Motive for home invasions and gun laws in the US?

Question

I am Australian. The gun laws on ownership are very strict in this country. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics_in_Australia

Self-defence is not accepted as a reason for issuing a licence.

This morning I read about a home invasion in Texas where the owner shot the invaders in self defence. I also have learned that home invasions are common in the US and this is one of the reasons why people argue that they need guns. On the other hand I have seen loads of questions from US citizens on Yahoo about gun related crime and murders and how it can be stopped (the college murders of the last few years as an example).

Personally I don't agree that people should own a gun for self defence. Home invasions in Australia are minimal and usually related to organised crime therefore we are a reasonably safe society in that regard. But I think it is an incredibly difficult situation for Americans given that people don't want to be vulnerable and held at gunpoint by the home invaders. They are just protecting their property and lives and are fighting fire with fire.

My question is, what is the main motive for home invaders? Who are they? Does it happen more in a particular part of the country? Is it drug related or is it people desperate for money for other reasons? And could the problem be addressed in that area if it is?

Answer 1

It's very similar to why George W Bush needed to invade Iraq to keep the USA safe from Al-Qaeda(who had no connections to Iraq). I think gun owners like self reliance but they have insecurities too.

As for home invasions, most people that do that know you(and break in when you are on vacation) and the rest are insane or on drugs.

Answer 2

I think it is usually desperate pathetic people looking for a quick buck who invade people's homes. Most Americans take great pride in personal property which is why we want to protect what he have worked so hard for. Those that are lazy and want to take the easy way out are constantly trying to rob us of our money be it by welfare abuse, theft, or civil litigation. Home invasion is not a common occurrence for Americans, unless you are in the ghetto perhaps, however a smart person will always keep their door locked and the alarm on to prevent such trespass.

It should be pointed out that a great deal of Americans also employ their firearms for sport and recreation in addition to self-defense. It is a cornerstone for rural American life to hunt and target shoot for sport.