Peepholes
vs
Blind Luck
This site is a non-profit PSA with no financial ties to security product retailers.
Peepholes (wide angle viewers or fish-eye lens) let you know who's knocking at your door before you open it. Otherwise you might blindly open up – into the nightmare of a Push-In.
[And know that females commit ~20% of violent crimes (per the FBI). Some may seem friendly (at first), commit crimes alone, or in groups, or help male partners. So evaluate ALL strangers by their behavior and red flags.]
Of the thousands of home invasions or burglaries daily in the U.S. alone, roughly half are Walk-Ins through unlocked doors! Running a close second are Push-Ins when a homeowner blindly opens the door to a criminal. Using a little caution can make a huge difference if you use these:
PEEPHOLE TIPS
► Demand that all family members always check before opening the door.
► Locate it about five feet high from the indoor floor. Keep a step-stool nearby so kids can use it (and open the door only with your permission).
► Insist on a deliveryman's photo I.D. from his employer pressed to your window. Look for a company vehicle (not with a magnetic sign). Then call his company to check (get the phone number from the phone directory, not from him). See Home Security - Scam-In.
► Know that some criminals block your view with their hand or stand out of sight, hoping to fool you into opening anyway.
► Also use a doorbell intercom for all exterior doors to more easily talk with visitors (or just listen to criminals making plans) without opening your door. You'll find inexpensive models at Home Intercom System.
By the way...
Door-chains ("chain-locks" or "chain door
interviewers") are too weak to protect you. They allow partial door opening to
"interview" a visitor, BUT they're far too flimsy to stop a kick-in or an aggressive Push-In.
Get rid of these flimsy "security products." Newer "high-tech" types - such as spraying indelible ink on an invader as he bursts
through to attack you anyway (or others with equally foolish ideas) -
are still not nearly good enough. You're much safer with a Home Intercom System.
Of course,
NO security products are guaranteed to prevent any crime - but may serve you well if combined with the guidance in Home Security Overview and Outdoor Safety Overview.
NOTICE: This non-profit website is for informational purposes only and is drawn from the bibliography and USDOJ. Use the information at your own risk. See disclaimers.
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