10 Startling Facts about Home Invasions
We live in a time where we can’t be too careful, especially when there are people in the world that have the intent to burglarize our homes. Home invasions are scary to think about, but it is sometimes even more alarming to think that people don’t take the necessary precautions or know the facts about home invasions to properly protect themselves and their families from potential harm.
Though it may seem that your home could never be a target for a home invasion, it is important to know the facts about home invasion, so you know how to effective deter potential burglars and keep you, your family, and belongings safe.
- Burglaries usually happen during the day
It is a common misconception that burglaries happen at night when people are asleep. However, most burglars are more likely to break into a home when it is less likely that someone will be inside: during work and school hours.
- Security systems are an effective deterrent
As proud as you may be of the firearms you have in your safe, a burglar isn’t going to know that you have a weapon to defend yourself if you are home when they break in. However, they will be much less likely to approach your home if they see that you have a security system. A security system should be connected to the local police system and will alert officials if the system is triggered.
- Noise is also an effective deterrent
If your security system is armed and makes loud noise when activated, this will make a burglar even more likely to abort the target and flee. Having a dog can also cause burglars to pause. If they enter a home and hear a dog barking or hear someone beginning to yell and scream, they are less likely to continue, knowing their presence has been made known.
- Many burglars go through unlocked openings
Many convicted burglars admit they broke in a home through either the front door or a window that was already unlocked. Some burglars also have a trick of knocking on a door and then forcing it open when someone answers it. Having unlocked doors and windows may make you more likely to become a target for home invasion.
- Burglaries sometimes find targets on social media
You may want to careful whenever you want to post on social media that you are going away for the weekend because this can be an indicator to a burglar that you will not be at home to defend your property.
- Burglars target places close by
A burglar is not going to travel tens of miles to rob a living space. Burglars often break into homes that are close to their own so they can make quick getaways and can quickly unload the stolen goods. This means that burglars can sometimes be on the other side of town or as close as a neighbor.
- Burglaries don’t last long
A burglar will only be in a home anywhere from 1-10 minutes since they will want to escape as quickly as possible and avoid detection from any potential passerby. Home invasions are frightening, but they don’t usually last long. However, it is not uncommon for a home owner to feel alarmed for many weeks after a home invasion takes place.
- Burglaries usually happen in nicer weather
Burglaries are more likely to happen during the warmer months of the year so they can avoid obstacles that occur in the colder months. In winter months, there is ice and freezing temperatures to deal with while the summer provides any less natural difficulties.
- Most burglars take small but costly items
Most burglars will not go for a large TV. Burglars will want to take items that they can easily transport such as jewelry, cash, cell phones and other small but expensive belongings. Be sure to keep belonging like this tucked away someplace where it will not be easily spotted by an intruder.
- It’s not likely a burglar will be caught
Though home invasions are sadly common, it is not so common that the burglars get caught and arrested. This is likely because they happen when no one is home and there are likely to be no witnesses, but this does not mean that you can’t take measures to prevent your home from burglary.
Home Invasion Prevention
These facts about home invasions may be alarming, but that doesn’t mean you are helpless. Try the follow tactics to ensure that you home is less likely to be a target for burglars:
- Ask your neighbors to keep their eyes open for suspicious behavior
- Always lock your days and windows when possible
- Invest in a security system of some kind
- Always check who is at the door before opening it
- Be careful of what you post on social media
- Consider purchasing a safe
It is always important to remember that a burglary is never the homeowner’s fault. Burglaries are more common than we think and it can happen to anyone; that is why it is so important to know the facts and do what we can to keep safe from home invasions.