With home invasions, armed robberies and house break-ins being the order of the day, a security practitioner has provided the following insights into a criminal’s mind. He also has some sound advice for how readers can fortify their homes.
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According to the practitioner, criminals could use deception by approaching your residence posing as a delivery man, salesman, or even have a woman accomplice knock on the door while the aggressor waits out of sight. This situation would normally occur during the day and is a technique employed by the criminal to scout. Always be suspicious of those that you allow into your home, such as the exterminator, carpet cleaner, or repair man (and use a reputable company when obtaining such services).
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When attempting to enter your residence, home invaders will employ techniques commonly found in CQB (Close Quarters Battle), which are speed, surprise and violence of action. Speed and surprise are fairly self-explanatory, but violence of action relates to the overwhelming control these criminal will use to subdue their victims and instill fear. This will occur during the first 60 seconds of their initial contact as they’ll be looking to counter any threat they might face.
So how do you fortify your home to prevent becoming a target? Education and planning are key, so use these steps below and get started:
• Keep your house well lit at night to discourage would-be criminals
• Don’t leave heavy objects in the backyard
• Lock your gates and burglar doors
• Always lock windows, even those upstairs
• Use solid-core exterior doors including the door into your garage, which should also have a deadbolt
• Invest in anti-kick door solutions to prevent brute force entry. A door chain isn’t going to help one bit, even when answering the door
• Ensure your alarm is monitored and will continue to work in the event you lose power in a storm or it happens to be neutralised
• Have a plan for your family or roommates in your home in the event of a home invasion. Talk it over and know what each person’s responsibilities are. That plan should include ways to escape the home if necessary
• Consider a safe room as a rally point where you have the ability to protect yourself and call your security company and police. Stash a spare cellphone there
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