One of the statistically growing crimes, and a quite frightening one, is home invasion. According to Dept. of Justice FBI files, there is a home invasion every 12 seconds and over 6,600 per day. Home invasions can be roughly looked at as burglaries that include opportunistic other crimes such as assault, rape, and murder. In home invasion, criminals enter the home and expect to find occupants home. Standard burglary is typically carried out in an empty home. Because criminals find the owners at home, they often beat, rape, and kill the occupants. Over 60% of all reported rapes are now linked to home invasion.
5/6 of all home invaders enter through the door. Some break in, by kicking the door down and causing the frame to fail. Others just walk right into an unlocked door. It should be apparent that some simple steps to harden the perimeter security of our home will deter all but the most dedicated invaders. The various "anti-door-kick" devices on the market can greatly strengthen your doorways to resist break-in.
Invaders have a "script" by which they typically operate. They will seek out the owners as quickly as possible, so that the owners have the least chance to arm themselves, etc. in defense. Since the owners are home, alarm systems are usually not set to the same parameters as when the home is empty. The alpha male of the home is the first to be subdued, often tied or taped for control. Criminals often hold the wife or children hostage to force the male in submission. Once the occupants are under control, the thieves then can take their time to gather valuables by forcing the occupants to divulge the location of the best stuff. Since they often invade in small groups, criminals have enough manpower that one guy can stand guard, one can commit rape, and one or two can gather valuables. Many times, the occupants are killed to eliminate the chance of witness testimony.
Next, we'll discuss some strategies to prevent home invasion and discuss what we might do if our home is entered in this manner.
Lee
5/6 of all home invaders enter through the door. Some break in, by kicking the door down and causing the frame to fail. Others just walk right into an unlocked door. It should be apparent that some simple steps to harden the perimeter security of our home will deter all but the most dedicated invaders. The various "anti-door-kick" devices on the market can greatly strengthen your doorways to resist break-in.
Invaders have a "script" by which they typically operate. They will seek out the owners as quickly as possible, so that the owners have the least chance to arm themselves, etc. in defense. Since the owners are home, alarm systems are usually not set to the same parameters as when the home is empty. The alpha male of the home is the first to be subdued, often tied or taped for control. Criminals often hold the wife or children hostage to force the male in submission. Once the occupants are under control, the thieves then can take their time to gather valuables by forcing the occupants to divulge the location of the best stuff. Since they often invade in small groups, criminals have enough manpower that one guy can stand guard, one can commit rape, and one or two can gather valuables. Many times, the occupants are killed to eliminate the chance of witness testimony.
Next, we'll discuss some strategies to prevent home invasion and discuss what we might do if our home is entered in this manner.
Lee