Venezuelan Gangs in the U.S: Takeovers of U.S. Apartment Buildings
Protecting your home and business is something everyone should take very seriously and even more so with this story that is cropping up in various US cities about gang members taking over entire apartment complexes, attempting to break into as many apartments as possible and extort residence.
Recently, reports have emerged about Venezuelan gangs, particularly the "Tren de Aragua" (TdA), taking over apartment complexes in various U.S. cities, including Aurora Colorado, El Paso Texas, and New York City. These claims have sparked widespread concern, as well as controversy, over whether these reports are accurate or fueled by political rhetoric and misinformation.
In Aurora, Colorado, the situation has attracted significant media attention. According to local sources, some apartment complexes, such as Whispering Pines and Aspen Grove Apartments, have been cited by property managers and certain city officials as being taken over by the Tren de Aragua gang. The gang is known for its origins as a prison gang in Venezuela and has expanded its activities to several countries, including the U.S., where it is linked to various criminal activities such as human trafficking, money laundering, and drug trafficking. Recently, the U.S. government sanctioned the gang and placed bounties on its leaders, indicating its serious threat level(Denverite,Newsweek).
The following video demonstrate why having a strong door … and a good firearm, are incredibly important in regards to security, and while I don’t advocate firing at your neighbors apartment, this situation does present an interesting training situation of “do you fire first or wait for them to open the door and get into a shootout?”
In New York City, "Tren de Aragua" (TdA) has reportedly established a significant presence in areas like Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Williamsburg. According to leaked U.S. Army documents, the gang, known for activities such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and arms dealing, is considered a growing threat to local communities and law enforcement.
The National Guard has been deployed at strategic points in the city, reflecting the heightened alert status. This situation highlights the need for increased vigilance and community safety efforts in affected areas
Strengthening Your Door and Home Security: Why It Matters
1. Harden Your Door: Your front door is the first line of defense against intruders. Reinforcing it with high-quality deadbolts, long metal strike plates with extended screws, and steel or hardened door materials can delay or deter forced entry. A stronger door buys you time in case of an attack, making it harder for criminals to break in.
2. Know the Police Response Time: Understanding the average police response time in your area is crucial. This information helps you determine how long your door should withstand an attempted break-in. A door of any strength will never permanently protect to, but it will delay an attacker, and your goal is to ensure that police will respond before the door gives way. I showed Mr Eddie Hall breaking into various door types in this post, which will give you an idea of what door types you may want to consider.
3. Consider Owning a Firearm: In areas where crime is a growing concern, responsibly owning a firearm may be an additional layer of protection. Make sure to follow all local laws, receive proper training, and store firearms securely. The presence of a legally owned firearm, especially if local police response times are longer, can serve as a deterrent and provide an immediate defense option if an intruder gains entry.
Understanding the Difference Between Deterrents and Protection
Deterrents like security cameras aim to discourage criminals by increasing the risk of identification and arrest. Cameras can be effective against criminals who don't want to be seen or caught; they may choose to leave rather than risk being recorded.
Protection, on the other hand, involves physical barriers, such as a steel door, that actively prevent or delay entry. This is critical when dealing with criminals who are undeterred by cameras and are willing to take risks. Understanding the security risks in your area is vital since some criminals simply do not care if they are caught on camera.
By combining deterrents and physical protection, you create a layered defense, making your home less attractive to all types of intruders.
Conclusion
The potential threat of gangs taking over apartment complexes highlights the importance of reinforcing your home's security. While deterrents like security cameras can ward off some criminals, others may not be dissuaded by being caught on tape. Understanding your local security risks and combining deterrents with strong physical barriers, like steel doors, offers the best protection. Knowing police response times and considering all available safety measures, including legally owning a firearm, can provide peace of mind and increase your preparedness against potential threats, ensuring a safer home environment for you and your loved ones.
Stay safe out there.