Home invasions and home break-ins are on the rise, all reports say

Burglary of an occupied house or burglars attacking an occupied residence is what it used to be called, but in recent years it is known as breaking and entering. States will vary quite a bit as to the legality of this crime. Usually, the abuser will be charged for what he does in the house after entering. He can do a home invasion search to see what the laws are in your state. I think you will be quite surprised by what you read. Connecticut Congressman Chris Murphy wants to make it a federal crime.

According to what I’ve read online, home invasions are on the rise in 2010. Many attribute this to the bad economy, job losses, easy cash banks and some have even gone so far as to say it’s the drug use in the United States. In any case, 1 out of every 5 houses is invaded every year. That equates to around 7,500 households per day. Here are some tips that can protect your home from such crimes.

• Try to live in a close-knit community. Do you and your neighbors take care of everyone around you? Do you have a block clock? Most neighborhoods like this are better protected from strangers.
• Try to live in a gated community. In other words, are there only a few entrances to your neighborhood? Some communities have courts or circular paths instead of streets that go directly to other main streets.
• Try to live in condominiums or apartments that only have interior entrances. This usually includes a locked door that you must access to enter the building to your home.
• I protected you at home. Take a walk and check for weak spots.
• Install dead bolt locks. This is relatively cheap to do.
• Install peepholes in your doors.
• Well, bedding areas are also good for your home.
• Newer protected windows. Double or triple pane glass types.
• Alarm systems installed. This will alert you and your neighbors of intruders.
• Camera systems can protect your home and can give you an early warning of intruders.
• Never open the doors to strangers. Delivery men, City workers, Vendors. Always ask for IDs.
• Keep gates and garage doors locked at all times while you’re home with an alarm on, if you have one.

These are just some of the basic common sense things you can do to reduce the statistics that your home will be invaded. As stated above, take a walk and see what is weak in your home. Once you fix all the weak areas, call your insurance agent to see if you qualify for a discount. This is a growing issue and no one is immune but with some common sense tips you can protect what is yours as well as your family.