Home Invasion Facts & Stats
Few things are as terrifying and potentially fatal as a home invasion. Though the daily risk of these intrusive crimes upon residents and their homes is not accurately tracked, news headlines tell the grim story—violent home invasions are now sadly part of our lives. Because many criminals have no regard for human life, violence and murder are a common means to an evil end—robbing you of valuable assets, cash, and sense of security.
Thinking a home invasion will never happen to you? As an expert in the security industry and Founder of Global Security Experts, I can tell you firsthand that criminals don’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter if you’re white, black, male, female, poor, or wealthy— you and your loved ones could be the next victims of a home invasion. Still not a believer? Then do an online search and type in the keywords "home invasions" along with your state or city. You’ll be shocked by the results.
Home Invasion Statistics
A home invasion is when a criminal forces his way into an occupied dwelling and carries out a robbery or other violent crime. A home invasion is much like a carjacking, as the crime takes place when the victims are present.
Home invasions are difficult to track because these crimes are usually filed as a burglary, robbery, assault, battery, rape, and even murder. This makes it difficult to keep the public informed as to just how prevalent the occurrences of actual home invasions are in their own communities. However, FBI statistics tell the real story. As you will see from the below data, the statistics for violent home invasions and burglaries is really troubling:
- A burglary occurs nearly every 15 seconds in the United States.
- A majority of home intruders gain access forcibly through a "locked" door.
- 1 out of every 5 homes will encounter a violent home intrusion or burglary.
Like carjackings, home invasion crimes are escalating. The reason for this is likely due to commercial targets, such as banks, convenience stores and gas stations, enhancing their overall security and reducing the availability of large amounts of cash. Because of the advancements made in security technology and the affordability of such devices, many commercial dwellings have installed alarms, video surveillance systems, and other anti-crime devices that deter criminals.
Due to the increased security of commercial businesses, houses and apartments are considered much easier targets by criminals. Home invaders also know that many homeowners and renters still don’t have alarm systems. In fact, it’s the home without security devices that they look for when deciding on their next target. These criminals also know that although a house may have a security system in place, residents typically don’t activate the alarm until bedtime, creating a perfect opportunity for a home invasion.
Home invaders are typically brazen, kicking in a door and armed with a weapon. In the blink of an eye a family is at the invaders mercy—opening safes, turning over cash and other valuables, providing the keys to the car, even succumbing to assault, rape and murder.
Home Invasion Methodology
The most common point of entry for a home intruder is the front door. In many cases, the home intruder will force his way into the home by kicking open the front door. Another common method is a simple knock or ring of the doorbell. Quite often a family member will open the door without a second thought, at which time the intruder forces his way into the home.
Some home intruders will pose as a maintenance worker, delivery man, or some other authority to encourage an occupant to open the door. Some will even lie, saying they hit the occupant’s parked car. As soon as the door is opened, the home intruder will use explosive force and threats to take control and produce fear in his victims.
Once inside their victims’ homes, robbers will make various demands to gain access to cash and valuables. Some home invaders have bound their victims and left them to watch in horror as their homes were ransacked. Some have even been known to fix a meal, sit and watch TV, and even take a nap. Others have forced their victims to accompany them to ATM machines and withdraw cash.
No matter what the situation, a home invasion victim experiences overwhelming fear and anxiety from not knowing if the perpetrator is going to injure, sexually assault, or murder him or her or a precious member of their family.
Home invasion is, indeed, a terrifying and potentially life-threatening crime, and you never know when you might be next. So don’t make the awful mistake of depending on locked doors and windows as your only deterrent. Instead, make sure to add varying levels of security such as alarm systems, premium dead bolts, window protection films, and door braces to make it exceedingly difficult for thieves and possibly violent criminals to enter your home.
Jordan Frankel, commonly known as The Security Sensei develops revolutionary security products and solutions that protect both lives & property. Countless agencies and corporations such as NASDAQ, the US Military, and law enforcement entrust Mr. Frankel with their security and safety. Jordan Frankel is also frequent media guest addressing the personal and financial consequences associated with home invasions, burglaries and other serious threats. In addition, Mr. Frankel's security products & inventions have been featured on Oprah, FOX news and in countless publications. Jordan's ability to outsmart the proverbial bad guys - coupled with his commitment to making security an affordable reality for everyone is the key to Global Security Experts Inc success. Mr. Frankel (The Security Sensei) is available for media interviews by appointment only.
Mr. Frankel is a proud member of:
The American Society for Industrial Security.
The International Association for Counter Terrorism & Security.
The Society of Professional Locksmiths.