Nothing is worse than having your home broken into. According to an FBI crime report the odds of your home being burglarized are one in 36. According to that study the average loss is $2200 per break-in. No one wants to be part of that statistic, and the good news is there are plenty of things you can do to prevent a home invasion or home burglary.

How to Protect Yourself from a Home Invasion

  1. Own a Gun – If you want to protect yourself one of the best ways is to become a licensed gun owner. Of course it will only help you if you are trained to use the weapon so be sure to take the necessary lessons to be a responsible gun owner. If you are going to own a gun, you must be prepared to fire it so training is incredibly important. Gun ownership is not for everyone so if this is not something you feel comfortable with, don’t do it.
  2. Create a Safe Room – Not everyone can do this but Safe Rooms are just as popular as ever. A safe room is a place in your home where you can hide from any burglar or person who might do you harm. In many areas these double as storm shelters. They are locked from the inside, and must have a landline in them. Ideally they should be stocked with food and water as well as a firearm if you are licensed. Don’t forget the flashlight.
  3. Landscaping – Plant bushes and shrubs in front of windows so they aren’t easy to access. Additionally, if someone does break in through a window that has shrubbery around it, DNA may be collected due to scratches and scrapes from the bushes. Torn clothing can also be left behind.
  4. Get a Dog – Dogs are great deterrents for burglars. Most former burglars will pass on a house that has a dog. And size does not matter, it is the bark that keeps invaders from breaking in.
  5. Lock Doors and Windows – Believe it or not, most home invasions happen through the unlocked front door or unlocked window. Lock up when you go to bed at night. An unlocked door or window is an invitation for burglars so don’t invite them in.
  6. Security System – Security systems are great for monitoring your home. Unfortunately most home robberies happen in seconds – long before any police would arrive. A security system can be helpful in monitoring fires, break ins etc, and are especially helpful if you are home, but not as helpful when you are away. Still the security sign placed in your front yard does make a good deterrent.
  7. Keep Track of Keys – It’s a good idea to have a trusted neighbor who has a spare key in case of emergencies. However, it’s also good to know who has a key to your home. If you’re like most homeowners, you didn’t change the locks when you bought your home. If they home is older you may want to consider changing your locks.