Home Security:
Walk-In
Burglary
A Walk-In burglary is when an intruder walks in through your unlocked door (or climbs in through an unlocked window) - whether day or night.
You and your family must always keep all your doors and windows locked (or otherwise secure). See Door Reinforcement and Window Security.
Here's what crime victims can teach you about home security:
Criminals Love "Safe Neighborhoods"
In a series of rapes in Indiana, the rapist had entered the homes through an open attached-garage door and unlocked house door. Many of the victims were in their yards when he entered their homes and surprised them when they went inside.
A man is suspected of committing nine home invasions in Montreal. The man used the same methods to gain entry into the houses – via windows left open during warm weather.
Criminals know that people in “safe” neighborhoods tend to leave their doors unlocked – many even brag about it. Criminals often simply try doorknobs then just walk in. Some predators sneak in while you’re outside busy with a chore. If you do happen to notice this, first get a neighbor to call the cops before you rush back inside to rescue your family – because you might get trapped in a hostage taking situation and your best bet is to have rescuers already on the way.
UNlocked Doors and Windows
Two paroled felons followed a mother and her daughter as they left a supermarket, then entered their Cheshire CT home through an unlocked rear door. They severely beat their husband/father, then finally killed the mother and daughter. Their deaths shattered the sense of security in the wealthy neighborhood where few locked their doors. See The Petit Family Massacre.
Serial killer Timothy Krajcir confessed that he was peeping through windows when he came across a St. Louis apartment's unlocked bathroom window and climbed in.
PREVENTING A WALK-IN IS SO SIMPLE
How to be the target criminals prefer to avoid.
Always keep all doors and windows locked even while visiting a neighbor, working in the yard, and so on. Granted, that may be a hassle but you can simply keep a key in your pocket or install a keyless touch-pad deadbolt lock (see Lock Bumping). Also install a panic-button alarm system (see DIY Home Alarm Systems).
Both items are available with remote-control pocket fobs. Now you
can easily enjoy security by keeping your home locked while you're in the yard
as well as instantly summon help in any emergency – be it criminal, medical, or fire.
Safeguard your home even if you live in Sleepy Valley - criminals like to hunt where the people least expect them.
Make sure all your family members use these home security strategies at Home Security: Overview.
Criminals will always find a target – but the most cautious target will be spared.
Btw, 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.
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.
