Looters vs robbers

**huntermj** · 03-02-2010, 08:27 PM

This is a little complected, so hopefully i can express my thoughts in a coherent manner for a change. If not, I'm sure there some here who can help me.
I didn't want to hijack a thread but a really good off topic was brought up.
the difference between looters and robbers and how to deal with each. I know how i would deal with either but thats just me.
i think it may be a mental state of mind, wheres Volwest when you need him.
And in trying to understand that difference. The thread starter said "i think a looter would just run through a house quickly grabbing stuff and not see the details" (to paraphrase). I can understand his prospective but i will partially disagree. a common man forced to loot for the first time would be freaked out, jacked up on adrenaline and miss the details but by the 10th house, without a problem? He may be emboldened.
Are you the first house the looter encounters or the 10th?
And I think the first wave of looters wouldn't be the common Joe but rather the criminal element, such as people who have broken into homes before and use the disaster as an excuse to take from others
Such people May have been in others homes stealing before and can be very non-chalont about it. Even stop to make a sandwich from the fridge.
Not saying i have known such people in the past or engaged in such activity or have any idea where to find lunch meat in other peoples homes or business's.

I would just like to here the thoughts of others on this,
Thank You

**Sourdough** · 03-02-2010, 08:36 PM

Shoot-em and eat-em. (BLT = Bacon & Looter on Toast) (SRR = Sliced Roasted Robber)

**Rick** · 03-02-2010, 08:49 PM

I have to agree with what you've said. I think a lot will have to do with geography. There are some areas where that is more likely to happen and some areas where it is less likely. It doesn't take much smarts to figure out where folks would rather be but the fix is relatively simple, I think. As I said in the other thread, if you prepare your home, wherever you are, with the idea that you are going to make it less appealing than your neighbors then the odds are much better than the robber and the looter will choose the neighbor and possibly even avoid yours. There are tons of things you can do right now that would improve your home.

Get a security system or at least decals that you have one.
Have doors with reinforced frames using three inch screws.
Security Strike plate.
Either a single cylinder or double cylinder deadbolt.
Pin Hinges for the door hinges.
190° Viewer
Secure grill over any windows in the door (better yet, no windows).
Install panhead screws in the upper track of sliding doors so they can not be lifted out of the track.
Use a "Charlie" bar or stick behind the sliding door.
Install a pin in the sliding door to prevent it from sliding.
Auxillary locks on your garage door.
Window stops or pins for windows.
Use your locks!!
Keep shrubbery trimmed back and away from windows to remove hiding spots.
Use exterior security lighting.
Make certain your name does NOT appear on the outside of your home or on your mailbox.
Since most burglaries occur during the day have a radio or TV on a timer while you're gone.
Make certain mail and newspapers don't collect when you are on vacation. Have someone get them for you or stop them.
Don't leave tools, like ladders, outside for thieves to use.
Don't leave boxes on the curb at trash day. A shipping box for a TV, Computer or Stereo is like a billboard. If you must leave them out break them down flat.
Walk around your house and see what you can see inside your home. If you can see your computer or stereo from the outside, so can a thief.

If you've been robbed and you don't have a security system you need to think about getting one. The robber knows your going to replace all the stolen stuff with new so he just might be back.

If you do all that, then your home won't be so attractive and the bad guys might go somewhere else. By the way, if you have any questions about what I've posted because I wasn't clear you are welcome to PM me and I'll elaborate and/or send you pictures so you can consider similar upgrades to your home.

**crashdive123** · 03-02-2010, 08:49 PM

I really don't distinguish between the two. They're both thieves and I don't think they're too concerned with labels. If they go to loot or rob and nobody is there - I don't think they'll be offended by being called burglars.

**huntermj** · 03-02-2010, 09:02 PM

Crash i can see your point. maybe i am thinking about there response to Resistance. Would first time looters run away when confronted and robbers turned looters fight back having been in that position before and not as feaked out. Or is it a mixed bag. When it comes to survival i'll go with experince.

**doug1980** · 03-02-2010, 09:05 PM

I agree. Having anyone in your home who does not belong and who has intent to steal no matter what they are called is a bad thing. They have the potential to find any and everything you have, hiden or not. Luckily I have not had this problem. My home in Indiana was unoccupied with all my worldly possessions in it for over a year and I never had any problems. My garage and shed are full of stuff to steal and those have been untouched as well. Like Rick said it all depends on where you are. My solution, if it does happen is, shoot first ask questions later.

**huntermj** · 03-02-2010, 09:11 PM

Rick all good suggestions. i live on a dirt road but i think the majority of resources are centered in town. Such as food and water.at least for the first 24 hours of a disaster. if i was to go looting 12 hours after an emergency where should i go to gather resources?

**crashdive123** · 03-02-2010, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by huntermj

Crash i can see your point. maybe i am thinking about there response to Resistance. Would first time looters run away when confronted and robbers turned looters fight back having been in that position before and not as feaked out. Or is it a mixed bag. When it comes to survival i'll go with experince.

I agree with your comment about experience. I think that there are a lot of factors that could affect the actions of both sides though. It seems that so many news stories we hear that involve young gang bangers have a common theme - no respect for human life. The flip side of that could be a person that felt they had no option other than to loot due to any number of factors - lack of preparedness - victims of looting themselves - etc. Now, they may be less inclined to do physical harm. As far as the victim - Again - a lot of factors probably will affect the actions taken. Prior training - protecting just property? - protecting others? - how much do they value what is about to be taken......

There probably is no set answer, but it certainly does make you think.

**huntermj** · 03-02-2010, 09:30 PM

yes it does.
And how fast can i size up the guy in my doorway.
How desperate is he or she. The she is something i just thoght of.
nell may well kick our butts to save her own.
Nell two fisted gunning in my doorway. im a dead man!!

**rwc1969** · 03-02-2010, 10:09 PM

I think there are differences. A looter as used is someone who might be in-experienced and just runnin and gunnin. A robber is someone who is possibly very experienced, casing you out and coming in when you least expect fully prepared to do whatever is needed to get what they came for. The robber might very well know what he's comin for whereas the looter is just looking for whATEVER HE CAN SPOT.

If you prepare for the robbers the looters won't be a problem.

**BLEUXDOG** · 03-02-2010, 10:18 PM

After the big wind and high water folks started realizing that everything was gone. A lot of people headed to the local stores and started taking items of their choice with out paying. You could tell who was there out of necessity vs greed by what they were taking. I believe we all remember the guys carrying the big screen tvs. Where were they going? What were they going to do with a tv when there wasn't any electricity for 80 miles.

I can understand taking what you NEED. Isn't that what the 5 minute grab is all about? Taking food from a grocery store is a sure bet.

Breaking into someone's house is a gamble. Did the owner leave food or are you just looking to take advantage of a bad situation and steal? Glockcop was there and can tell you even good people did bad things.

Our insurance company said it was looting because there was civil unrest. They said if our house was broken into it was looting not robbery.

**Rick** · 03-02-2010, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by HunterMJ

if i was to go looting 12 hours after an emergency where should i go to gather resources?

Looting huh? Well, all the examples of looting I've seen have been like a shark feeding frenzy. They turn on each other about as quick as trying to steel stuff. I want to be where they aren't.

**SARKY** · 03-03-2010, 12:40 PM

Looting is very different from robbing. A robber normally plans his/her heist. Looting normally occurs during some sort of civil unrest. During a disaster, most civilized people loot to stay alive taking the necessities they need. Of course when it is your stuff they are taking , it doesn't make a lick of difference whether they are looters or robbers.

**Ole WV Coot** · 03-03-2010, 11:58 PM

Same old stuff, once again I will say I watched looting and rioting for three days and they all wanted what they were too lazy to work for. My personal opinion is I see no difference and anyone unwanted for any reason on my little part of WV will be dealt with according to the law according to ME. I don't think anyone in this area would object. I haven't been hiding under a rock for the last 50yrs and I sleep well at night.

**welderguy** · 03-04-2010, 12:20 AM

My point of view is this.
if a robber enters a property with the intent of removing property it is stealing.
if a looter enters a property with the intent of removing property it is stealing.
if there is a genuine need for food , water or medical , then and only then could i see using what you need and leaving. not loading up a cart full of junk food and booze, or taking that 42inch LCD TV.
I do know that in a disaster situation I am going to protect what i have , but would be willing to help someone if I'm asked , but trying to take my stuff is going to make your bad situation even worse