to be inside, or best of all, both inside and outside. If guineas are too noisy, try geese. I have kept geese, when I lived in a more rural area. The good thing about geese is that they can be fenced to stay where you want them, or out of where you don't want them, whereas guineas fly where they please, and poop where they please, and may choose to roost too far away to be a good house alarm.

Back to dogs for a moment; big dogs tend to sleep soundly, whereas little dogs fear being eaten or stepped on, and sleep lighter. Some breeds are more vigilant than others, by nature, regardless of size. Some of the more vigilant breeds are more "needy" than others, so be ready to provide that attention they will need from you. An example of a needy breed is the German Shepherd. Great dogs, but they NEED more than just food and shelter from you. Even long walks may not be enough. Some working dogs NEED a job, and if you don't give them one, they may eat your house, or self-mutilate.

Use a mobile phone for a house phone, or at least have one handy. Too easy for a land line to be disabled, by folks from either side of the law.

[.45colt]

Much good advice. I and My extended family live in rural areas. As a teenager I heard A loud noise from My Aunt's farmhouse next door.Taking my rifle I found a less than nice man climbing in a window. after a short standoff He decided to leave after scaring the hell out of Me. He didn't like the rifle one bit. I was able to give the police a description of His car and a partial license plate#. He was caught. When I am outback away from the house I carry as several times I have been confronted by people just "out" in the woods. ...................I would have a big and little dog.just a few years ago My Sister got home in the middle of the day from shopping. She went in the house and locked the screen door.sometime later hearing some noise She looked out the back window to see two sleazeballs by the porch,one jumped up on it and the other said "try the door". She was by then in the kitchen getting Her gun when all Hell broke loose.the guy grabbed the handle to the screen and Her two Rottweilers in the hall went nuts.they ran for the car. Thank God for the dogs.

[Jason_W]

Thanks for the advice. We'll definitely be Talking to the state police about our concerns before the spring growing season starts. As far as keeping guinea hens or geese, we're renting so that may be a hard sell to our landlord. It looks like she's going to allow a dog, though. A couple fake security cameras might not be a bad idea either. Maybe even a real one or two.

[Blaine]

Clean up neat as a pin. A noisy indoor dog. A sign that "Tresspassers will be shot and survivors will be shot again". Congrats: The joy of living on 20 acres in the sticks will surpass the worries of the moment. Just be on guard, as one would be at anytime in these turbulent days.

[AJMD429]

I guess step one would be to check with the landlord to make sure the locks were changed since the last people's arrest.

I'd change them myself, and the same day provide two copies of all the keys (labeled as appropriate) to your landlord. Save the originals in a box to replace when you move out, and take your new ones with you, if you have alot of money in them.

As a rural landlord, I'd much rather my tenant had chickens, geese, or guineas, vs. dogs, anyway, so they really might not object.

[PaulB]

Surveillance cameras. There are ways to cook up a pretty cheap system with an old computer and linux.

Carry a gun, meet the neighbors.

Smoke any weed that comes up before it becomes troublesome.

[Doc Hudson]

Well, don't sweat the plants. If you find any just kill them.

Get a flock of gunea hens as an alarm. You can eat the eggs and birds if you want.

Rent a metal detector and search the house and grounds. That'd be a bonus to find some cash or weapons. Look through all the insulation in the attic.

Talk about your concerns with your fiancé.

Make a plan of safety for each room fire and BGs. Escape and defense. Alone and as a couple. You should do this regardless of where you live.

Having a plan prevents freezin up under pressure. You don't have to try think when your in fight-or-flight mode if you've already thought it out.

You're a sharp guy Jason and I assume your gal is too, y'all will be just fine in an emergency.

Get the book "When All Hell Breaks Loose" by Cody Lundin

What Tycer said!

[Rusty]

I haven't had anything but a P.O. Box for over 30 years. the only way to go now, as far as I'm concerned.

I'd also take geese over dogs or guineas. A small flock of 6 or 8 geese will always have one on watch no mater what time of day it is. If you go outside at 2 or 3 in the morning there will always be a sentinel watching the rest of the flock that is ready to spread the alarm to the rest. Geese can be aggressive too if they need or want to be. After you've had them for a while you can listen to them and tell what is going on and after you really get to know them you can tell what regular visitor is coming by the noise they make.

[John in MS]

"A sign that "Tresspassers will be shot and survivors will be shot again"."

Always remember what this sort of thing will look like to a dumb jury when presented in the most hostile possible way
by a prosecuting attorney. Figure on getting at least one jury member with the i.q. of an armadillo, and plan accordingly.

John

[jhrosier]

Be sure to change all of the locks, with good quality ones.
Secure out buildings that could be used as hiding places.
Have a good alarm system installed.
Put motion detector lights on all sides of the house and along the driveway.
Make sure that your vehicle is locked when you leave it.
If possible park your car so that you approach from the rear passenger side so that you can see all around it.
If legal, keep a spare gun, ammo, and good flashlight in every vehicle.
Keep a handgun and cellphone with 911 on speeddial within reach even when working outdoors.
Clear all the shrubs and brush that would provide hiding places from around your house.
Webcams can be set up so that they can be checked or monitored remotely from a cellphone.

Jack

[rangerider7]

Mace makes outside watchdogs cowards. We had to use it when I worked vice. Be upfront with the law and it will work for you. Asked them what they think you should do. My two cents.

[AJMD429]

Figure on getting at least one jury member with the i.q. of an armadillo, and plan accordingly.
John

Don't count on it, out of your average jury, there's not always going to be one that smart.

[piller]

My wife is a gardener, so here is her tip. Go to a garden center and buy some high strength vinegar, put some in a spray bottle, and use it on any plants which you want to kill. She sure has good luck with killing any weed around by using it.

[Slick13]

1. A few seeds got away during the drug raid and this spring and summer I'll find Mary Jane growing in the woods. Do I just destroy the plants and keep it quiet, or call the police?

Unless there's a lot of it, and evidence that you're caring for it, I wouldn't be too concerned about it. If you find any destroy it. If there's a lot, call the cops.

My neighbor has told me there's pot around our neighborhood growing naturally on its own. I've never spotted any though.

As a side note, I can't believe pot is illegal. Billions and billions of dollars that are spent fighting a weed that what, 60% or more of this country has smoked at one time or another? I guess there's more money to be made fighting it than taxing it.

As for home defense, as another poster mentioned, wear a pistol on your hip at all times, and I'd keep a riot gun handy. It's unlikely you're going to have problems, but being prepared doesn't hurt.

~Michael

[Retro]

1. A few seeds got away during the drug raid and this spring and summer I'll find Mary Jane growing in the woods. Do I just destroy the plants and keep it quiet, or call the police?

Make sure you destroy the plants properly.

I've heard that the best way is to first dry them in a microwave, and then burn them (preferably in a controlled manner)...