Home Invasion Prevention: Home Security Advice and Devices to Protect Against Home Intruders | By Jordan Frankel

Few experiences are as terrifying as having your home invaded and your safety threatened by an intruder. Despite the prevalence of these crimes, many households remain vulnerable, relying on minimal security measures that fail to deter determined criminals. Home invasion prevention is about more than just locking your doors—it requires a proactive approach and the right tools to safeguard your loved ones.

Real-Life Examples Highlight the Need for Home Invasion Prevention

Recent crime reports underscore the devastating consequences of home invasions. In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, a mother and child were injured when two intruders forced their way into their home. According to Fox 6 Now, the assailants used weapons to extract financial information, leaving the victims trapped for hours before they could call for help. The woman and child endured multiple assaults during the ordeal.

Another tragic case occurred in Monroe, North Carolina. WSOC TV reported that a mother of five was fatally shot during a home invasion while her children were present. Two of the children sustained minor injuries. Such horrific events emphasize the importance of taking preventive measures to protect your home and family.

Jordan Frankel, a renowned home security expert, has dedicated his career to educating residents about residential crime and designing innovative security devices. Here are his top recommendations for preventing home invasions.

Key Tips for Home Invasion Prevention

In both cases above, intruders forced their way into homes. While specific methods of entry were not detailed, Frankel stresses that these incidents likely resulted from insufficient security measures. Locked doors and windows alone are not enough to deter today’s criminals. By implementing the following strategies, you can greatly reduce your risk.

1. Reinforce Entry Doors

• Replace hollow-core doors with solid wood or metal alternatives.
• Use 3-inch steel screws to strengthen door hinges.
• Install a high-quality security door brace, such as the OnGARD door brace, which can withstand up to 1,800 pounds of force.

These enhancements make it significantly harder for intruders to kick or force doors open.

2. Secure Windows and Glass Doors

• Apply BurglarGARD glass security film to ground-level windows, sliding glass doors, and French doors. This film makes breaking glass difficult and time-consuming.
• Place wooden dowels or metal bars in the tracks of sliding windows and doors to prevent them from being opened.
• Install anti-lift devices on windows to prevent them from being removed from their frames.

3. Invest in a Comprehensive Alarm System

• Install a home security alarm with a loud siren and glass breakage sensors.
• Ensure the alarm is active 24/7, whether you’re home or away.

An active alarm system provides critical alerts that can give you time to call 911 and seek safety before encountering an intruder.

4. Install an Outdoor Surveillance System

• Set up wireless cameras around your property’s perimeter.
• Choose a wireless home surveillance system with multiple cameras and a portable LED monitor to view footage from anywhere in your home.

Surveillance systems deter criminals by clearly showing that you monitor your home. Cameras also allow you to identify suspicious activity early, giving you more time to act.

5. Educate Your Family About Door Safety

• Never open the door to a stranger. Use your surveillance system to verify who is at the door.
• Be cautious of criminals posing as delivery workers, utility employees, or even law enforcement officers. Always verify their identity independently by contacting the company or agency they claim to represent.
• Teach children never to answer the door without an adult’s permission.

Emergency Preparedness

Creating an emergency plan is a vital component of home invasion prevention. A well-rehearsed plan ensures that every family member knows what to do in various scenarios, reducing panic and improving your chances of staying safe.

Steps to Develop Your Emergency Plan

1. Designate a Safe Room: Choose a secure room with a sturdy door and lock where your family can retreat during an invasion. Equip the room with essentials like a phone, flashlight, and water.
2. Practice Escape Routes: Identify multiple exits and rehearse how to use them.
3. Establish Communication Protocols: Ensure everyone knows how to dial 911 and provide clear information to operators.
4. Review and Update Regularly: Revisit your plan several times a year to keep it fresh in everyone’s mind.

Strategic Deterrents to Prevent Targeting

Most criminals seek easy targets. By making your home appear secure and less accessible, you can reduce the likelihood that criminals will choose it as a target. Here are some effective deterrents:

• Install Motion-Activated LED Lights: Bright lights startle intruders and make it more likely that others will see them.
• Display Security System Signage: Place signs around your property to show that alarms and cameras protect your home.
• Use “Beware of Dog” Signs: Even if you don’t have a dog, these signs can make intruders think twice.
• Maintain Landscaping: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed to eliminate hiding spots near windows and doors.

The Importance of Proactive Security Measures

Preventing home invasions is not just about installing devices—it’s about creating multiple layers of security. These layers act as obstacles, buying you precious time and deterring criminals from attempting entry. Implementing the measures outlined above can significantly decrease your risk of becoming a victim.

Final Thoughts on Home Invasion Prevention

No one wants to imagine intruders invading their home, which is why preparing is key to protecting your family. By taking proactive steps to secure your home, educating your household, and creating an emergency plan, you can reduce the risk of tragedy. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start implementing these home invasion prevention strategies today.