Dealing with Street Safety: What Are My Options?

General Security Topics and Discussions
1

I’ve recently witnessed two neighbors being mugged right in front of my house within the last month. The latest incident occurred at 6pm, less than 5 minutes after my wife returned home with our 2-year-old son from daycare. This comes after a series of daytime car break-ins targeting tradespeople in my neighborhood. Living in a major city (DC), my residential area is lower density with houses set back approximately 40 feet from the street. This layout makes it difficult to monitor activities after dark and limits the effectiveness of doorbell cameras or other house-mounted security measures.

Feeling increasingly unsafe, my wife and I, along with neighbors, are willing to invest in solutions. I’m considering bright motion sensor lights and street-facing cameras to deter criminals, but I’m uncertain about the best approach and whom to hire for such installations. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as another incident might compel us to sell our house.

2

It’s not because of, but despite living in a major city like DC, which has had one of the highest crime rates in the US for decades.

3

Larry said:
It’s not because of, but despite living in a major city like DC, which has had one of the highest crime rates in the US for decades.

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4

Would it make sense to consider moving out of DC altogether?

5

Adam said:
Would it make sense to consider moving out of DC altogether?

It’s surprising how the capital city faces such challenges.

6

Fabian said:

Adam said:
Would it make sense to consider moving out of DC altogether?

It’s surprising how the capital city faces such challenges.

It seems to reflect the influence of democratic governance across the board. With one of the highest murder rates and strict gun control, it’s quite a situation.

7

@Adam
It’s understandable why and how this happens, but it’s frustrating that federal intervention isn’t more effective.

8

Fabian said:
@Adam
It’s understandable why and how this happens, but it’s frustrating that federal intervention isn’t more effective.

Realizing the federal indifference to its citizens sheds light on these issues.

9

Fabian said:
@Adam
It’s understandable why and how this happens, but it’s frustrating that federal intervention isn’t more effective.

I wonder why the residents tolerate this situation.

10

Here’s what I did to secure my home, given similar concerns in my neighborhood. https://imgur.com/a/home-security-aXChCRd

We installed these security features for peace of mind after a personal incident. It’s made a significant difference.

11

@Lee
Impressive setup! How did you manage to install the access point into the tree?

12

robertson said:
@Lee
Impressive setup! How did you manage to install the access point into the tree?

Thanks! We ran conduit from the 2nd-floor soffit, underground, and up the tree trunk. Everything is wired with a battery backup system, which proved invaluable during a winter storm.

13

@Lee
Lovely home security setup!

Are the lights always on at night or are they motion-activated? How much did the whole system cost and where did you purchase everything?

14

Consider getting a big dog as a deterrent.

15

Kara said:
Consider getting a big dog as a deterrent.

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16

If possible, organize armed private security for your block.

17

Lincoln said:
If possible, organize armed private security for your block.

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18

I lived in DC for a decade. Improving street safety is challenging. Have you considered installing effective lighting despite your yard’s 40-foot setback? Leaving the city was the best decision for my family’s safety and peace of mind. Wishing you luck.

19

@FortressFanatic
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20

Moving to a smaller town could be a good solution if feasible. Cameras and lights are helpful, but ensuring neighborhood-wide safety is a larger issue. If you can, consider relocating.