burglaryAccording to recent statistics and reports, crime in the United States is rapidly rising. Burglary is the most common crime of all. Most people cannot completely secure their homes against burglary but they can make the burglar’s job a lot tougher by using good locks, door viewers, safety chains, plenty of lighting and good common sense.

Still, you may be the victim of a burglary or worse. What do you do if you are confronted by a burglar in your home? What do you do if you are at home while the crime is being committed? What do you do if you become the victim of an assault? What do you do if you wake up and realize there is a burglar in your house?

Getting out as quickly as possible is usually recommended. If you cannot get out, however, sometimes it’s best to play possum.

Avoid confrontation! Pretend to be asleep. Chances are the burglar will take your valuables and leave. If he is in another part of the house, do not turn on any lights. Without making a sound, quickly dial the police. Most importantly, remain calm at all times.

Tell the operator a burglary is in progress, give her your address and your location in the house. A telephone should be at your bedside at all times. Keep the police number handy. Attach stickers which glow in the dark with emergency numbers on them to your phone.

The basic element of self defense is to eliminate the danger. Avoid dangerous situations. Some claim the majority of attacks could be remedied by common sense. Most importantly, thoroughly secure your home. Make sure all locks and lights are sound and in good working order.

Additional Home Security Tips:

  • Secure your home with good locks on doors and windows. Don’t give the thief any help in his break-in effort.
  • Take care of your keys; don’t give others a chance to duplicate them.
  • Outside, don’t let your house look unoccupied. Keep things from piling up and have your lawn mowed and snow shoveled while you’re gone.
  • Put a light on while you’re away.
  • Think twice before letting strangers know when you’ll be away from home, or before letting one in.
  • Have police and a trusted neighbor check your home while you’re away for more than a few days.
  • Insure your possessions and keep an up-to-date inventory of them.
  • Keep valuables in a safe deposit box.
  • Find out what your local police have to say about other crime prevention ideas.

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