By Gregory Colvin
Crime strikes at home, literally, anytime a burglary or home invasion occurs. An intrusion into your home will leave you feeling violated, because, after all, your home is your sanctuary from the evils of the outside world. That sanctuary comes under question when it is invaded by a stranger.
Let’s look at some ways to protect your home and prepare for the worst. The old saying goes, hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
The first line of defense against a would-be intruder is a good set of locks. That should include a deadlock lock at each entrance to the residence. Check each of the following: the front door, rear door, garage doors, patio sliders or French doors, any exterior gates and swimming pool gates. These doors should be locked even when you and the family are at home.
On the subject of locks, each window should have a locking mechanism and they should be locked at all times that the windows are not open for fresh air.
Hiding a key under the front door welcome mat is convenient when you lock yourself out, but it is the first place a burglar will look. It is best to ask a trusted friend or a relative to keep a key for you.
Some homes have the electrical breaker box or fuse box located on the side or back of the house. These need to be locked. Without the lock, an intruder can shut off power to the house, when you go check on the breaker box, you can become the intruder’s hostage.
It is a good idea to have a burglar alarm installed in the home. It is also best to have a system that is monitored. If you have it installed, use it. It doesn’t work if you don’t set it.
When planning a vacation or trip out of town, limit the number of people you tell, especially on social media websites. People know people, who know people, who know people that they shouldn’t. I’m just saying…wait until the vacation or trip is over before announcing it to the world.
If you are going to be away for more than two days, stop the newspaper and mail delivery. Nothing says “empty” house like a pile of newspapers sitting on the driveway or front porch. Two newspapers say you are lazy. Same with an overflowing mail box. To the mail carrier’s credit, if the mail begins to pile up, they will usually contact the police. In many cases, this act has saved many people, who would have died alone. It is better to avoid that kind of attention to your home.
On the subject of the police, some departments have a program for vacationing residents. Depending on the department, this would involve officers either driving by your home and performing a visional inspection or an officer or auxiliary officer walking around the house and checking the doors and windows. Check with your local police department
When leaving the home for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to purchase timers for your lights and televisions. Monitor your usual habits at night around the house and place the timers in the rooms and set them for the times that you occupy them. A dark house or one light on throughout the night in one room is usually a indication that no one is home.
These tips can help deter an intruder Most are looking for an easy target. In our next article, we will look at tips to survive a home invasion.
Remember: Your Survival Is Up To You.
Gregory Colvin is a former police officer and author who has noticed how few people observe their surroundings. He writes personal security and safety articles on the web.