Robbery of your home is not only costly, it’s an invasion of your privacy, and can leave you feeling insecure. Let’s look at what can be done to lessen the chances of this happening to you.

First, let’s identify the four different types of robbery that can occur:

1. The most serious is home invasion. Robbers will break into your home while you are present. They will be armed with weapons, with the intent of confrontation with you. I am unaware of any investigation where this has been perpetrated by a single individual.

2. The second most serious is silent entry while you are sleeping without the intent of confrontation.

3. Breaking into your home while you are away.

4. Opportunity theft. This is when your home is left insecure and unattended.

Let’s look at the four methods in more detail.

Home invasion is planned ahead of time, usually perpetrated by two or more individuals, often wearing masks. This happens when you are considered a high profile target. A high profile target is someone who is known or suspected of keeping large sums of cash or valuables within their residence. This is the most traumatic of robberies as it can lead to kidnapping, serious personal injury or death. It is perpetrated by well-organized gangs or drug- induced individuals. In either case, the culprits are prepared for violent confrontation.

Silent entry at night while you are sleeping, commonly known as cat burglary, is conducted by the more professional or experienced criminal. Most frequently entry is made by a single individual, although often they may have a confederate outside your home as a lookout. They may or may not be armed. In all cases, if cornered they will do whatever is necessary to escape--sometimes with violence.

The largest number of robberies fall into the category of breaking into your home when you are not there. They are committed by the common thief who may or may not use this as their main source of income. They do not want confrontation.

The last category, the opportunity thief--is just that. They will check for insecure homes that provide easy access. They will steal unprotected items left outside your house. They could be people you have had working around your house.

There is certain security action you can take that addresses all four of these types of robbery. You need to create a barrier between you and the robbers. That barrier can contain any or all of the following:

1. Good outside lighting means floodlights at a height that makes tampering with them difficult. The outside perimeter of your home should be lit. Some people choose motion detectors on the lights to lessen the cost of electricity. This can be a problem when you have a well-trafficked area. The lights will be going on and off all night, as well the robber can move where he wants to gain entry, then just wait for the lights to go off to do his work. Most motion detectors require general movement and are not sensitive to slow, precise movements, or, of course, the robber can get out of sensor range and work in the dark.

2. Perimeter patrol by human or dogs with continuous coverage is best handled by large dogs. More than one dog ensures excellent coverage. Of course the dogs can only protect where they can patrol. If you ask the police how many homes with large dogs on patrol have been broken into, the answer will most often be: none. Periodic patrol is offered by private security companies.

3. Doors and windows that can be secured. Deadbolts are the best and more than one on a door is better. The best situation is if the door and frame are made of metal. Main floor windows can be secured by attractive metal lattice work. Sliding doors can be further secured by a metal pipe cut to fit snuggly in the track work when the door is closed. This also applies to sliding windows.

4. Alarm systems that are responded to by private security. For peace of mind, motion activated alarms can be put in place at bedtime. This works well when you don’t have animals. If all access to the outside can be closed, a pressure alarm can be installed. This allows free movement within the alarmed area. The alarm will only go off if a door or window is opened and the pressure is reduced.

5. Interior protection. A large dog free to roam the house at night is great protection and an unquestionable alarm. Get to know your neighbors. Let them know if you are going to be away. Don’t leave your home vacant if you go on vacation or are away for any prolonged period of time. Many people would be glad to be house sitters. If this is not possible, put your lights on a timer switch. Have a friend check your home regularly and remove any telltale signs of your absence, i.e. papers and/or periodicals left at your entranceway.

If you have concerns that you could be the victim of home invasion, I would suggest all five of these barriers should be instituted. For the rest of you, the more barriers you place between you and the robber, the less chance you have of becoming a victim of crime.

Protection is a community affair. With a quadrant system in place where you are advised of what criminal activity is occurring in your area, you can re-examine what protective devices you have in place and upgrade them if necessary. Forewarned is forearmed. The protection of a community is directly related to the number of people in that community working towards making it a safer place.

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