In modern times, it’s an unfortunate reality that homeowners are at much higher risk of break-ins and theft. However, the advancement of technology has also made countering this threat easier than ever before. Along with sound technological methods, there are several important, and easy, ways that individuals can protect themselves from a home invasion. Below are some of the easiest and safest methods to protect your home from break-ins and theft.
1. Animals
Animals are one of the oldest and most well-known methods of protecting a home from burglary. Although it has its potential drawbacks, a well-trained, large sized dog or dogs can be a powerful deterrent against a burglar. Many larger breeds, such as mastiffs, pit bulls, and German shepherds, inherently protect their owners from threats, due to their nature and instincts. However, for guard animals to be truly effective they require the proper training, as well as being the proper breed for such activities.
2. Home Security Systems
Home monitoring systems may be relatively modern; however, they are one of the best tools for preventing robbery and home invasion. There are a myriad of options to choose from in this department, from wireless systems, to electrical alarms and monitored alarm systems. There can be potential benefits and risks to each of these systems, and all of them have different levels of security. Monitored systems, for instance, can send a signal to a security company, who can then call the police. However, they are connected either online or usually through telephone lines, which could be cut or disrupted prior to the burglary, if the culprit is experienced.
3. Awareness
Although this may seem obvious, being aware of your surroundings and what goes on around your home can play a major role in detecting a possible home invasion before it takes place. This is also something that many people fail to consider properly. Knowing what vehicles, people, and objects are typically in your neighborhood can help you better detect when something is out of place. For example, being aware of an unusual or suspicious vehicle that has been parked down the block for several days could mean the difference between an actual burglary, or a planned one. Always be aware of what is ordinarily in your neighborhood, and when something looks suspicious or out of place, notify the authorities.
4. Plants
This may not seem like the archetypal solution to robbery; however, thorny and sharp plants placed strategically near windows and openings may be a good deterrent for inexperienced or adventitious burglars. In the least, they can easily slow down a home invasion, enabling those inside time to either escape or react, or providing more time for neighbors to spot any suspicious activity.
5. Cameras
The installation of camera and monitoring systems at your residence not only can deter burglars, but they can also provide valuable evidence and information that can help catch and prosecute anyone who tries to enter illegally. Along with this, many of these systems can be monitored remotely, either on a phone or laptop. There are options that have detection systems which can send a signal to your home or computer as well, and there are also countless options for hidden or discreet camera systems.
6. Neighbors
The neighborhood in which you live can greatly affect your chances of home invasion, and crime around your home in general. Having a neighborhood watch, for instance, has been proven to be one of the most, if not the most, effective way of deterring burglaries. Along with this, gated communities, or communities with security personnel, can significantly decrease the rate of crime in your neighborhood.
7 . Weapons
This may not be an option for some homeowners; however, a properly trained resident can safely manage and store a weapon for an emergency circumstance where they are home during an attempted robbery. Firearms can also be the strongest deterrent that one has to fight or stave off a violent and determined criminal.
8. Training and Preparation
This one goes hand-in-hand with the previous approach; properly trained and equipped individuals can not only employ all of the other methods on this list, but they can do so instinctively; having, and practicing, a plan for potential home invasion can increase reaction and response time in a dangerous scenario.
9. Bells or Door Alerts
Along the same line as security systems, a bell over the door, or an alert system or ringer when someone enters, can be an easy and foolproof way to detect an intruder inside your home while you are there. This is the cheapest and easiest method of intruder detection; however, a bell or ringer that sounds upon someone entering your home can only be effective while you are at the residence.
10. Equipment
This may be the most effective way to prepare for a home invasion that takes place when you or your family members are in the house. In addition, homeowners may consider creating an interior safe room. Proper equipment, such as a safe, a reliable place for weapons storage, spare keys, nightsticks, and flashlights can mean the difference between life and death in a situation where a criminal is trying to enter your home while it is occupied.
These are only a few of the ways that homeowners can protect themselves from theft and robbery. These events, although uncommon, can take place anywhere in the world, and individuals must choose the correct options for their specific situation and environment; however, with the right combination of these methods and technologies, residents can easily manage to deter home invasions, and know how to swiftly react if the unfortunate does take place. With these techniques, the risk of a home invasion can be drastically reduced, making your home a safer place for you and your loved ones.
References
Hunt, Chad and Pappalardo, Joe. (2012, February 9). 7 Ways to Protect Yourself From a Home Invasion. Retrieved from https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/g1706/7-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-a-home-invasion/.
Miller, Krystal. (2020, January 2). 4 Different Types of Security Systems. Retrieved from https://www.doityourself.com/stry/4-different-types-of-security-systems.
