How to Protect Yourself from Home Invasion

By the DoItYourself.com Staff

Home invasion is a growing crime in which criminals force their way into homes, while the residents are there, in order to commit other crimes, like burglary or rape. Because the home is supposed to be a safe place for those who live there, home invasion is frightening and emotionally scarring. Fortunately, there are ways in which you can protect yourself from home invasion.

Purchased Home Protection Components

There are several home protection components available for purchases that are effective at protecting your home. For increased security, use a combination of the following:

• Motion-sensitive outdoor lighting. This type of lighting will come on when there is movement around the outside of your home, alerting you to potential prowlers.

• Alarms. Alarms come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and price ranges. An inexpensive door-stop alarm sounds when a door is opened, while more sophisticated systems are not only activated by doors and windows, but also notify the authorities that the alarm has been activated.

• Cameras. Whether it is dummy cameras or real ones, the presence of security cameras will cause potential invaders to avoid your home.

Other Home Protection Tools

In addition to purchased components, there are readily available tools that can help protect your home against invasion. While these tools are useful, they should be used in addition to more advanced components for maximum security.

• Dogs. If you do not have or do not want a dog, place a food bowl or dog toys around your home to create the impression that a dog lives there.

• Wide-angle viewer. Also known as a peep-hole, viewers come standard in many doors. If you have one, use it before opening the door.

• Locks. Make sure doors and windows are locked and secure.

While being alert and aware are useful tools against home invasion, there are other measures that will greatly enhance your security. By taking action, including the purchase of any needed equipment, it is possible to protect yourself against home invasion.