A home invasion is a burglary that happens while you are in the home. In some cases, the perpetrators break in through a door or window, but just as often, the homeowner simply opens the door to a stranger. Home invasion can be one of the most frightening events you will ever experience but by keeping these tips in mind, the outcome will be successful – and by success we mean you and your family will get through it safely.

• If you hear a noise in the house, do not go looking for its source.

• If possible, get yourself and your family out of the house as quickly and quietly as you can. If you cannot escape, gather the family in a predetermined location such as a bathroom that can be locked.

• Always have a phone of some kind in your bedroom. If possible, have 911 programmed in for one-touch calling. If there is a danger of being heard, attempt escape first then call from a cell phone or a neighbor’s house.

• If you have a gun and can retrieve and load it, do so, but never let the burglar know you are armed unless as a last resort. In fact, most burglars are not armed but rather use intimidation to get what they want.

• If you cannot escape and are confronted by the burglars, do not threaten or provoke them. Speak only when spoken to, say as little as necessary, and don’t argue.

• Do not stare at the burglars or look at them directly in the eyes as they may take it as a threat. However, take note of appearance, clothing, speech or other features that can help identify them later.

• If you arrive home and notice something unusual outside the property such as an open door or broken window, do not go into the house. Call 911 and wait for the police away from the house.

• If you enter your home and it appears it has been ransacked or burglarized, get away fast and call 911. The burglar may still be in the house.

The most important thing to remember is to let the burglars take what they want and never ever try to protect your belongings. They can be replaced but you and your family cannot.

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Whether urban or suburban, high rise or garden style, apartments present some unique home security problems. First of all, even if you protect everything inside your apartment with a security system you must rely on others to secure the building exterior, grounds and parking areas. Get to know your landlord or building manager and be sure to bring security issues to their attention. Good landlords make an extra effort to protect their tenants because, by doing so, they protect their investment and reputation.

Sometimes, safety is simple common sense. Statistics show that in more than 30% of apartment burglaries, the thief came in through an open door or window. They look for the fastest, easiest way in and out fast and usually carry easily concealed tools such as a screwdriver, hammer or small pry bar. Sometimes, they just use their foot! There are thousands of apartment buildings in cities and towns across the country with old or weak wooden doors and frames and burglars know all they need to do is kick it open. The smartest thing you, or your landlord, can do to prevent this common form of entry is to replace the strike plate – the metal piece that holds the latch in place on the frame – with a heavy-duty plate held in place by sturdy 3” long screws. This one simple change will seriously reduce forced doorway entry, and it’s worth every penny.

If burglars do gain entry they are most likely to grab smaller items that they can quickly escape with. Cash is obvious but jewelry, laptop computers, audio/video equipment and small electronic appliances or devices are also targeted items that can be quickly sold or pawned. The smartest thing to do is prevent being burglarized in the first place, but you can save yourself a lot of aggravation in the event you are burglarized, by following these highly recommended steps:

• Have your driver’s license number (as long as it’s not your Social Security number) etched or engraved on all valuable items
• Photograph valuable items, make a video of your apartment, and/or keep a record of items including descriptions, makes, models and serial numbers
• Make a copy of everything important in your wallet, as well as other important documents, each year

Once you’ve got your photos and records up to date, keep them in a safe deposit box or other safe place off site. DO NOT keep them in your apartment.

Finally, knock on your immediate neighbors’ doors and get to know them. Good neighbors watch out for each other and it’s comforting to know there’s someone nearby you can call in an emergency. You can also volunteer to “apartment sit” for each other if someone needs to be away including picking up mail, newspapers, or providing access to service people. And giving a trusted neighbor a key is safer than hiding a key outside your door where a burglar is sure to find it. Don’t give a theif an opportunity to break into your home.

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