An illegal and vigorous entry into an occupied residence with the intention of committing a crime against people is known as a home invasion. Some of the common types of home invasions are robbery, assault, rape, murder, or kidnapping.

Many people think that their homes are a safe place where they feel protected from the dangers of the outside world. However, many crimes are in fact committed in homes by some strangers or by family members and familiar people. Home invasion is different from burglary, in which the attacker enters a protected structure in order to commit a crime inside.

What makes your house a target?
In order to carry out a crime and escape from the scene easily, home invaders or attackers have some constraints to target a house:

• Low traffic areas : Homes that are far away from neighborhoods are vulnerable because fewer people will be able to see a crime being committed.
• Houses near common offender : An area with many strangers or already with a high crime rate and history.
• Places to hide : Houses with short plants grown under the windows and dense trees around are their target as they can hide there easily.
• Previously attacked home or near such a place :

Problems and solutions for home invasion

• Unsecured homes
  Most thieves target homes that are easy to break into, and they mostly pick a house by surveilling the neighborhood when they come and go. They also look for properties that are expensive and well maintained.
  Solution: Don’t keep the doors and windows open while moving outside. Keep your valuable things safe and don’t disclose it to anyone.
• Home exterior
  As invaders target the low traffic and low-lit houses, you must be aware of them.
  Solution: keep your house well lit at night and have motion detectors installed around your home. Post stickers and signs of alarms and dogs in order to deter invaders.
• Leaving your home during vacation
  Summer is the season for break-in for robbers because many people take summer vacations for longer days, and the empty houses are the prime target for thefts.
  Solution: It is good to have security or at least a dog to protect the house. There are many home security systems available, and you can utilize any one of them.
• Be aware of the disclosure of your plans
  Savvy or familiar persons pay attention to the posts on social media. Nowadays, many people post status and updates while they are enjoying their time away, disclosing the information that their house is empty, making it prone to be targeted for home invasion.
  Solution : Secure your posts and status from the public and strange people. Also, don’t mention your location or other personal points.
• Less secure doors or empty areas
  If you have a glass door or window, it is easy for robbers to enter your house by smashing the glass. They can also enter through window-based air conditioners and climb through the open space.
  Solution : Install a steel or metal security door and ensure that you lock it. Secure your window or put the air conditioner in an upper floor window.
• Vehicles or garage
  While traveling or when you go out for any purpose, invaders may target the house. They may kidnap you or try to rob the vehicle.
  Solution : Keep a weapon and tools handy in case of invaders. You may also set an alarm on your vehicle.

Home invasions are extremely serious consequences for the victims, and we cannot expect the police or security to guard your properties and you. So it is your responsibility to take an initiative to minimize the risk of violent attacks.