I got robbed

Lena, you don't have to carry someting that is an offical weapon to protect yourself.  For example, we have all seen the spike collars worn by "tough" dogs.  Wellll, buy a small one and use it on your key ring. If somebody grabs you, whack him/her in the face with it.  Trust me, between the keys and the spikes, they will feel it! Almost anything, properly employeed, can be a weapon and you won't be charged with carrying anything illegal .

Excellent point, Lori.  A police officer once told me that an effective weapon is to hold your keys in your fist with ONE key sticking out between your knuckles.  If you swing, the perp gets a fist with a little bonus! Doesn't really matter as much where you hit him....that's gonna sting!

Thank you for the idea of the spiked collar Lori, wish I would have bought one when I was in the pet shop.
I'm really not sure though that anything would have helped as this guy surprised the heck out of me and it only took maybe 20 seconds before it was all over and done. It's really hard to fight back when your body is in shock. I have replayed it a million times in my head and the way he was whipping me around, I wouldn't have been able to do anything to him.
The one thing I have learn't is to never carry a purse with me again, pockets will do just fine.
Roger and I went to the place where it happened yesterday and this guy must have been watching me from his buddies car and as soon as I hit the parking lot, he made his way to me. When I left the store I looked around and didn't see him so this is why I think he was in the car.
Also, his buddy was parked across the street in an apartment building parking lot so they must have arranged to meet there.
When they shock the life out of you there really isn't much you can do. When I saw his face for a split second and saw the bandana covering his face to just under his eyes, I knew I was screwed. Kinda froze right then and there.
I really want to see this guys face. I want to be able to look into his eyes. I hope they catch him soon so that I get my chance.

Let's be constructive here.  Lena, I've been so busy I've only hit the highlights of the posts about IMHA and mange, and I only just TODAY saw this.  I am so so sorry --and it's going to take some serious time for you to get swung back to 'normal'.
 
When I was living in a big city once, I took a self-defense class.. VERY practical.  To this day (like 30 years later) I still remember what I learned:
 
1.  When you walk hold your keys in your hand -- one key between each finger and then make a fist.  BETTER than brass knuckles -- it will gouge out an eye and leave a lovely evidence trail!!!  Keep the door key (if you don't have an electric lock) between the thumb and first finger so you can walk to your car, slide the key in all in one movement.  If you have an electric lock only unlock ONE door -- the driver's door, NOT the other three. 
 
2.  Walk with a sense of purpose -- not rumaging with packages or in your purse. 
 
3.  If possible don't carry mace, but DO carry a boat air-horn.  They sell them in boating outlets -- often with a key chain.  Blast THAT in your opponent's face and he'll cringe at the sound.  It's also a more effective call for help.
 
4.  Don't scream "help".  Scream FIRE FIRE FIRE.
 
C'mon folks - let's be constructive here.  Meaningless discussion benefits no one, but giving good self-defense tips helps EVERYONE. 
 
Lena, what a blessing your two kids live with you.  I can only imagine how this is affecting your daughter.  Take care -- I'm here any time you need a shoulder! Promise.

Looks like we all got the same idea at the same time -- I like the little spiked collar idea -- easy to keep hold of..

I too like the spiked collar idea.  Now can we brainstorm and come up with some ways to make Lena feel a bit safer in her home?  I'd send her a couple german shepherds for a few weeks, but I think she's already got her hands full of critters!
 
How 'bout a string of cow bells, or even windchimes attached to windows and doors so that you are SURE to hear if someone tries to get in?
 
I'm afraid that's all I can come up with off the top of my head....but I'm betting if others start offering ideas I'll come up with more.  This isn't really something I think much about since I've got the dog alarm going on here.

These do-it-yourself weapons may be all well and good for helping a victim feel better, but choose very carefully when to use them. You think a criminal won't shoot or stab you for your purse? You could be dead wrong. Your keys or a spiked collar won't do much good against someone who could be armed. In some cases the best thing to do is cooperate and come out with your life.

Take a self-defense course. It will help your confidence and you'll learn proper reactions to situations. Then think VERY carefully about what situation, or what property of yours is worth fighting for.

you=collective you, not just Lena

This isn't a short term thing, but I teach my dogs to COME TO ME when they hear something.  It goes along with that "no barking in the house" thing I have, BUT it's a super big bonus in handling things like that.
 
Motion sensors aren't cheap but can be a darned good thing.  Just a chair set with it's back up against a door (wedged under the handle) can be a darned good thing.  A row of tacks on a windowsill is an old-timey trick but effective.  In fact setting bric-a-brak on windowsills is a good deterrent because no one wants to move a bunch of stuff to break in. 
 
Depending on the type of windows you have, you can install window 'locks' that either screw down, or if you have wooden window sills just a nail driven in a few inches above the track will prevent that window from opening.
 
I'd leave lots and lots of lights on.  Thereby you don't leave a clue which room you are in. 
 
I'd also alert neighbors -- tell them you were attacked and get them to look out from their side.  I'd imagine the police are already doing frequent drive-bys given your family influence, Lena.

Callie, you just gave me a good idea. My windows are all wooden and they have locks on the top but I still don't feel safe. I am going to go to Home Depot and buy a bunch of thick dowels. I am going to cut them all almost the height of the top portion of the window and buy some rubber feet thingys(like on the bottom of canes) and put them on both ends. I can then stand them up in the top portion of the window as there is a groove at the top where the bottom window slides into. If I go on an angle, they should fit in snug.
I have to get all of these old windows replaced but each bedroom has 3 or 4 windows so it will be quite costly. I just had my livingroom window done last fall and it was a fortune to replace, it's only 14 feet wide[sm=crazy.gif]
Callie, I forgot to tell you, I now have 3 of the 4 kids at home, Bianca, Dylan and Sierra. Natalie, my oldest moved in with Gramma when grampa died, she didn't want gramma to live alone. They only live about 10 minutes away so if I need something, Nat will be here in a hurry.
Another thing Callie, I was trying to find those keychain boat air- horns but couldn't seem to find them. I would like to get one for all of us and a couple of my girlfriends.
I will keep searching. We don't have any boat shops around here, to much land and no water[:@]
Thanks for the tips.

Lena, unless you attach those dowels in some way, all someone has to do is CLOSE the window to make it fall out...unless of course you keep the windows totally closed.....

Oh Callie, Bianca was shaken up when it first happened but we talked about it and she seems to be a bit more at ease. Besides, her and Sierra and a bunch of friends have gone for a few days to Hippy Fest, it's actually called The Come Together Festival but I like to refer to it as that because they all think they are new age hippies, heck what's a bit more peace and love in the world. They are going to be home later tonight and I can't wait to see them. They have been calling for the past 2 days on the cell so I know they are still a bit worried. I will feel better once the house is full of laughter again.

Oh Glenda believe me, the windows are all locked up. I even keep the screen doors locked now. I really have to find a way to get past this. I wish the police would tell me if they have my purse and keys, I would feel so much better but they said they can't.[]

Lena--I am SO sorry I got to this late--computer issues...
 
Thank God your injuries were not worse.  Unfortunately the emotional injuries heal much more slowly than the physical ones.  I would do a search for Self Defense classes in your area.  I took one called RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) through my college and it was one of the best things I've ever done.  I am at my dad's now, but when I get a computer back I will look in our workbook that we got and post some of the info we were given on protecting ourselves.  We were always advised against putting the keys in between our fingers, but rather hold whatever key you need to get whereever your going in your index finger and thumb.
 
I didn't see if you had a security system.  If not, you may want to think about getting one.  IDK how it is in Canada, but in the US they advise that if your personal info is stolen you watch your credit for at least 6 months.  If this guy had any intelligence, he would have a real job--so since he has stooped to the level of beating and mugging women he is hopefully too stupid to know what to do with your info.  You may want to also consider pepper spray of some sort.  I know that in some places thay actually have classes to show you how to use it properly.  Also, I'm sure there are message boards for victims of violent crimes.
 
I am so sorry this happened to you.  Nobody should have to feel unsafe in their own home.  That is just wrong.  I hope these mopes get what's coming to them.
 
 

That royally stinks, Lena.  The weather is so wonderful this time of year that I LOVE having the fresh air coming in....even all nite.
 
Can your brother find out for you?  About the purse and keys?

Thanks you Christina and I would love if you would post the info. It may be of help to someone else that reads it.
 
Glenda, I asked Roland(my brother) if he could find out but he is telling me that the detectives are being pretty closed lipped about it. All he did say is that there is alot going on with the case and that they don't want to jeprodize(can never spell this word) anything by giving out to much info. I am sure he knows but he said that it would be best for me to put my trust in them.
I am certain when all is said and done, Roland will find a way to have these guys spill where they tossed my purse if the detectives don't already have it.
I just wish I would get a call that they have this guy in custody. Crap, everytime I go out in the back yard I have this vision of him peeling around the house at me. I haven't taken the dogs for their walks since this has happened, I think they are really confused. I feel so bad. This morning Dylan had to go to work and I was alone all day. I moved all of the furniture in the livingroom and dumped out all of the doggie toys and we played for quite awhile. The livingroom is really long so I sat at one end and whipped the balls at the far wall, only after I took the pictures off. They were running around having a riot sliding all over the hardwood floors trying to catch the balls. Since Bianca and Sierra will be home tomorrow, I will get them to go for a walk with me and the kidlets and Dylan can stay here and watch the house.
What a flippin nighmare this has turned into.
It was so true when Roland had said "the moment this guy laid his hands on you, your life has forever changed".
I feel so bad being so scared because of this, I never in my life thought I would feel this way. [&o]