Home Security:
MUG-IN
Home Defense
Many women worry about this exact scenario – and here's how to take control. You will be more secure and feel more secure by following the guidance on this page. Knowledge is power.
A Mug-In is when an attacker ambushes someone outside of their home and forces them inside. They might be gardening, followed home, or leaving. It’s similar to a push-in, but begins while they're outside, farther away from the door.
Here are a few examples:
San Antonio TX police say the serial rapist follows a woman home, and when she nears her door, he appears with a gun and forces her inside.
Five gunmen ambushed a Memphis TN woman in her driveway. Once inside her home, her entire family was tied up while their home was ransacked.
A Bainbridge GA woman was followed home by a car but thought nothing of it until a man with a handgun approached her and forced her inside her home.
Modesto CA police are searching for two women who approached another woman who was standing outside her apartment, forced her inside, then beat and robbed her.
And remember that - according to the USDOJ - females comprise 12–21% of all violent crime categories. So evaluate ALL strangers by their behavior and red flags.
PREVENTING MUG-INS
How to be the target they prefer to avoid.
Carefully scan your surroundings before exiting your home - or car. Look for anyone hiding or lurking nearby. Hold pepper spray and a personal alarm (noisemaker or screamer) at the ready.
If you're already being attacked, do NOT go inside your home with him! You’re better off outside where he has fewer options. Whatever violence he’s willing to use outside will likely be worse inside. Do not believe his promises. Criminals lie.
When you're driving home, circle the block to see if you’re being followed. If anyone seems to be following you, do not go home. Instead, drive to a police station - or, if it's too far away - drive to an active public place to call the police. If he's still following you, stay in your locked car while blowing your horn non-stop.
When you do go home, carefully look around before exiting your car, and have your spray and alarm in hand.
Or, if you're on foot and suspect you're being followed, again - have your spray and alarm in hand, and go to an active public place.
Also see Women's Safety - Overview.
