It's a home invasion if you're home. If you're away it's a burglary. When an intruder breaks in at night, he's expecting some confrontation. But the resident should try to evade a confrontation-even if it's broad daylight.
How do Criminals work?
Burglars and home invaders target residences that they think are the easiest targets in terms of encountering no resistance but lots of valuables.
Home invasions require more strategy since a confrontation is likely. The strategy involves casing the residence, sometimes learning the occupants' routine: place of employment; where you socialize and shop. This helps a criminal access targetability and worthwhileness.
The criminal may then plan an entrance by posing as a salesman or construct some other ruse. This is why you should always be on high alert towards anyone you let inside your house.
Crooks like to use speed, surprise and violence of action. Violence of action is that of engulfing the victim in fear: the first minute after initial contact.
A smart invader will have an accomplice, as he's predicted the possibility of being suppressed by a tough homeowner. This is why the victim needs to keep their guard up after squashing the daylights out of what seems to be a solitary home invader.
Criminals like to tie up their victims. Do you know how to bust loose of bindings? There are ways; you should learn them.
Another feature is that often, intruders will take breaks during the crime: eating, texting, napping. Meanwhile you're restrained. But you have a choice: Watch with a gaping mouth as the invader snarfs down your egg salad sandwich, or plot a way to outsmart him.
Home Exterior
- A well-lit house at night deters criminals. Include motion detecting lights.
- Stickers and decals for an alarm service will help deter would-be robbers.
- Don't leave heavy items in the backyard that a crook could throw through a window.
- Install video surveillance of varying angles with motion sensors.
- Hide the camera recording system in a lockbox.
- Use Internet cameras for when you're away.
- Have a zone alarm to alert you when a person is nearing the house.
- Make sure your address is very visible for the police.
- Never go inside your house if it appears invaded; leave and call the police.
- Never leave out trash that looks like you bought something valuable.
