Home Security:
PUSH-IN
Home Defense
A Push-In can happen if you ignore home security and answer the doorbell by opening the door without knowing for sure who's there.
Or if you do use a peephole and intercom, they can still try to use a scam to entice you to open the door anyway.
The good news is that push-in home invasions are among the most preventable crimes when you know the simple, effective defenses. With basic tools and habits, you can verify who's there without opening the door, and most predators will move on when they realize they can't get easy access.
Let's walk through exactly how to spot the tricks, fortify your door, and stay safe—starting today.
Criminals Try To Trick Their Targets
In the mid-1980’s, a gang invaded Chicago-area homes. They'd put a magnetic, fake florist sign on a van and park in front of a house. Two men, with large bouquets of flowers hiding their faces, rang the doorbell. The homeowner, seeing flowers and a florist delivery van, opened the door.
A series of home invasions in Houston each began with a knock on the door. When the homeowner opened the door without first checking who was there, two gunmen storm inside. In some cases, the homeowners asked who it was, and it was just a mumble, so they opened the door to hear them better.
Mr. Paul heard a knock at his Dallas home. When he didn't see anyone in the peephole, he opened the door.
In a sleepy Ontario town, a man pounded frantically on the door of a home, yelling out that he needed directions to a hospital for his injured son lying in his car. A woman, cleverly duped, opened her door.
Would you have breached your home security by opening your door – or instead called 911 for an ambulance or a police escort?
By the way, 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.
Kids Home Alone
Police Safety Tips: Kids Home Alone | Arlington TV – Arlington, VA Police Department | video 1m15s | Arlington is a safe community. But when it comes to your kids, you can't be TOO safe. If your kids are spending time home without you, make sure they know these safety rules!
►Do not have friends over without an adult in the house to supervise.
►Keep your doors closed AND locked.
►Do not open the door for anyone even if you know the person.
►Never tell any caller that you're home alone.
►Make sure you have a trusted neighbor you can go to if you need help and a list of emergency phone numbers to call.
►And remember, never hesitate to call the police if you think you spot suspicious activity. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies. For more Safety tips, go to arlingtonva.us/police .
PREVENTING PUSH-INS
How to be the target criminals prefer to avoid.
NEVER open your door for anyone you don’t know and trust. Install a peephole and a wireless doorbell Home Intercom System for communicating through your fortified, and locked door. Also see door reinforcement.
If you are pushed-in, do not remain inside with him (even if other family members are home). To avoid becoming a hostage at their mercy, flee to the outside for help. That might prompt him to flee as well because he’ll know that you’ll be calling
for help - hopefully from a nearby neighbor. Since the national average police response time is ELEVEN minutes (if you're lucky), yell
out that you’re getting your “neighbor the cop” - which might prompt him to flee as well. Now you see why it's better to guard against push-ins before it's a life-or-death crisis.
Safeguard your home security even if you live in Sleepy Valley - predators often hunt where the prey least expect them.
Make sure all your family members use these home defense strategies - because "a chain is no stronger than it's weakest link." The most cautious of us will more likely be spared.
Also see Women's 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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