breaking and entering...

[russotto]

First thing is to get your locks changed. If someone got in without causing damage, they probably have a key somehow. Unless you left a door or window open. If locks are Kwikset or worse, get locks upgraded... you don't need high security necessarily, just something that's not trivial to pick for your average teenager.

Then, don't get a gun until you've gotten a way to secure it when you aren't there; you've already obviously got a security problem, no point in handing someone your new gun.

You can't keep a gun ready for defense and yet secure from a child at the same time, unless you actually have it with you. All the other solutions involve some compromise of readiness and/or security.

I think if you're afraid of guns you probably shouldn't get one -- at least, not until you've familiarized yourself with them enough to get over the fear -- but that's just my opinion.