Recent high-profile incidents of home invasions have received considerable exposure in the media. The impact of home invasions extends far beyond the violence of the crime itself, leading to a long-term loss of the victim’s sense of safety in their own home. It is increasingly important to know exactly who is at your door before you open it. If you are uncertain when the doorbell rings or when you hear someone knocking, do not hesitate to ask who is there. If the person is there for legitimate reasons, they will have no problem telling you their purpose.
Although no formal definition currently exists, a “home invasion” is generally considered to be different from a break and enter. This is because it involves a premeditated confrontation with the victim, along with an intent to rob or inflict violence upon the occupants of the home. One of the biggest challenges in measuring home invasions is the lack of a standardized definition among law enforcement agencies. While some incidents are obvious, others are less clear. For example, if a homeowner returns home unexpectedly during a break and enter and a confrontation ensues, or if a person breaks into a home believing no one is there, but a confrontation occurs when the occupant wakes up, these situations may qualify as home invasions even though they did not initially start that way.
Common Methods of Home Invasion
There are different methods used to gain entry in a typical home invasion that you should be aware of. One method is deception, which often takes place during the day or early evening. The home invader approaches the front door, pretending to be someone needing assistance, such as wanting to use the phone, go to the bathroom, etc. They might claim they are conducting a survey, have a parcel for you to sign for, or say they have run into your car. There are countless other excuses that may convince someone to open the door. Once the door is opened, the perpetrator may force their way into the home.
Another more abrupt method is simply using force to gain entry. In this case, the invader approaches the doorway and kicks the door in. A solid kick aimed just below or above the doorknob can often break open most doors, even those with a deadbolt installed. A more traditional method involves a break and enter, where the assailant uses a lock pick or pry bar to defeat a door or window lock, then slips into the house and surprises the homeowner in another room. These methods can happen at any time of day or night.
According to a Statistics Canada Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey, about half of home invasion incidents involved the use of a weapon, compared to 60% of all other types of robberies. The most common weapons used in both home invasions and other types of robberies were knives or other cutting instruments. In 47% of home invasion incidents, the victim reported sustaining some form of physical injury.
It also appears that the elderly are more frequent victims of this type of crime compared to other robberies. Victims aged 60 or over made up 17% of home invasion victims, while that same group represented only 6% of other types of robberies. The survey also reported that in 68% of cases, the victim and the accused were strangers; in 21% of cases, they were casual acquaintances; and in 11% of cases, they were relatives, friends, or had some type of business relationship.
Precautions to Protect Your Home
There are many precautions you can take to protect yourself from this type of crime. Criminals typically look for opportunities that require the least effort, so making your home more secure can make it less attractive to them. Start by ensuring that both your front and back doors are made of solid wood or metal, and install one-way peepholes at eye level. Reinforce all doorframes to prevent doors from being easily kicked in.
Keep all your doors and windows locked, even when you are at home. Consider covering your windows and glass doors with a special security film or installing Plexiglas on the inside. Both of these materials are durable and can withstand several blows before breaking. Also, trim or remove trees and shrubs that hide your windows and doors from view or provide criminals with convenient hiding spots.
Using outdoor lights is also an excellent security measure, as criminals tend to prefer working in the dark. Leave lights on at night, both at the front and back of your home, and ensure that they are out of reach to prevent them from being broken or removed. Motion sensor lights can also be installed to save on electricity costs. However, leaving lights on outside every night is an inexpensive security measure compared to alarms and other devices.
Other steps to consider include not advertising that you live alone (if you do). You can easily make your home appear occupied by placing toys or work boots in the yard. Avoid being predictable by changing your routines regularly. Keep a cordless or cellular phone handy in case you need help or spot something suspicious outside. Additionally, consider getting a dog or at least placing a “BEWARE of DOG” sign in your yard.
For those who live in apartment buildings or gated communities with an intercom at the front door, take extra care when deciding whom to buzz in.
The rule of thumb is to never let anyone into the building unless you know exactly who they are. If they do not have a key or an access card, they do not belong. If they insist on being let in, refer them to the building manager or call the police.
Suggested Safety Practices
Here are some safety suggestions to follow when someone knocks at your door:
- Always check to see who is there before you open the door.
- Respond to let the person know someone is home.
- Do not open the door to anyone you do not know. Remember, you do not have to open the door to anyone.
- Ask for identification. Once you have seen it, ask for secondary identification, such as a telephone number, to verify the person’s status.
- Pretend there are other people in the house by calling out someone’s name. You can also keep your radio or television on.
- If you notice any suspicious persons, activities, or vehicles in your area, do not hesitate to call 911.
Hopefully, you will never become a victim of this type of crime. However, by being aware of the dangers and taking simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk and better protect your home and family.
