7 Crucial Tips you NEED to know to survive a Home Invasion

Home invasions are a common occurrence in South Africa and unfortunately people don’t always escape unharmed, that is why it is so important to think and plan ahead of time.

Use these 7 crucial tips, and it could be the difference between life and death...

1. Live a “security conscious” lifestyle. One of the best defences is simple – take basic precautions to protect yourself from crime. This includes locking your doors and gates during the day and night, installing a home security system, lighting up your outside area, etc.

2. Prevention and detection. Use layers of security in order to deter criminals – use an electrical fence and external beams outside, it is also wise to regularly check that your burglar bars and window beams are in good, secure shape.

3. Use a safe room. Some criminals will not give in and will try to make their way through your security layers; however this will still give you ample time to get yourself and your family into a “safe room”. Whichever room you choose, make sure it is equipped with a spare panic remote and a charged cell phone with airtime. Use the SOS button on the PatrolMan app in an emergency situation to summon help to your location immediately – download it here!

4. Avoid the bedroom. Do not choose the main bedroom to use as your safe room. Why? Because most criminals are under the impression that every house has a safe and it is kept in the main bedroom. Avoid a potentially dangerous encounter with a criminal and rather choose another room as your safe room.

5. Try to stay calm. If you do come face-to-face with an intruder try you best to remain calm, speak slowly and avoid any sudden movements. Keep your hands where they can see them so they do not get nervous or assume you are concealing a weapon.

6. Do not resist their demands. Avoid making eye contact with an intruder and simply hand over your valuables. Fighting back will often end in injury or tragedy, so rather co-operate and it is likely that you and your family will not be harmed.

7. Criminals are smarter than you think. During a home invasion an intruder knows that your armed response officers take just a few minutes to respond if your alarm has gone off, so they will race against the clock to grab as many of your valuables as possible. Do not get in their way or fight back, this will only make them nervous and frustrated, resulting in violence.

The sad reality is that we live in a time where crime is something that happens on a regular basis. Instead of just sitting around and stressing about it, why not get involved with your neighbourhood watch and network with your neighbours – keep an eye out for one another and you’ll be able to stop criminals before they get the chance to strike!