[BillCA]

Zounds! I'm glad the girls are alright and the situation ended well. How are the girls reacting to it?

Scenarios for kids home alone...
Your kids are old enough to use some discretion about answering the door. Someone knocks at the door or rings the bell and one of them yells across the house "I'll get it, Dad." leading the visitor to think at least two people are home. Then use the eye-spy to check the visitor out before opening the door. The deadbolt and door chain should both be locked while kids are home alone. Talk to the visitor through the door if necessary. You can figure other tactics from here.

Bedroom gun...
Tactically, yes it's a mistake to leave a gun unsecured in the bedroom when you are away. This example shows why and how easily it could be stolen. Worse yet, if the guy had decided to assault your daughters he could have used your own gun. Not a pretty thought.

Now is the time to talk to your daughters and get their opinions on the situation. Involve your wife with the discussion too so she can hear first hand their reactions (undoubtedly this is on-going). Ask the girls what they think could have helped them feel more secure or at least less vulnerable. If they mention guns at all, let them argue with your wife about letting you show them how to shoot.

By the way, praise your daughters for keeping their heads and calling the cops. They were certainly very lucky the officers were close by.