Does Owning A Gun Attract Burglars

paul7g

Hi,

I'm relatively new to the sport of shooting and i'm currently going through the process of joining a club and then hopefully owning my first fire arm.

I've mentioned it to a few friends and family over the last number of weeks, and everyone's first comment back was the above... literally everyone.

I'm aware that there are a number of gangs that do try obtain fire arms through this means, but on the other side, I think the idea of trying to steal a fire arm from someone who has a fire arm is equally daft.

Interested to hear people's opinions on this who have much more experience than me. Thanks for your help.

paul7g

"Thinly veiled "I'm a burglar looking to rob a gun" thread" - You got me :-)

As much as I want to get into the sport, this is playing on my mind slightly, especially considering it has been everyone's initial comment. I really don't want to find myself in this situation.

Surely this is something that everyone has had to weigh up?

Grizzly 45

Yeah burglars have this inbuilt natural detector to know which house have guns in them....Of course if you go and blab to your entire friend and relatives circle that you own one expect it to eventually land up being picked up by the wrong people.
They are opportunists and will take one if it is available and unsecured like anything else of high value.
However,those who have been interviewed in jail about their criminal life have stated they will avoid a house that they know is occupied by a gunowner in residence.For obvious reasons.

kjl412

I honestly don't get this question, not trying to be rude. The part I don't get is; why or how would any would be burglar knows you own a gun? No one except my family know I own guns and obviously some people in the gun club. I don't go posting all over social media that I own a gun, like I don't see how you think a burglar will just know this guy has a gun lets rob him. I think that these "gangs" you're talking about are A LOT more likely to import illegal guns than to go around houses looking for the odd O/U shotgun, the situation your giving here just seems so unrealistic as long as your not a total idiot.

paul7g

kjl412 wrote: »

I honestly don't get this question, not trying to be rude. The part I don't get is; why or how would any would be burglar knows you own a gun? No one except my family know I own guns and obviously some people in the gun club. I don't go posting all over social media that I own a gun, like I don't see how you think a burglar will just know this guy has a gun lets rob him. I think that these "gangs" you're talking about are A LOT more likely to import illegal guns than to go around houses looking for the odd O/U shotgun, the situation your giving here just seems so unrealistic as long as your not a total idiot.

Not rude at all. It's a genuine concern I have, but I have been somewhat relived that it is not a concern of others. Maybe I am being paranoid, but the fact that it was a common comment did worry me.

Our Financial Controller in work had his jeep broken into, in our company car park. The guy was caught and was well know to the guards, and it transpired he broke into his jeep looking for his hunting riffle.

I'm sure it doesn't take much to follow someone home from a gun club... however the lack of concern from the people in this thread has put me at ease, thank you.

The pigeon man

Honestly the biggest cause of you getting robbed is a nice car or two in the driveway. You're displaying a high value asset to thieves and they probably think that there's nice stuff to take inside the house.

But nobody will ever tell you that having a nice car will increase your chances of your house robbed.

With guns the general population perceives them as high risk due to the media and will automatically say that your house will be robbed.

BattleCorp

Tell fcukall people that you have a gun. Then there should be no problem. Most of us hide the gun safe where it won't be easily found. I've a monitored alarm on the house too which helps.

In reality not many guns are stolen when you consider there is about 200k of them out there.

If there was a high risk of your firearm being stolen, the Gardai wouldn't let you have it in the first place.

tudderone

BattleCorp wrote: »

Tell fcukall people that you have a gun. Then there should be no problem. Most of us hide the gun safe where it won't be easily found. I've a monitored alarm on the house too which helps.

In reality not many guns are stolen when you consider there is about 200k of them out there.

If there was a high risk of your firearm being stolen, the Gardai wouldn't let you have it in the first place.

I don't agree with that. Its not your fault that you might be a victim of a criminal offence. A garda tryed this guilt-trip horse- sh1t on me when i was got the licence for the glock years ago. My response was why should i be penalised for the crimes of someone else.

Its not the garda's fault either really, its the revolving door - slap on the wrist - property is theft - looney leftie justice system we have here.

Asus1

paul7g wrote: »

Hi,

I'm relatively new to the sport of shooting and i'm currently going through the process of joining a club and then hopefully owning my first fire arm.

I've mentioned it to a few friends and family over the last number of weeks, and everyone's first comment back was the above... literally everyone.

I'm aware that there are a number of gangs that do try obtain fire arms through this means, but on the other side, I think the idea of trying to steal a fire arm from someone who has a fire arm is equally daft.

Interested to hear people's opinions on this who have much more experience than me. Thanks for your help.

I would say most of the yokes that break into your home are not interested or would know if you had firearms.If one was stuck under the bed and they seen it they would probably take it,but thats just because they are there to nick stuff and the firearm is added to the tv,jewellery etc.
If your average scrote wants a gun to rob a petrol station or local shop they will more than likely have bought a replica airsoft handgun for €100 which are impossible to make out that they are not real in a robbery situation when its being pointed at you.I held a glock replica a good while back,it was made of metal with a blowback action it looked and felt 100% like a proper pistol.

paul7g

Thanks for all of the help. I'm much more at ease, thank you.

freddieot

I've had guns for 20 years and never had an issue. I do keep it quiet though. Normally only tell a few colleagues at work, family and friends. No stickers on car, no on line posting pictures of me with my toys etc.

I now a couple of firearms dealers that were burgled over the years but I can't really understand why anyone would go breaking into a house looking for one rifle or a shotgun. It's not worth the risk.

I think this robbery thing is just one of those reactions that people make out of lack of knowledge.

I remember one time I brought a young guy shooting with us and his Mother was worried he might get shot by accident on the range. The drive down in his car was the only things that could have killed any of us

TheBoyConor

tudderone wrote: »

I don't agree with that. Its not your fault that you might be a victim of a criminal offence. A garda tryed this guilt-trip horse- sh1t on me when i was got the licence for the glock years ago. My response was why should i be penalised for the crimes of someone else.

Its not the garda's fault either really, its the revolving door - slap on the wrist - property is theft - looney leftie justice system we have here.

At least it is more of a reason behind a Guard saying that than what a lot of Supers say when they see something that isn't a side by side or a 202 - "I don't like the look of it" "sure why would you need that?"

tudderone

freddieot wrote: »

I've had guns for 20 years and never had an issue. I do keep it quiet though. Normally only tell a few colleagues at work, family and friends. No stickers on car, no on line posting pictures of me with my toys etc.

I now a couple of firearms dealers that were burgled over the years but I can't really understand why anyone would go breaking into a house looking for one rifle or a shotgun. It's not worth the risk.

I think this robbery thing is just one of those reactions that people make out of lack of knowledge.

I remember one time I brought a young guy shooting with us and his Mother was worried he might get shot by accident on the range. The drive down in his car was the only things that could have killed any of us

Your average citizen knows as much about firearms as a three year old knows about nuclear fusion. Absolutely nothing. A few times i have had the gun out with people who may never have seen a firearm in the flesh before and the silly buzzwords flow "Assault weapon" "Hair trigger" "High powered".

Henryq.

Information about who owns a gun can easily spread to a burglar gang

The information is passed on by a local person

supersaint3

TheBoyConor wrote: »

MOD SNIP

Just all kinds of NO.

What absolute and total scutter

GooseB

paul7g - In my opinion I really don't think you need worry. Less than 2 years ago I was like yourself, wanting to join a club and take up shooting. Now that I have I can honestly say that I don't have any excessive fears of burglary specifically because of the firearm. I'm just as likely to get burgled as the neighbours are, but not more so. The firearm is locked away and hidden, parts needed to operate it are kept separately again. I don't talk about it to the neighbours so none of them know there's a firearm in the house. Like a lot of things, common sense goes a long way. Take precautions, get a cabinet or safe and don't broadcast to the world you have a gun. I was talking a while ago to someone that currently holds or has in the past held national titles or records in certain disciplines and they told me that neighbours of 30 years don't even know he's into shooting.

crusier

The are generally taken in burglaries when they are randomly discovered by burglers. Alot of criminals like to boast of having access to a firearm and hense they take them, they also have value as we know. Shotguns are normally sawn off and hidden / buried for access at a later stage, they are often swapped between criminals.

BattleCorp

paul7g wrote: »

Interested to hear people's opinions on this who have much more experience than me. Thanks for your help.

Lesson number one. As well as a lot of good information being posted here, a lot of sh1te is also talked on Boards.ie. This thread is an example of where there is good info and sh1te info.

Good info = keep your mouth shut and don't advertise that you have guns.

Bad info = the Provos are coming for your guns so that they can rob petrol stations and post offices or the Gardai will also steal your gun.

RandRuns

This attitude comes from years ago, when provos used to hit houses that had guns in them. Nowadays, any scumbag that wants a gun can buy one in the same place he gets his drugs at practically zero risk. Most lads going at armed robbery or whatever wants a large-calibre pistol, or a semi-auto "assault rifle" like his heros on the TV have, not a bolt-action 22 or a double barrell shotgun.
I haven't heard of a house being robbed for guns in years and years, since back in the 80's I'd say, before the drug dealers began importing them with their merchandise.

mrcheez

kjl412 wrote: »

I honestly don't get this question, not trying to be rude. The part I don't get is; why or how would any would be burglar knows you own a gun? No one except my family know I own guns and obviously some people in the gun club. I don't go posting all over social media that I own a gun, like I don't see how you think a burglar will just know this guy has a gun lets rob him. I think that these "gangs" you're talking about are A LOT more likely to import illegal guns than to go around houses looking for the odd O/U shotgun, the situation your giving here just seems so unrealistic as long as your not a total idiot.

Anyone could easily let slip that they have a gun through casual conversation, or maybe someone overhears you at a pub where you are with a group of fellow shooters?!?

Pretty easy to see how a gun owner could be "outed".. genuinely misunderstanding how the OP's question isn't a valid concern

Cass

Jesus. H. Christ.

Threads often go off topic, but this has to be a new record.

It went from asking a seemingly genuine question about security to accusations of An Gardaí apparently being responsible for some sort of gun theft/smuggling ring.

ENOUGH.

I rarely do this, but when the thread is re-opened any post not related DIRECTLY TO THE TOPIC will be deleted and continued ignoring of this warning will lead to infraction(s) and/or bans if necessary.

No more warnings.

J.R.

BattleCorp wrote: »

Tell fcukall people that you have a gun. Then there should be no problem. Most of us hide the gun safe where it won't be easily found. I've a monitored alarm on the house too which helps.

Exactly - I also tell as few people as possible that I have firearms.
I'd don't leave home in full camo - I carry the firearm in a case and discreetly bring the gear out to my car.

Draw as little attention as possible to the fact that you do own a firearm.

civdef

I've heard of cases where burglars saw shotguns and left them where they were - too much hassle and way higher chance of jail if caught.

Cass

The lads have given some really good advice and i strongly suggest you follow their direction regarding outward displays of gun ownership. We don't have to hide our sport from regular people, but you must protect your property and that means being discreet.

On a separate but related point. There are laws in place that require minimum security criteria be in place before you can become a gun owner. Its all covered under SI 307/2009. This means you must meet whatever criteria the law sets out at a minimum, and this may be increased at the Super's discretion. Forgot for one minute the legal requirements its just good practice to make sure your firearms are securely stored when not in use. This means trigger locks, safes, and if necessary vital components placed in a separate storage area away from the firearm.

Same when traveling. A locked gun case and ammunition storage container are now a legal requirement. Its also excellent practice to do so and you'll find most lads didn't have a big problem with this new law as most were already doing it before it was introduced.

I won't bother repeating all the good advice above by the other lads but simple things can prevent prying eyes.

tudderone

Cass wrote: »

The lads have given some really good advice and i strongly suggest you follow their direction regarding outward displays of gun ownership. We don't have to hide our sport from regular people, but you must protect your property and that means being discreet.

On a separate but related point. There are laws in place that require minimum security criteria be in place before you can become a gun owner. Its all covered under SI 307/2009. This means you must meet whatever criteria the law sets out at a minimum, and this may be increased at the Super's discretion. Forgot for one minute the legal requirements its just good practice to make sure your firearms are securely stored when not in use. This means trigger locks, safes, and if necessary vital components placed in a separate storage area away from the firearm.

Same when traveling. A locked gun case and ammunition storage container are now a legal requirement. Its also excellent practice to do so and you'll find most lads didn't have a big problem with this new law as most were already doing it before it was introduced.

I won't bother repeating all the good advice above by the other lads but simple things can prevent prying eyes.

Aren't farmers exempt from locking up their shotguns though ?

JP22

Keep your mouth shut, Its your business if you hold legally licensed firearms, no one else should know except a few trusted club members.

Mouthing off and talking in the pub or elsewhere is asking for trouble.

Know of a girl who posted on social media for a few weeks solid about going on holidays, sure enough, her house was done.

Cass

tudderone wrote: »

Aren't farmers exempt from locking up their shotguns though ?

What?

No.

Where did you hear that?

What made you think that?

Nothing in any SI or Act specifically names ANYONE as being exempt from storage conditions. The Super may allow a simple trigger lock for a shotgun instead of a safe, but that is the minimum.

BTW not trying to be a dick. If there is something i'm overlooking by all means share. I'm always open to correction and education.

N1one

paul7g wrote: »

I think the idea of trying to steal a fire arm from someone who has a fire arm is equally daft.

Sound to me like the only people to steal a fire arm from 🀣!

tudderone

Cass wrote: »

What?

No.

Where did you hear that?

What made you think that?

Nothing in any SI or Act specifically names ANYONE as being exempt from storage conditions. The Super may allow a simple trigger lock for a shotgun instead of a safe, but that is the minimum.

BTW not trying to be a dick. If there is something i'm overlooking by all means share. I'm always open to correction and education.

Wasn't that left in for farmers with a single shotgun ? Didn't the IFA look for a clause like that ?

kjl412

tudderone wrote: »

Wasn't that left in for farmers with a single shotgun ? Didn't the IFA look for a clause like that ?

Yes not just farmers though anyone can have a single shotgun and only need a trigger lock and for it to be broken down and stored in separate places.

Cass

tudderone wrote: »

Wasn't that left in for farmers with a single shotgun ? Didn't the IFA look for a clause like that ?

Just so we're on the same page. When you say locking up do you mean left, in-functional-tact, ready to use in the hotpress or as i said earlier with a trigger lock, disassembled, and stored separately but not in a safe?

If its the first then no. If its the second, yes, but its still part of SI308/2009 and the minimum requirement which is applicable to everyone, not just farmers.

PopZiggy

BattleCorp wrote: »

Tell fcukall people that you have a gun. Then there should be no problem. Most of us hide the gun safe where it won't be easily found. I've a monitored alarm on the house too which helps.

In reality not many guns are stolen when you consider there is about 200k of them out there.

If there was a high risk of your firearm being stolen, the Gardai wouldn't let you have it in the first place.

This. Keep it to yourself and keep it locked away, preferably in some out of the way area like the attic or behind a false wall etc.

nuckeythompson

Ask your insurance company -

Especially in the country its known who has guns and they tend to be at a higher risk

BattleCorp

nuckeythompson wrote: »

Ask your insurance company -

Especially in the country its known who has guns and they tend to be at a higher risk

Have you any evidence to back up that statement?

Hunter456

9 times out of 10 they avoid a house that they know to have guns for reasons they intend to keep their heads on their shoulders from the horse's mouth so to speak, now there is your cheeky opportunist burglar who will give it a go, just avoid telling people you have guns. break the shotgun down in to main parts and for rifle's take the bolt out hide it in a separate room, you'll never stop them all you can do is make it harder for them to get into the safe,

The pigeon man

nuckeythompson wrote: »

Ask your insurance company -

Especially in the country its known who has guns and they tend to be at a higher risk

I asked my insurance company to insure some of my guns. They covered a high value gun for less than €40 on top of my house insurance. Covered for theft, loss or damage inside or outside the home.

I imagine if it was high risk I'd be paying alot more.

clivej

To be honest this aspect about firearm ownership never bothered me, maybe it did my wife somewhat. I own several firearms. And I think a lot of people know that I have them, only because I belong to several ranges where I meet other firearm owners. But by the same token I also know many people that own firearms.
BUT then I have made it my business to do what I can to make it a little harder for potential thieves to 'Have a go'. And I of course have a monitored alarm system in place with an 'Under duress' code that will call the Garda direct.
At a local neighbourhood watch meeting our CPO said the best and cheapest thing to do was to put up a Dusk to Dawn outside light. Easy to do with a sensor and LED floodlight, cost little to erect and run and will give you light when coming home in the dark.
I have several cameras that cover all my home both inside and out recording to the 'Cloud' so no recording unit to rob.
Next is to put your firearm on your house insurance, should be no or very little increase in cost.

Quote......
"Civilian Possession
In the year to 31 July 2008, the number of firearm certificates on issue in Ireland was 233,120. Each certificate qualifies its holder to possess a single, specified firearm, along with a maximum quantity and described type of ammunition.The number of certificates has risen slowly since 2000, when 207,000 were on issue."

So an increase of 26,120 firearms in those 8 years.
I'd say firearm ownership has gone up since then.

You don't hear of them getting stolen, because they don't.

civdef

tudderone wrote: »

Aren't farmers exempt from locking up their shotguns though ?

No, but the actions of some farmers leaving guns in sheds is part of the reason the security regs were introduced

cavan shooter

A number of years ago i asked the local CPO to call up to the house to look at my security for the firearms I had in the house.

First thing he said was do you have a cabinet/safe. He went on to say most firearms are robbed cause they are easy got at and since most burglars spend 3 minutes in the house they dont want to spend time trying to open a safe.

I asked him if I should put up a cctv system, again he said you need two cameras
1, front door and back door

a burglar will always ring the front door bell, if there is no answer he will go around and knock on the back door he then went on to say

If someone wants your guns.....they will ring your door bell and take them you can do nothing about aggravated burglary and its rare....best advise ever

Grizzly 45

One great alarm and help too is our 4 legged pals.
Having a couple of dogs barking like crazy can be enough to deter as well.
Esp if it is of a bigger and more intimidating breed. Used to have a Great Dane, no one would come near the place inc the Post, AGS, deliveries by any courier company and strangers,of the scrap buying or farm gate selling variety
[Despite him being an utter coward and let himself be bossed about by a Jack Russel Terrier]. Just because of his size and extremely menacing deep bark.

They were a great duo for an alarm. The little fellah would wake the house with his noise, and then the big fellah appeared to join in.
Both rescues from the dog pound so an excellent early warning system for some food, and vet bills.

no_4

I agree 100% on this

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

One great alarm and help too is our 4 legged pals.
Having a couple of dogs barking like crazy can be enough to deter as well.
Esp if it is of a bigger and more intimidating breed. Used to have a Great Dane, no one would come near the place inc the Post, AGS, deliveries by any courier company and strangers,of the scrap buying or farm gate selling variety
[Despite him being an utter coward and let himself be bossed about by a Jack Russel Terrier]. Just because of his size and extremely menacing deep bark.

They were a great duo for an alarm. The little fellah would wake the house with his noise, and then the big fellah appeared to join in.
Both rescues from the dog pound so an excellent early warning system for some food, and vet bills.

Cass

Grizzly 45 wrote: »

One great alarm and help too is our 4 legged pals.
Having a couple of dogs barking like crazy can be enough to deter as well.
.

Yup.

Looks the part but in the house a complete softy.

Here is one of mine. Mazikin. Aptly named when she is outside, but when she is inside she likes her comfort, and yes that is a radiator she has her arse against. :rolleyes:

tudderone

Nice Sako, wonder who had it swiped ?


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