3 of the most common Home Invasion Tactics used by Criminals

Believe it or not but most criminals actually plan in advance when they attempt a home invasion robbery and their most important objective is to gain access to your home.

Always remember that home invasions can happen to anyone, even you! Make sure you are fully prepared and download the PatrolMan app. The useful SOS feature could be your saving grace in a home invasion situation.

These are the 3 most common tactics that criminals use when they’re planning a home invasion…

Tactic 1 – Knock on the door

Some criminals will use brute force to gain access to your home, like kicking down the door or breaking a window, however many prefer to use a much more subtle approach such as knocking on the front door. Once someone opens the door, thinking the criminal is a salesperson or some other reasonable person, this gives the criminal the perfect opportunity to force their way inside!

The best way to avoid falling for this tactic is to NEVER open the door to someone you do not know. Whether they are selling something or try and convince you they need to do repairs, it is not safe to allow them into your house.

Tactic 2 – Approach you when you’re returning home

Always be aware that criminals will find places to find and wait for you to return home, such as in the bushes or in a dark area near the front door. While you may be distracted by something you might not realise that a criminal is dangerously close, waiting for you to open the door so they can force their way inside.

Make sure that all bushes are trimmed and entrance points do not have any objects that criminals can hide behind. It is also a good idea to install security lighting and surveillance cameras – criminals will avoid these like the plague!

Tactic 3 – Faking an emergency

Some seasoned criminals will use a different approach to gaining access to your home. Posing as a stranded motorist or someone in an emergency situation, a criminal will approach your door and ask for help. This excuse often works when they say they have just been the victim of a mugging or their cell phone battery is dead.

This is a common ploy to gain access to your home and you should NEVER open your front door in a situation like this. It is best to tell the person that you will call the police or your neighbourhood watch group for them.

What are your best tips for avoiding a home invasion robbery? Can you recommend any special home security devices that will specifically help reduce these crimes? Have you ever been the victim of a home invasion robbery?