There aren't many privacy breaches that are more severe than a house break-in. With a little planning and increased home security, you will prevent strangers from getting into your home. If you find one, call the police and follow the instructions.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Gathering Evidence That Someone Is At Home
Step 1. Look at the outside of the house
If the door is slightly ajar even though you locked it before leaving, it's almost certain that someone is inside. You may also find windows that are open or broken, or doorknobs dented by a hammer or other heavy object. This is a sign of a stranger breaking into the house.
- If the ground is snowing, you may be able to see the footprints of a stranger heading towards or from the back or side of the house. Consider this as evidence someone is home.
- You can also see foreign vehicles parked in the driveway or sidewalk in front of your house. Vehicles parked near this house are likely to be used by burglars to escape.
Step 2. Look inside the house
There are many visual clues in the house that can signal the presence of people in it. Perhaps, the lights in the house that were previously turned off before leaving are now on. This visual clue proves someone is at home. You may also be able to see someone moving in the house when you peek through the window.
- In some cases, house burglars can feel too comfortable and overslept. Check the sofa or bed to see if anyone is home.
- When you walk into the house, look for the door. If you see a trail of mud on the floor that doesn't come from you or anyone else in the house, it's likely that a stranger has entered.
- Similarly, a burglar who enters on a rainy day can leave a wet trail in the house.
- If you find evidence that someone is in the house, get out immediately and call the police.
Step 3. Listen for evidence that someone is in the house
Listen for sounds that occur at regular intervals. An example of a regular movement pattern could be the sound of steps going up or down stairs. You may also hear irregular movement patterns, such as the creaking of a door opening or closing, or a thumping or shattering sound when someone bumps into something in the dark.
- Some sounds that can signal someone's presence in the house can be more dramatic and clear than others. For example, the sound of a broken window pane clearly indicates someone is breaking into the house. Other sounds that can indicate someone is trying to enter the house, such as the sound of a doorknob turning or a door creaking when you try to force it open.
- If you hear this suspicious sound, call the police immediately and follow the instructions.
- Listen to strange sounds carefully. Maybe it was just the sound of the wind or another member of the house moving.
Step 4. Check the alarm system
If your home has an alarm system, you will be able to hear a loud beep or siren as you approach the house. If your system has a digital camera, you can watch videos on the internet using your laptop or cell phone, even if you're not at home. Do it to check if anyone is home.
- If possible, install a wireless alarm system. About of the number of burglars reportedly cut off telephone or alarm systems before entering the targeted homes. Wireless technology will make this impossible to do.
- Many alarm systems will automatically contact the authorities. Others will contact you. If your alarm system is off, or is on when you get home, get out of the house and call the police immediately.
Part 2 of 4: Acting When You Feel Someone's Home
Step 1. Call the police
If you are outside and notice signs of a break-in, contact the authorities immediately. Police are trained to be able to handle house burglaries and will estimate the risk of house inspections. You can stay at a neighbor's house for a while, or call a friend to accompany you outside.
- If you're indoors and can't get out, close and lock your bedroom door before discreetly calling the police.
- Make sure you know how to call the police emergency number. In an emergency situation, even a simple number like 110 can be difficult to press.
- Make sure you get a copy of the police report after they finish their inspection; You will need this file later for insurance claims in case anything is damaged or stolen.
Step 2. Call people who may be home
If you think you hear someone you know, such as a friend or family member, call them. If no one answers, ask back in a more casual manner to announce your presence. Ask aloud in a curious tone, “Is anyone there? If there is, come out. That way, the burglar will know that his cover has been caught. Hopefully, he will run away and avoid confrontation.
Another way to make a burglar panic and drive him away is to sound the car alarm. If you can get your hands on the car keys, set off the alarm by pressing the panic button on the key fob. This step also lets the neighbors know that you are in trouble
Step 3. Don't make noise and stay hidden
Remaining silent will help you avoid confrontation. Move quickly but quietly to the closet or hide under the bed. A room that thieves are reluctant to enter, such as a bathroom, is also ideal for hiding. Slow down and don't let yourself be seen. Whatever shelter you choose, don't move until the police arrive.
Step 4. Cooperate with the burglar
If you are caught or caught and the burglar asks for valuables or money, go with him. Don't fight back and threaten you to call the police. Also don't try to buy time by giving the wrong location as it can trigger the burglar's anger.
Step 5. Prepare to defend yourself
Hopefully, the police can come in time, or the burglar gets scared and runs away. However, if he attacks, be prepared to act. When you face a house burglar, you're going to get a rush of adrenaline and suddenly feel "excited" and ready to act.
- Defending yourself is not the same as attacking an uninvited guest first. Don't fight house breaker unless absolutely necessary.
- Do not use rifles, knives, or guns unless you are trained. You could accidentally injure yourself or a loved one.
Step 6. Contact the insurance company
If anything is stolen or damaged, you will need to make an insurance claim. Search the house after the police check the whereabouts of the burglar there. Check for valuables such as jewelry and luxury items such as televisions, computers, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers. If you have receipts and pictures of stolen items, include them in your insurance claim to ensure accuracy.
Check the flea store after the break-in for your item. The burglar can sell the stolen goods at flea stores or merchandise sites like Craigslist
Part 3 of 4: Keeping Safe
Step 1. Take note of the condition of the house before going out
If there are small objects in the house that are always in a certain condition or position, use them as a benchmark when making sure the condition of the house is still the same as before it was abandoned. For example, maybe you turn off the lights in a certain room before you leave. If when you come home this light is on and no one else is in the house, chances are someone else is in your house.
Step 2. Have a plan for anticipating a break-in
Talk to family and household members to set a meeting point where everyone can gather in the event of a break-in or other emergency. For example, you might decide to hang out on the lawn across from your house. If you have kids or others who can't escape easily on their own, get someone to take care of them.
Your plan should include a specific escape route from each room. Will you escape through a door, window, or fire escape? Specify these details in the plan
Step 3. Lock the door
This is easy to do, but people often forget it and feel it is not important. Locking the door is the easiest way to deter break-ins. Keep yourself and your family safe by always locking the door.
If you are concerned about the safety of your home or live in a high-crime area, consider installing a security door with a double cylinder latch. A security door is an extra layer of security in the form of a steel door that only opens with a lock on either side
Step 4. Collect essential items
The essentials are the things you always carry with you when you leave the house: your wallet, keys, and cell phone. If your home is burglarized, and you need to leave immediately or call the police, it's easier to have all the essentials gathered and ready to go. Keep these items in an easy-to-reach place such as in a backpack or with someone.
Always keep the phone battery fully charged. At night, put your phone and other essentials on the table or floor next to your bed
Part 4 of 4: Avoiding Paranoia
Step 1. Know the statistics of house break-ins
Burglars rarely enter a house when it is clear that someone is inside so as not to be caught. Only 28% of the number of burglars are still in action even though someone is at home. Only 7% of burglars use violence against householders. Less than 1/10 of serious crimes are committed by foreigners in the victim's house. Statistically, the chances of having a stranger in the house are quite small.
Step 2. Calm down
Think of something else when you feel like someone is at home, and upon inspection they really aren't. This time may not be too different. Don't let your mind wander and feel that someone else is at home.
- Imagine something relaxing. For example, imagine yourself sitting on the edge of a beautiful pond or river.
- Practice paying attention to your thoughts. Stay aware of the process that causes you to fear the possibility of someone breaking into your house. When you experience this thought, throw it away and don't give in to the fear it causes. Think of this scary thought as a red balloon. Imagine these balloons floating in your mind, one by one, rising into the air. Imagine yourself holding a blue balloon that represents your peaceful and calm thoughts.
- Listen to soothing music. Jazz or slow classical music is great for relaxing the mind.
Step 3. Look for alternative explanations
For example, if you previously closed your windows, you may hear the leaves slam against the air. If you have a pet and you hear objects falling or breaking, it's likely that he's misbehaving. Sometimes the stairs creak because they are old. Fireplaces and refrigerators turn off and on periodically. This is normal. Consider the possibility other than someone entering your house when you hear a strange sound.
Step 4. Consider therapy if you have a chronic fear of strangers in your home
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a technique that allows you, with the help of a trained therapist, to recognize disturbing thoughts such as the possibility that a stranger is in the house and identify their logicalness and accuracy. The therapist will help you through paranoid thoughts and chronic fears to improve your mental health.
The therapist may also prescribe medication to treat underlying conditions such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia
Tips
- There is no standard way of responding to a house break-in. While some burglars will freak out when you catch them, others will follow the direction of your voice to rob directly.
- Post alarm system logos and warnings on pages and windows to ward off thieves.
- Always have a backup plan. Talk to a parent/guardian if you are a minor and may not have a cell phone.
