Big Dog.
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How about 12 gauge bean bag loads or just good old 12 ga rock salt loads?
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The best indicator of future behavior is past behavior. When he gets out, he will be back in your MILs yard and at some point will assault someone again.

If your MIL is like mine, a bit older and somewhat feeble, whatever less than lethal device she has may be taken from her and used against her.

There have been alot of good suggestions thus far and I think a good sized "sic balls" type dog is probably your best bet at this point.

Beyond that she will need a gun, the proper training on how to use it and the mental attitude to use it with deadly intention should it come to that. If she cannot bring herself to do that a gun is not an option at all because as I stated above, it may be taken from her and used against her.

I hate that you even have to come to others seeking this advise but it is the world we live in. Always remember, when seconds count, the police are minutes away.
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Actually, that's exactly where the femoral artery is located. Damage the femoral artery and he'll be a goner in minutes.

To the OP, I would be sure that those surveillance cameras were re-installed (assuming they haven't already since the one was ripped down), get a restraining order (violating this will demonstrate a patter of behavior and leave a paper trail as to your in-laws trying legal means (on paper) to defend themselves), and sign her/them up for a gun safety course at the local gun range. This will give her familiarity when handling a weapon and confidence from practice. Additionally, be sure she keeps the certificate of completion in case she ever needs to resort to deadly force and is asked to appear in court.
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Handgun. Double Tap to center of mass. I know she doesn't want lethal force, but if the guy is mentally crazy AND has a history of assault, I would not bet my life on Tazers, pepper spray, dogs, clubs, etc. They probably won't work. :-) Your mileage may vary.

Good luck. I hope everything turns out okay and this piece of scum doesn't bother her. :-)
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I say get a dog...you get a new family friend and theif scarer awayer..
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Big, Mean Dog would be my best advice. Good Luck!
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evil sharks with frikin lasers attached to their heads
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One other great non lethal self protection device is a tall fence with a key locked gate. If he climbs the fence he is fair game to be taken out by any means necessary, lethal or non lethal. Check local laws, she very well could have more legal problems(civil) turning a dog on him than killing him in self defense.:-)
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Sadly enough this is probably more correct. Although if he falls off the fence trying to climb over it there are some lawyers who will get your in-laws money for the guy. Dogs can be poisoned or get you into trouble if they bite someone, even an intruder.

I understand the MIL not wanting to use lethal force, but it is the only guarantee that this guy will stop. There has already been a pattern of violence and the in-laws just knowing of this pattern could be enough to make the case for them feeling a threat of eminent physical harm with the possibility of death, because you never know when good ol' crazy turns into murderous rage. Two rounds through the chest. Hollow points would be my recommendation.
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X2
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Last year a local Brother saw the whacko neighbour talking to his 6 year old daughter outside his home, he went outside asked the kid to go inside told the guy to have a nice day, turned to go inside himself and was stabbed in the back twice with a 8" butcher knife. He wrestled the knife off the guy called the cops. The whacko ran home & committed suicide, had a history of illness, was off his meds, you know the story.

You just can't tell what people with a mental illness will fixate on, better to be safe than sorry. Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. IMHO
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:-)
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This is made by an extremely reputable company.

http://www.pepperblaster.com/

They carry them at adventure outdoors which is not too far from where you live.

http://www.advout.com/
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Albert, you've received a lot of good advice here. What I would ask your MIL is who would she rather have dead, the psycho, or herself? That question typically puts things into perspective.

I'm assuming the wacko is renting? Any possibility of talking to his landlord about terminating his lease?

Living in fear is no way to live. Good luck with your family's decision my friend.
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Big well trained protection dog, motion detector lights, wall between the properties.

Personally I like shotguns with buckshot, but if your MIL doesn't, make it hard for the guy to even get close to her.

Or his house could accidentally burn down while he's in jail. :-)
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One more thing that is good knowledge for everyone here not just Albert is if you are in a situation like this go visit your local police station. Tell them you are scared. They will make their presence known for you, especially if you come back a few times with goodies. Sandwiches, wings, whatever can go a long way.

Also make sure all of your neighbors are aware of what happened. They will look out their windows more often. I also guarantee one of her neighbors will end a situation permanently if it escalates.
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[quote=md4958;458477] I'm assuming the wacko is renting? Any possibility of talking to his landlord about terminating his lease?QUOTE]


Good call, rental leases generally contain a provision which prevent tenants from distrubing their neighbors. A violation of such provision would be cause for breaching the lease. Also, since he is currently in jail, he probably isn't paying his rent. If he is renting, make sure that your MIL informs the landlord in writing of their tenants actions and reminds them that they she will hold them liable for their tenants actions (since they have prior knowledge of their tenant's actions and mental condition).

Either way, I would still get a big dog (and keep a loaded shotgun handy).

Best of luck!
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If the guys got the crazys you might wanna look into less lethal vs non. If hes made up his mind hes comeing for you non lethals will more then likely piss him off evan more, Where as a nicely placed 12ga stingball or beanbag round will put him on his a$$. :-)
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The beanbag rounds and shotguns seem like excellent suggestions, but can any of you really picture your mother or mother-in-law carrying around a shotgun with them while gardening?
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