Lets start by defining what home invasions mean. Wikipedia.org defines that: Home invasion is the act of illegally burglary or entering a private and occupied dwelling for the purpose of committing a crime (such as robbery, assault, rape, murder, kidnapping, or any violation of the law against the occupant(s). Home invasions and break-ins are one of the most terrifying and horrific crimes, aside from homicide and murder. So, how can we prevent and reduce the chances, of us becoming victims to this crime?
About a few months ago, I was talking to a Law Enforcement Officer the from Miami-Dade County Police Department, about how crimes rates are super high! The officer and I conversed for a while about how some young teens are breaking into cars, stealing from shopping centers, and committing senseless vandalism to properties, etc. As the conversation went on the officer told me about an experience they had; the explained that a home owner’s house alarm went off and how they had to response. When they arrived to the scene, they carefully inspected the doors, windows, and the backyard to check if there was some kind of force entrance.
There was only 2 officers at the scene only, when the officers noticed nothing was wrong they knocked on the door of the resident. When no one answered they checked to see if the door was opened. Miraculously, the front door was unlocked, so the officers opened the door and yelled ” Hello, is anyone here”, when suddenly they hear a scuffle upstairs. Carefully they went upstairs, to find two elderly couple tied to a chair. The burglars stole most of their jewelry and belongings. Sadly the burglars are still at large. So how can we prevent this horrible crime to happen? How can we reduce the chances of becoming victims to “home invasion”? As we continue I will give you powerful tips in preventing this crime to happen to you.
Residential Security:
Know who you are letting in your house. Ensure contractors have been requested.
Restrict the possession of house keys; change locks if keys are lost/stolen.
Use solid core doors with deadbolts and peepholes.
Lock all entrances at night, including garage.
Keep the house locked, even if you are at home.
Do not open mail from unknown sources.
Destroy all envelopes or other items that show your name or other personal information.
Avoid frequent exposure on balconies and near windows.
Keep mailbox locked, and do not place family name on mailbox.
Install security/fire alarm system and associated security services.
Ensure fire alarms and extinguishers are operational.
Participate in a neighborhood watch program
Use motion- and light-activated exterior lighting.
Install emergency lighting.
General Security:
Be unpredictable
Keep a low profile; avoid publicity.
Do not post your schedule on publicly accessible websites such as: Twitter, Facebook, etc.
Security personal and identity related documents and information.
Pay attention to surroundings and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
With these general and specific guidelines you can prevent and reduce your chances of become victim to home invasions and other associated crimes. Always remember that you can take control of any situation. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings! I hope you find these tips useful and helpful.