How to Avoid Home Invasions

A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Castle

Home Invasion in Progress

Want to avoid home invasions? Let's get real about protecting your home and family from unwanted visitors. With a home invasion happening every 15 seconds in America, this isn't just paranoia – it's smart preparation. I'll share exactly what I've learned about keeping the bad guys out and your family safe.

My wife and I suffered a very brutal and bloody home invasion several years ago. We were tied up and beaten. The armed criminals robbed everything of value from our remotely located home. We were each left with severe PTSD. Please use this valuable information so you can avoid what happened to us.

Understanding the Home Invasion Threat

Home invasions aren't random. Criminals typically case neighborhoods looking for easy targets. They want the path of least resistance – houses that look vulnerable and unprotected. This isn't about living in fear; it's about being smart and proactive.

When Do Home Invasions Usually Happen?

Here's something that might surprise you: most break-ins happen between 10 AM and 3 PM. Why? Because that's when most people are at work. However, the scariest ones – targeted invasions – often happen at night when families are home. Knowing this helps us prepare better.

Creating Your Home's First Line of Defense

Think of your home security like an onion – you want multiple layers that a criminal has to get through. Let's start from the outside and work our way in.

Exterior Security Measures to Avoid Home Invasions

The goal is to make your house look like too much trouble. Here's how:

Install motion-activated solar lights around your property
Keep bushes and trees trimmed (criminals love hiding spots)
Put up visible security cameras (even fake ones can help)
Display security system signs (whether you have one or not)
Install a driveway alarm to alert you when someone enters your property

Home Security Measures

Strengthening Entry Points

Your doors and windows are your castle's weak points. Here's how to reinforce them:

Replace short screws in door hinges with 3.5-inch wood screws
Install solid core or metal-clad exterior doors
Add secondary locks to sliding doors and windows
Use window security film to prevent easy break-ins
Install door jammers on exterior doors

Smart Home Security Technology

Technology is your friend when it comes to avoiding home invasions. But you don't need to break the bank.

Essential Security Gadgets:

Wireless security cameras with smartphone alerts
Video doorbells to screen visitors
Glass break sensors for windows
Motion detectors inside and outside
Smart lighting systems that simulate occupancy

Creating a Home Defense Plan

Having cool gadgets isn't enough – you need a plan. Here's what to consider:

Family Communication and Meeting Points:

Establish a safe room where family members can gather
Create a simple communication system (texts work great)
Have emergency contact numbers readily available
Practice your plan regularly (just like fire drills)

Tactical Preparation

Keep these items easily accessible in a secure location:

Flashlights (multiple, with fresh batteries)
Cell phone charger
Basic self-defense tools
First aid kit
Emergency contact list

Daily Habits to Avoid Home Invasions

Small daily habits can make a huge difference in preventing home invasions:

Morning Routine:

Double-check all doors and windows are locked
Ensure security cameras are working
Close garage doors completely
Don't leave tools or ladders outside

Evening Routine:

Turn on exterior lights
Lock all doors, including the one between garage and house
Activate security system
Close all curtains and blinds

What Not to Do: Common Security Mistakes

Let's talk about what makes your house an easy target:

Social Media Mistakes:

Posting vacation photos while still away
Showing off expensive purchases
Sharing your daily routine publicly
Checking in at locations far from home

Physical Security Mistakes:

Hiding keys under doormats or rocks
Leaving garage doors open
Neglecting to maintain exterior lighting
Failing to lock windows on nice days

Community-Based Security Measures

Neighborhood Watch Plan

Your neighbors can be your best security asset. Here's how to leverage community:

Building a Neighborhood Watch:

Get to know your neighbors
Create a neighborhood text group
Share security concerns and suspicious activities
Watch each other's houses during vacations

Special Considerations for Different Living Situations

Apartment Living:

Install additional locks (with landlord permission)
Use door stops and window locks
Know your neighbors
Be extra careful about who you let in

Rural Homes:

Install perimeter lighting
Use driveway alerts
Consider getting a dog
Have backup communication methods

Emergency Response Plan

If despite everything, someone tries to break in:

Immediate Actions:

Get to your safe room
Call 911
Stay quiet and calm
Follow your practiced family plan

After an Attempt:

Document everything
File a police report
Review and upgrade security measures
Share information with neighbors

Travel Precautions

When you're away:

Use light timers
Stop mail/package delivery
Ask neighbors to watch house
Maintain yard care
Don't broadcast travel plans

Conclusion:

Remember, avoiding home invasions isn't about living in fear – it's about being prepared and making smart choices. By implementing these layers of security and maintaining good habits, you're making your home a hard target that criminals are likely to skip. Start with the basics, build up your defenses over time, and always keep your family's safety as the top priority. The best home invasion is the one that never happens because you were prepared.

More reading:

Home Invasion Statistics

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