Township of Upper St. Clair Police

Home Invasion Safety Tips

Home invasions are particularly frightening because they violate our private space and the one place that we think of as our sanctuary.

The most common point of attack is through the front door or garage. Sometimes the home invaders will simply kick open the door and confront everyone inside.

More common is when the home invaders knock on the door first or ring the bell. The home invader hopes that the occupant will simply open the door, without question, in response to their knock. Unfortunately, many people do just that. Home invaders will sometimes use a ruse or impersonation to get you to open the door. They have been known to pretend to be delivering a package, flowers or lie about an accident like hitting your parked car.

Once the door is opened for them, the home invaders will use an explosive amount of force and threats to gain control of the home and produce fear in the victims. Once the occupants are under control the robbers will begin to collect your valuables.

Remember these important security steps:

Install solid core door, heavy duty locks, and window security devices.
Use four three-inch screws to secure heavy duty lock strike plates.
Use the door peephole BEFORE opening the door.
Use your porch light to help you see clearly.
Never rely on a chain-latch as a barrier to partially open the door.
Never open the door to strangers or solicitors.
Call the police if the stranger acts suspicious.
Alert your neighbors to suspicious solicitors.
Hold a family meeting to discuss home security plans.
Relinquish only your car key to garage or parking lot attendants, etc. Always retain custody of your house key.
Be highly selective in whom you admit. (Offenders are often friends or acquaintances of their victims).
Require identification of repairman, servicemen, etc. (Offenders sometimes pose as phone repairmen, policemen, fire inspectors, etc.).
Do not let phone callers know that you are alone.
Keep doors and windows locked.
Keep shades or drapes drawn after dark.

According to the Unsolved Mysteries Web site, home invasion robbers prey on the kindness of strangers. If a stranger comes to your door asking to use the phone, offer to make the call for them, but never open the door to them -- not even if they claim to be in danger.

Be suspicious if you have not ordered an item for delivery or if the officer is being vague. If unsure, confirm the person's identity by calling their company or precinct.
Avoid reckless displays of wealth that might attract the attention of criminals. Home invasion robbers often follow their victims home after witnessing evidence of wealth on the part of the victim.
If you see someone outside of your home or apartment building that looks suspicious, contact the authorities and ask them to investigate.

Department of

Police Protection

Department of

Police Protection

Home Invasion Safety Tips