[killer_carlson]

I live in the inner city and we have a lot of issues with crime - drugs, prostitutes, car break ins, house break ins, etc. The large homeless population contributes to the issues.

We have been quite active with the city's community liaison office about what to do. Our thoughts:

1) First and foremost report it to the police and encourage your neighbours to report their problems as well. Patrols by police cars are largely driven by the number of incidents reported. No reports, no random police drivebys in the neighbourhood.

2) Floodlights are not a bad idea, but you may also want to consider a security system.

3) Security bars are an option.

4) Consider organizing a blockwatch crime group or something like that and engage your neighbours to participate with you. This is a longer term project, but the more notoriety you can give the group, the more word gets around and the less attractive your area is from a target perspective.

As far as the 9 iron goes, I'm with you. My instinct when I see my floodlights on is to run into my backyard in attack mode. However, about a year ago there was a situation where a guy ran outside with a golf club but was soon overpowered by the four (4) intoxicated or high dirtbags. They used the club against him and put him into intensive care. They then got away, if I recall correctly. So on that one, the best advice is to call the cops right away, yell that you have called the cops and that they had better beat it, and then stay with your family - or at least if you do that first then go attack, there will be help on the way!