A segment on NBC’s “Today” show asking how to protect your family from a home invasion made no mention of guns and instead suggested that homeowners keep a can of wasp spray next to their bed as a substitute for Mace.
Reporter Jeff Rossen spoke with Wallace Zeins, a retired NYPD detective and former hostage negotiator, about tips for thwarting home invasions. The segment never mentioned firearms. Instead, Mr. Zeins suggested homeowners keep a can of wasp spray and a set of car keys next to their bed.
“The great part is, when you spray, it will go 20 to 25 feet,” he said. “It’s more powerful than police Mace.”
The car keys are for the panic button set on some key fobs. Mr. Zeins suggested using that button as a makeshift alarm system in the event of a break in. He didn’t mention a solution for people who don’t sleep within 20-30 feet of their vehicles, The Blaze reported.
A third solution Mr. Zeins mentioned is to fully cooperate with the intruders and show them where all your valuables are.
“You tell them exactly where it is. You want to get them out of there as quickly as you can,” he said. “Remember, treat them like royalty. On top of that, you don’t want to lie to them.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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