Home Invasion Stats

Few things are as horrifying and potentially deadly as a home invasion. Though the daily risk of these intrusive crimes upon families and their homes is difficult to track, we know from a variety of grim news headlines that brutal home invasions occur around our nation on a daily basis.

What is a home invasion?

Home invasion is the act of breaching an occupied dwelling for the purpose of carrying out a violent crime as a means to rob, assault, rape or murder the occupant(s). It is not a legally defined offense (federally) in the United States. Home invasion differs from simple burglary in its violent intent, much the same way as the violent crime of robbery is differentiated from simple larceny.

Today’s Statistics

Because home invasions are typically filed as a robbery, burglary, battery, assault, rape, or murder, keeping the public informed of the frequency of home invasions within their communities is difficult. However, thanks to data gathered by the FBI and Statistics USA, we’re able to get a better idea of the prevalence of this sinister crime:

  • Home burglaries occur approximately every 15 seconds in the U.S.
  • Most home intruders force their way into homes through the front door.
  • In the U.S. alone, 1 out of every 5 homes will be victimized by a violent home invasion or burglary.

With more and more commercial targets such as stores, banks, and gas stations taking preventative measures against robbery by increasing the security of their property, the occurrence of home invasions and burglaries is on the rise. This is because criminals have found that many homes and apartments aren’t equipped with alarms, video surveillance systems, protective window films, and other anti-crime devices that commercial dwellings use to deter criminals.

In fact, it’s the home without security devices that criminals seek out when deciding on their next target. These criminals also know that although a home may have a security alarm in place, homeowners typically don’t activate the alarm until they go to bed—the perfect setting for a home invasion.

Home Invasion Profile

Home invaders are usually bold-faced criminals armed with weapons. With just one forceful kick to the front door, a family is often at the mercy of the intruder, carrying out demands to hand over cash and other valuables, open safes, provide keys to vehicles, and even submit to brutal assault, rape and murder.

Statistics show us that the most common point of entry is through the front door. If the door is locked, many home intruders will simply kick or slam the door open. Some home intruders will knock or ring the door bell and then force their way in when the resident opens the door to see who’s there.

Home intruders are also known to pose as delivery men, maintenance workers, and even authority figures, such as a police officer, to gain the trust of their victims so they will open the door. Others will claim their car broke down and request to use the phone. Some will even allege to have hit the resident’s parked car. As soon as the resident opens the front door, the criminal uses brute force and vicious threats to take control of the situation and instill tremendous fear within the victim.

Once an intruder gains access to the home, various demands are typically made to gain possession of cash, jewelry, and other valuables. Some criminals will tie their victims up while they ransack the home. Others will force one or more of the victims to leave with them, driving them to an ATM machine to withdraw cash, or even worse—to another location to be raped or murdered.

Home Security Precautions Can Reduce Your Risk

Make no doubt about it; home invasion is a terrifying and potentially life-threatening crime.

Being aware of the risks and dangers of home invasions and taking simple safety and security precautions can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your home and family. Remember: Criminals look for homes that allow for easy access. So don’t make the naive mistake of depending on locked doors and windows as protection. 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.

By being cautious and putting in place multiple layers of security, you can make your home less attractive to criminals and drastically reduce your chance of becoming a victim of a home invasion.

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.

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