Nationwide statistics released by the FBI show that, while robberies have been decreasing overall, robberies occurring at residences have increased every year from 1999 through 2003.  Home invasion is becoming more common as commercial targets like convenience stores or banks harden themselves against intrusion. 

Unlike burglary, which is a non-confrontational crime, home invasion is violent and forceful.  Also in contrast with burglary, home invasion most often occurs at night and on weekends when residents are likely to be home.  Home invaders rarely work alone and rely on tremendous physical force to gain initial control and instill fear in you. It is not unusual for home invaders to target the resident as well as their home itself.  For example, wealthy seniors or a woman living alone would be prime targets for home invasion.  Sometimes, robbers follow people to their homes based on the type of car they drive or the jewelry they wear.  In some cases, home invaders might have even been inside your home before as a delivery or repair person.

What to Expect During A Home Invasion

If you want to prevent a home invasion, you need to know what to expect.  Common entry points for home invaders include the front door and the garage.  In general, the most violence takes place during the first sixty seconds of an invasion.  Home invaders will either force your door open or ring the doorbell and force their way in after you open the door.  Often armed with handcuffs, rope, duct tape, and firearms, home invaders incapacitate residents of the home. 

The invaders typically commit multiple crimes in the home such as robbery, rape, and assault.  It’s not unusual for intruders to hang around for hours – they might watch TV, eat, or even nap.  Many home invaders appear to enjoy the domination, and some even claim to get a "rush" out of it.

Tips For Preventing Home Invasion

The best way to survive the terrifying experience of a home invasion is to prevent it completely.  Below is a compilation of tips from law enforcement officers and home security experts for preventing home invasion:

• Install solid core doors, heavy duty locks, and window security devices.
• Lock all doors, windows, and garages at all times.
• Install a video intercom near your front door or main entrance.  That way, you can see and hear people before allowing them access to your home.
• Never open the door to strangers or solicitors.  If a stranger at your door acts suspicious, call the police immediately and alert your neighbors.

• Use a blocking device on all sliding glass doors and windows.
• Use highly visible alarm stickers, beware of dog decals, or neighborhood watch signs.
• Make sure someone cannot reach through windows to unlock a door.
• Use anti-lift devices to prevent windows from being lifted out.
• Get to know your neighbors and discuss how to respond to suspicious activity.
• Use motion sensor lights near main entry points.  Make sure they allow for 100-foot visibility.  Also, use good lighting along pathways to and from those main entry points.