One of your worst fears must be waking up and hearing the sound of an intruder in the home or, even worse, a shadowy figure in the bedroom. As terrible as it may be, if you ever discover yourself in this circumstance, it can be terrifying. You’re not alone if you’re concerned about your home being broken into. According to a recent survey, burglary is the most dreaded property crime. According to FBI figures, housebreaking is widespread in the United States, with far more than 2.5 million burglaries annually in United States. Some people may be startled to find that daytime burglaries are more common than nighttime burglaries. The average amount stolen in those break ins was $2,661.
Even though the chances of being faced by a burglar are minimal, it is possible. It is estimated that 28% of attempted housebreaking happens when somebody is there. You may be at a loss for what to do due to this distressing encounter. There are several options for dealing with the scenario.
Things To Do If An Intruder Enters Your Home
Below are some safety tips if an intruder or burglar is in your home.
Get To a Safe Place Outside Your Home
Many wonder, “What to do if my house is broken into?” If someone breaks into your home, the authorities recommend that you leave immediately, and it’s something that individuals cannot emphasize enough. Burglars have been demonstrated to only desire to get in and out of the home as soon as possible, with no intention of harming you. An intruder is likely to have previously planned an escape route, which, as per facts, is most probably the back door.
Before going upstairs to inspect the bedrooms, intruders will get a clear path through the back entrance to the house. Experts recommend attempting to flee through the front gate and staying as far away from the back door as possible. Also, never challenge a burglar, as this will undoubtedly result in a violent response. Nothing they could steal is worth putting your life at stake.
Activate Your Alarm System
If you have a security alarm, your second course of action is to activate it. If you have a panic button, set the car alarm with your keys. Any loud noise should frighten a burglar.
How To Answer The Phone If You Have An Alarm System
If you have a property alarm system and have not been able to alert the authorities before an intruder enters your home, you may receive phone calls from the business. If the burglar is in the apartment and wants or enables you to answer the phone, they may understand that if you don’t, the cops will be called, so you must have a distress code word prepared with the security firm. They’ll know you’re in trouble if you speak the code words. For example, you may say, “Mom, I’ll contact you in the morning,” for example.
Hide and Try To Call the Police
You could also choose to hide. Once you’ve reached a safe location, call the cops. The most excellent hiding spot is somewhere you could either block yourself in or close the door from the inside. Once you’ve dialed 911, you’ll need to describe that your home has been invaded. Although you may be panicked at the time, you must explain what’s going on clearly and simply.
When you’re in a position where chatting or making sounds could place you in danger, be silent and dial 55. It is one of the peaceful solutions. It will warn the operators that you require assistance but cannot make a sound. Stay on the phone, so they can tell what’s going on, but it’s also critical that you stay put and wait for the cops.
Be Calm, Collected, and Compliant
If everything else fails and you’re confronted with an intruder, you’ve arrived at the worst scenario. So, what are your options now? Staying calm is one of the most excellent options you can do. It’s difficult to achieve, but give it your all. The more relaxed you are, the more flexible the burglar ought to be. Don’t shout or scream. Keep your tone at a moderate volume. Move away from the burglar and avoid making any unexpected movements.
Another crucial step is acting agreeable, raising your hands, and allowing them to take anything they want. Do not risk your life to prevent them from stealing anything. The burglar may be hiding their face under a mask or hood, but whether or not you can see their identity, avoid making eye contact and looking directly at them. If a burglar suspects you can identify them, they may respond aggressively.
Keep Your Distance From the Intruder
If the intruder enters your room while you are already awake, try to get as far away as possible. Keep an eye out for chances to get away and stay calm and cooperative. If at all possible, avoid confrontation and strong replies.
The burglar may be armed if you don’t see a weapon. So when dealing with an intruder, exercise extreme caution. They’re armed to be on the safe side. You may believe the intruder is unarmed, but they could bring a pistol or knife if they become enraged.
Aim To Incapacitate
While it’s generally advised that you try to flee or cooperate with a burglar, you may find yourself in a situation where you have no choice but to protect yourself. If you must fight, battle to render the invader unconscious so you can flee. The groin, neck, face, eyes, nose, mouth, and knees are good targets. The location of the invader near you will determine where you should strike the attacker. For example, if he isn’t standing directly next to you, consider kicking his knees hard and fast instead of getting closer to kick him in the head.
Hold your dominant hand wide and flat with your fingers stiff and close around each other and your thumb out. Then stab your palm into the robber’s neck with reasonable force. You may be able to immobilize the invader by thrusting the heel of your palm against his nose with force. You could also move your elbow into the intruder’s neck, head, crotch, or stomach. Make the most of your leverage by putting your entire body weight into it.
Use Common Objects As Weapons
While you can use your hands to scratch the attacker’s eyes or nose, examine the room rapidly to see if there is anything else you can use as a weapon. It’s a smart option to have a pen or the car keys beside your bed, for example. If you’re awakened before you can get to your safe room or get a more suited weapon, these objects may still be able to cause considerable damage. Take the first option to run, even if you are pushed into a physical encounter with the invader. Make as much noise as possible to alert a neighbor or stranger to your predicament.
Learn About The Law To Keep a Weapon
You may be undecided about keeping a gun in the home, even though it is highly recommended for your safety. Of course, keeping firearms in a house with children raises safety issues, but you may also be concerned about what will happen to you if you fire an intruder. But don’t worry if you damage the invader. You’re within your rights to do so if you live in a state where the “Stand Your Ground” legislation applies. In most circumstances, the legislation will protect you if you attack an intruder.
Even if you are generally protected under the law if you shoot an intruder, you must reasonably believe that you are in jeopardy and respond proportionally. For example, this implies that if the intruder threatens you with a piece of fruit and you recognize it, you could be charged with wounding or trying to shoot the intruder.
Many states have passed laws that don’t force you to retreat, regardless of what the legislation or statute is labeled or attempts. Instead, you have the legal authority to claim self defense and use force. Even in these stages, you can’t assault unless there’s a good reason, so stay cautious. It’s a good idea to look up what laws and legislation exist or try and take a piece of legal advice about owning a weapon where you live if you can.
How To Keep Your Home Secure From Intruders
While moving to a new home is exciting, keeping safety measures in place to keep it secure and starting up with home security systems or devices can be intimidating. The incredible thing is that there are many low cost home security alternatives right now, ranging from DIY surveillance to smart locks to prevent home invasion.
Secure Your Doors and Windows
The first and easiest defense against attackers is to lock your doors and windows, but how many of us do so regularly? Burglars are always looking for easy prey, and unguarded doors or windows are exactly that. So it’s a good idea to keep them closed even when you’re at home. Also, double-check entrances and first floor windows before leaving the house to ensure they’re all locked.
Some gadgets can also assist you in keeping track of your entranceways. For example, people can program smart locks to lock instantly at specific times, and windows and doors sensors can detect if a door or window has just been left unlocked. Finally, installing a home security system with an outdoor camera is one of the most excellent options.
Upgrade Your Door Locks
If you don’t have strong locks, simply locking the windows and doors may not be enough. First, ensure that all outside doors are equipped with a deadlock, making it difficult for attackers to gain access. Then, while you’re about it, double check that the entrance doors and hinges are strong enough to resist housebreaking attempts. Older doors or uncovered hinges can put you at risk. Finally, as previously noted, you can switch to smart locks that can operate remotely.
Buy a Home Security System
Implementing a home security system is among the most efficient ways to deter intruders and notify you if a break has occurred. According to statistics, a home without a surveillance system is significantly more likely to be robbed. In addition, intruders will most likely flee if they see a camera system or a banner stating that someone has a security system.
House security cameras are a terrific way to add an extra layer of protection to your home. For example, suppose there’s a yard or front porch disturbance. In that case, security cameras can notify you, and windows and doors sensors can inform you if someone has invaded or is trying to enter the property. Depending on their policies, your security provider may also notify a police officer on your behalf.
Keep Your Valuables Hidden
Burglars may scout possible targets early to make sure they attack homes with valuables. Hence, it’s better not to store valuables where attackers may readily see them as they walk by. Avoid putting expensive tools or motorcycles out unprotected, close the garage door, and don’t put valuable gadgets, purses, jewelry, cash, or other things in front of glass doors, for example. Individuals also use window treatments such as curtains or blinds to keep prying eyes out.
Install Outdoor Lighting
When breaking into a property, thieves don’t want to appear like they’re on display, and exterior lights might help them feel more exposed. Because these crimes are frequently opportunistic crimes, external lighting may entice intruders to move constantly. Instead of leaving your outdoor light on all the time, make investments in motion sensor lights that turn on when a movement is sensed in the yard. An intruder will be caught off guard by the illumination, which may cause them to flee.
Make It Look Like Someone Is Home
Most thieves will avoid entering your home if you are present. Instead, they’d want to find an empty house and barge in as soon as they get a chance. Hence, one better way to deter burglars is to provide the impression that somebody is always present.
Leaving an inside light or the television on during the workplace is an example. When you’re gone for an extended period, such as on vacation, have your mail collected by a neighbor or family member, as mail piling up can be a sign that the homeowner is gone. Smart lights can add to the realism by configuring to turn on and off at regular intervals to resemble a person at home.
Keeping a Dog For Security
If all you want from your dog is for them to bark when a stranger approaches the residence, then most dogs will suffice, as they will usually make noise when someone rings the doorbell or walks outside your house. According to an expert, a barking dog of any size could be enough to make a thief opt to go somewhere else to a residence with no possible dangers. A wise homeowner’s perspective is to think about how I can make my home as unappealing to robbers as possible.
Small dogs such as chihuahuas, schnauzers, and tiny pinschers aren’t large enough to harm a thief, but they can bark to notify you. Labradors and Golden Retrievers, for example, are often not very helpful. Larger dog breeds with a history of being aggressive are best adapted to a security role.
Best Guard Dogs
Some dogs have an innate instinct to defend their families and their homes. These dogs are known for being devoted to their masters, brave in the face of danger, intelligent, and attentive. The following are some of the suggestions.
Bullmastiff
A working breed has been used as a guard dog. They are quick learners who are also fiercely protective. Bullmastiffs are a watchful and dependable breed with the boldness and confidence of a protector without the hostility of other breeds.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are the epitome of the phrase, purpose bred dog. They are not easily frightened and are one of the best protective breeds, frequently used by the military or police. They are brave and devoted to their owner.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherds were bred to be hardworking and adaptable dogs. They are referred to as one of the most intelligent and trainable breeds. They are also a good watchdog.
Rottweiler
Rottweiler is a working breed that is often companionable and is often used as a police dog. They are good watchdogs because they have effective defense and territorial instincts. In addition, they are composed and devoted to their owners.
Final Thoughts
Nobody wants to be the victim of housebreaking or encounter an intruder. The suggestions in this guide will deter and prevent thieves from entering, keeping your family and property safe. You can take small initiations by focusing on only a few items from this guide. After completing those tasks, you can continue the remaining. Each minor enhancement you make will increase the safety of your house and loved ones.
