This old gal is becoming more cynical and concerned about safety.

Last night around 8:30 our handyman was assaulted and robbed. Left unconscious on the ground near his truck until a lady saw him on the ground and called EMTs. Hit from behind with 2 men working together at the local shopping center. All caught on tape (not that it will matter). He had about $400 on him that was suppose to be used to buy roofing materials. His empty wallet was later discovered behind the grocery store.

This is certainly a reminder to be mindful of others around you.

Keep your head up (not down at your phone) and look around.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Lock your doors - car & buildings.

Make sure somebody always knows where you are / who you are meeting.

If you meet a stranger / prospective tenant alone, keep yourself between them and the exit. Don't let them get you cornered to turn your back. Stay alert.

If it ever comes to it (God forbid) have a plan for how you can slow down the attack enough to escape. Ie: Kick them HARD in the crotch & when they bend over swing your elbow HARD into the front of their windpipe. Then RUN!

I hope your handyman recovers quickly.

That's terrible. He could have been killed.

I think we are going to see a lot more of this, especially that the free unemployment money has been cut off (or at least ended until the govt puts it back on).

It's easy to make after the incident "If only's". Just be aware that this will be increasing all over.

We don't do it for safety, but this past year DH has been showing houses with me (I used do it alone) because of my now-fixed hip issues. He would show the upstairs, I show the downstairs. Everyone is pre-screened of course and masks are required, which shows some cooperation to start with. Not worried about house showings which are in such a tight group it would be hard to pull some shenanigans then.

I carry and have permit to do so.

I AM NOT GOING TO BE A VICTIM-- NOR ANYONE IN MY FAMILY IF I AM THERE.

With that said-- I've sent my people to training prior to them arming. I went along with them and we shoot regularly at my range.

I currently carry a Walther PPQ 9MM but my preferred gun is the Walther 45. The 45 is a stopper but is not the right arm to carry con sealed. Very powerful though. The PPQ 9 I carry a 10 round magazine and keep 2 spare in my door of the truck.

I CARRY EVERYWHERE now-- even when not working on houses.

I've tried some single stack handguns but most don't have the grip Ineed with my larger hands. Also most Walthers can be ambi converted. Since I'm left handed that's important.

My AR 15 is a Stag left hand with 30 round mags-- and I have 6 spare mags--.

Just because you carry doesn't mean that you are safe or can defend yourself.

There are even military people (trained killers ) who get killed out here in civilian land sometimes.

This has totally been on my mind A LOT lately. I live in small town Iowa, like less than 5500 people. Normally I dont think twice about things.

A lot of the factories that we have here in town do recruiting from other states. Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama are the ones that come to mind.

I don't know any of these people and have been made to feel uncomfortable a few times and had a current tenant that made me feel very threatened after we gave him notice of non renewal.

Fishstick913 carries pepper spray now. hoping I never have to use it, but I carry it.

Interesting question. I was visiting my kids who just gifted me with my first grandson. Apparently the neighborhood is a little iffy thanks to a budget motel, and they didn't want me walking the 5 minutes to where I was staying. "We know you're a bada**, but..." I had to laugh. Nobody has ever called me that before! I'm a Sunday School teacher, for goodness sakes!

Toss my wallet high and far away.....just enough for me to reach inside the truck door.

Someone is going to be having a bad day

After discharging my weapon call 911 and then my attorney.

practice these words:

I was in fear of my life and I thought they would kill me.

I want my Attorney I have nothing else to say.

I WANT MY ATTORNEY I HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO SAY.

melinda,

Yikes!

Please tell your handyman we're all pulling for him.

I was attacked by my own handyman years ago.

Curious - caught on what cameras? Sounds like he didn't stand a chance. Wonder if this was random or did they see his cash.

Did they steal any tools? or were they just after the cash? his credit cards?

One take away from you story - no need for cash. Provide a handyperson with a Lowes gift card for the amount needed. Much less flashy than cash.

Some of MY safety habits: I don't go to rentals after dark.

I lock the door when I go inside a vacant building.

Never leave ANY tools in the home, not even a 59 cent screwdriver from BigLots. They will break my new $450 front door to steal that screwdriver.

Supplies are stored out of sight, in closets or a windowless bathroom with the door shut.

Blinds closed with a light on. My helper leaves a radio on all night in the home.

Hope he's OK.

myob Best advice on this thread.

Dave,

Good catch. My helper prefers to leave them fully open so he can drive by and notice if anyone closed them and/or turned off lights to squat and hide.

Vacant: I recommend SimpliSafe moved to each project.