How To Protect Against A Home Invasion
Take measures and discover how to keep your home protected with Arlo.
Take measures and discover how to keep your home protected with Arlo.
Home invasion, two words that shouldn’t go together. Yet, according to the FBI, a burglary occurred every 25.7 seconds, totalling 3,300 per day. In 2019 alone, there were an estimated 1,117,696 burglaries in the U.S.
There’s something profoundly unsettling about the idea of someone trespassing on what should be your most secure space. After all, your home is where you and every family member you love should feel safe.
The good news is you can take measures to protect yourself against home invasion. Here are some practical tips to safeguard your home—and preserve your peace of mind with Arlo.
A home invasion is a type of burglary in which an intruder trespasses on a residence while the occupants are present. Sometimes it is also referred to as a hot prowl. A home invasion differs from a standard burglary in that the perpetrators enter a home with a violent intent to commit a crime beyond unlawful trespassing, such as like theft, assault, sexual assault, or worse.
On some occasions, a home invasion might fail because of sheer incompetence, like this one captured on an Arlo security camera:
But while a sliding door might stop some burglars, others will do their best to trespass on your property. With a reliable security system in place with motion sensors and window and door sensors, you can prevent a home invasion from ever happening. Plus, you’ll have all the evidence you need to press home invasion charges if necessary.
How do you protect against home invasion?
Taking the right preparations can keep criminals at a distance. Let’s explore 7 tips for protecting yourself against home invasion.
1. Install security cameras.
Security cameras have been a cornerstone of home security for decades, and for good reason. When properly installed, they offer several advantages.
You can strategically mount them in plain sight to help deter burglars and criminals. According to a study from the University of North Carolina, indicators of increased security are a key deterrent factor for burglars. These include outdoor cameras, security yard signs, and alarms.
For outdoor security, choose options like the Arlo 2nd Generation Essential Wireless Security Camera. This model offers a 130° Field of View and an Integrated Spotlight. For indoor security, explore choices like the Arlo 2nd Generation Essential Indoor Wired Security Camera, with Night Vision and an Automated Privacy Shield.
In the unfortunate event of a home invasion, recorded security footage can be useful in many ways. First, it helps you identify intruders. Second, security recordings make it hard for criminal defense attorneys to build a case in their favor. Just double check that your provider offers Cloud Storage. A subscription plan like Arlo Secure offers access to video and event history for rolling 30 days, so you’re always in the loop.
For this purpose, we recommend high-resolution cameras as they can record more detailed images. Consider options like the Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera, with 4K video capture and Color Night Vision.
Some cameras can even be useful during an attempt of home invasion. Options like the Arlo 2nd Generation Essential Wireless Security Camera offer 2-way audio. You can use this feature to alert intruders that the police are on their way, all from a safe distance.
Keep your home and family safe by choosing the right number of cameras.
2. Monitor doors and windows with a Home Security System.
According to that same study, most burglars would try to determine if an alarm is present before attempting a burglary. And if during the burglary they learn there’s an alarm installed, about half would discontinue the attempt. That’s the power of a good home security system. The moment an alarm is triggered, burglars know it’s time to leave.
Consider options like the Arlo Home Security System. This model is easy to install, offers on-tap emergency response, and comes with All-in-One Sensors. Set it up to detect motion inside your house, or to sound an alarm when a door or window is opened. If you have a garage, consider adding a sensor to the entry-point door that can alert you if you accidentally leave the garage door open on your way to work. (Mistakes happen!)
Don’t forget to install a security yard sign, like the Arlo Security Yard Sign. This way, everyone will know your house is equipped with a home security system.
3. Get rid of potential break-in points and hiding spots.
Take a proactive approach by walking the perimeter of your property and identifying any potential weaknesses in your security. A good idea is to try to think like a trespasser and search for potential access points and hiding spots.
For instance, check for loose planks in your fence, which home invaders might remove to enter your premises. Or consider the presence of a tree that could potentially give them easy access to a window.
Keep your fences in good condition and prune bushes so nobody can hide behind them. Also, try to keep your yard tidy and free of large objects, like ladders and boxes. You’ll want to have a good view of the surroundings.
A recent study indicated that many burglaries are not committed using information gathered in advance, but rather when opportunities arise. Minimizing break-in points and hiding spots means completely shutting down these opportunities.
4. Consider installing a smart door lock.
From time to time, we all can forget to close the front door or leave the keys in the lock. Smart locks eliminate this possibility of human error. You can program them to automatically lock the doors or send a notification when one is left open. They also work with passcodes or a mobile app, so there’s no need to worry about hiding a spare key. Don’t forget to change your locks if you’ve recently moved in for a fresh and secure start in your new home.
Plus, smart locks are much harder to brute force than traditional door locks. Consider pairing it with a video doorbell, like the Arlo 2nd Generation Video Doorbell, for the ultimate front door protection. This model features a wide 180° viewing angle, an Integrated Siren, and motion detection.
5. Install bright lighting around your property.
A well-illuminated perimeter is crucial when preventing a home invasion. Lights eliminate dark corners, shadowy areas, and blind spots where potential intruders could hide. Plus, the increased visibility allows you to see any suspicious activity and take proper action.
Bright lighting is also a specially strong deterrent to potential criminals. Well-lit areas make them feel exposed and vulnerable, discouraging them from attempting to break in.
Consider installing motion-activated lights in key areas, such as entry points and pathways. These lights instantly turn on when motion is detected, alerting you to any movement and surprising anyone approaching your property. Remember that some cameras double as motion-sensing lights. For all-in-one security, upgrade your outdoor lighting by replacing it with options like the Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Floodlight Camera. It has a powerful 2K security camera built into its bright LED floodlight.
6. Be cautious when you are away.
When criminals are aware that you’re not at home, it can make your property more vulnerable to break-ins and burglaries. Avoid this by creating the illusion that someone is at home. You could make use of your smart home devices, such as lights, blinds, and even TVs. Remotely turn them on at different times of the day to deter potential intruders.
Go ahead, get creative with 2-way audio. Talk and listen clearly with noise-canceling 2-way audio using the Arlo 2nd Generation Essential Indoor Wired Security Camera. You can even give the impression that there’s somebody at home when you’re away to drive away trespassers.
Additionally, be cautious on social media. Sharing your holiday plans on Instagram might be tempting, but criminals sometimes monitor online platforms for information. Instead, avoid sharing upcoming travel plans and wait until you return to share your vacation experiences.
7. Don’t display valuables or expensive items.
One way to draw unwanted attention to your house is by showing criminals that there are valuable items inside. While you’re probably not displaying expensive products like flatscreen televisions, silver candlesticks, or your new big-ticket gaming computer at the front door, you can still inadvertently showcase your valuables.
For instance, leaving empty boxes from new appliances in your front yard. To criminals, this is a way of knowing you recently made significant purchases, like a new TV. Instead, disassemble the boxes and take them to a recycling center.
Protect your peace of mind year-round with Arlo.
Another common mistake is leaving entry points vulnerable. We’ve all pulled out of the driveway and forgotten to check that the garage door is closed. Home security systems like the Arlo Home Security System have open and closed detection, letting you know when a door or window is opened. Plus, tilt detection lets you know to check in when a window or garage is opened.
Wherever life takes you, you can protect yourself—and your family—from home invasion with Arlo by your side.
