Home Invasions

One of the more frightening and potentially dangerous crimes that can occur to a family is a home invasion robbery. A home invasion is when robbers force their way into a occupied home or apartment to commit a robbery or other crimes. It is particulary frightening because it violates our private space and the one place that we think of as our sanctuary. Home invasion is like residential for of an automobile carjacking and its on the rise.

Prevention Strategy


Doors and Windows
  • Install solid core doors and heavy duty locks
  • Use four three inch screws to secure heavy duty lock strike plate in the door frame
  • Storm doors with locks on all outside entryway.
  • Deadbolts on all outside doors
  • Lock all doors, windows, garage doors, shed doors and gates during night
  • Always have outside doors and garage doors locked during the day when working outside and doors are not visible while working
  • Use Peephole before opening the door
  • Keep spare keys with a trusted neighbor, NOT under doormat, or planter, on a ledge or in the mailbox
  • Use a secondary blocking device on all sliding glass door ( inserting dowel rod or stick into the track)
  • Use anti-lift devices such as through-the-door pins or upper track screws
  • Keep hedges clear of first story window height
  • Keep trees trimmed away from the home ad keep shrubbery trimmed to eliminate places an intruder might hide

    • Lighting
  • Movement sensitive lights outside (front and rear) or install light sensitive light sockets (on at night and off at day)
  • Set light timers every night, so it appears to be occupied
  • Make sure all outside entrances - front, back side and basement have good lighting

    • Be a Good Neighbor
  • Get to know all your adjacent neighbors
  • Agree to watch out for each other
  • While on vacation, pick up their newspaper and flyers
  • Offer to park your car in their driveway
  • Communicate with neighbors on any suspicious activities
  • Notify several neighbors when going away

    • Vehicles
  • Lock vehicle doors at all times
  • Never leave keys in the ignition
  • Report any suspicious vehicles
  • Remember to get as much descriptive information as possible including vehicle license

    • Other Tips
  • Be watchful of outside activities (cruising cars, truck, vans, parked vehicles and people not normally present) 
  • Require positive ID from people who come to your door representing an organization
  • Always have mail stopped if a neighbor is not getting for you
  • Dial *69 for phone number of caller who does not respond
  • Never leave large sums of money, jewelry or any other valuables laying around the home
  • Mark sure vehicle and home alarm systems are functioning properly when you are away from home, even if its for a short time
  • keep your bike inside when not is use