home invasions | batessecurity

10 Tips to Prevent Home Invasions

September 10, 2012

There have been a lot of home invasions in the news recently. These are some of the most frightening crimes because they target where you should feel the most safe, your home. A home invasion is when multiple perpetrators force entry into an occupied home to commit a robbery or other crimes. We’ve gathered some of our favorite tips to help protect you and your family from this type of crime.

1. Don’t open your door to strangers or solicitors. Most home invaders knock on the front door to gain entry. They pose as someone in distress, a person asking for directions, workers, delivery persons, or they may be offering to do work for you.

2. Lock your windows and doors and keep your garage door closed even when your home.

3. Install solid core doors, heavy duty locks, and window security devices.

4. Check to see who is at your door before opening it by using a peephole, intercom system, or nearby window.

5. Use your front porch light to help you see outside.

6. Don’t rely on chains to keep intruders out, they don’t.

7. If you have an alarm system, use the occupied mode while you are home. If someone attempts to gain entry, the alarm will sound and get help to you.

8. Have an escape plan. Train your family on where to go and what to say. If someone can escape, the invaders will have lost their advantage of privacy and time.

9. Consider owning a dog for protection. If this isn’t possible, an empty dog bowl left on the porch gives the impression that there is a dog on the premises.

10. If you live alone, place men’s boots or other clothing laying around or yell “I’ll get it” when answering the door to make it seem like your not alone.