It is estimated by the U.S. Department of Justice that 1 of every 5 homes in the U.S. will experience either a break-in, fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Safety measures are lawfully dictated on the latter two but currently there are no laws in place to delegate home security systems. Although virtually every home in the U.S. has a fire alarm, there are far less homes with adequate home invasion security systems in place.
Most home invasions occur when nobody is at home or the family is away on vacation. However, even when you are not in the home there are several measures you can take to avoid potential invasions. Most criminals who commit home invasions with the intent to steal money or belongings do not want any confrontation, so they will avoid places where it looks like someone is home. With an inexpensive electronic timer, you can easily have lights and appliances in your home turn on and off at random intervals, giving the illusion that someone is home. You should also consider stopping any mail or newspaper deliveries while you are away on vacation as these will pile up outside your door and set off red flags to potential burglars.
Many criminals will drive around different neighborhoods for weeks as they scout for homes that may be worth invading. One thing they will look for as they drive by night after night is homes that do not have any cars parked in the driveway. Whenever possible you should try to have vehicles parked in your driveway to make it appear that someone is in the house. If possible, have a trusted friend, relative or neighbor periodically stop in and check things out at your home while you are away. Have them move things about in the yard, change the frequency of your electronic timers and open and close different windows and doors throughout the weeks and days to give off the illusion that everything is normal and your family has been in the home. By taking these extra steps to make it seem that your house is occupied, you can greatly decrease your chances of having your home invaded.
Although most preventable break-ins occur when the family is away, sometimes criminals break in to homes with the intention to assault or rape whoever is inside. If you live alone, you may also be a greater risk for having your home invaded. Having a dog is a great way to feel safer in your home. If you don’t have a dog you might want to consider having one to protect you, or at the very least, placing a “Beware of Dog” sign prominently outside your home. The worst thing you can do is be predictable. If people are watching it can be easy to spot and document your routines. Criminals may be able to predict when you will be out of the house, when you will be asleep or when you will be showering or bathing. By changing up your routines periodically you can make yourself less predictable to potential invaders and decrease your chances of being surprised by burlglars and other criminals.
The single best way to protect yourself from home invasion, however, is to invest in a good security system. A security system will not only give you peace of mind, but can halt a break-in before anything of value is stolen. The signs that a security system company can provide can also be a strong deterrent for would-be burglars intent on taking your valuables, or causing you harm.
