According to Statistics Canada, almost 9 out of every 1,000 people were victims of break and enter in 2002. This number includes two types of crimes: robbery and home invasion. There is one main difference between burglars and home invaders: burglars wish to avoid confrontation with homeowners whereas home invaders typically rely on personal contact to gain entry to a residence. Due to this personal contact, home invasions pose a greater risk of violence. The following are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your property.

Home invaders depend on you being home. They either don't have the skills to open a door or window, or they don't want to take the chance of being observed while they attempt to do so. Their skills rest with convincing homeowners to open their doors to them. They are often impostors and persuasive con artists. Consider this scenario: a delivery person rings your doorbell with a bouquet of flowers in hand. You take a look through the peephole then open the door. Most likely the delivery person is legitimate but you will find out very quickly if they are not.

The most important step in protecting yourself is to never open the door to a stranger without verifying their identity. Ask for the name of their company then call to confirm that they actually work for the organization. If an unexpected delivery arrives, ask for the name of the sending party; if the sender is a relative or acquaintance, it is likely a legitimate delivery. However, never hesitate to keep the door locked and ask the person to wait as you call to confirm their identity. It is better to seem impolite than to be a victim of a home invasion. If the person disappears during your phone call, contact the police; they may be looking for another target.

If someone appears on your doorstep asking to use your phone due to an emergency, it might be a real emergency. Ask them who they would like you to call on their behalf. If their emergency is legitimate, they will provide the information. If they insist on making the call themselves, phone the police.

An unexpected visit from a police officer can be disconcerting - the first thought may be 'have I paid my parking tickets?' Home invaders have been known to impersonate police officers. They count on that moment of nervousness and the fact the police are trusted figures in the community. If the person is a police officer, they should appreciate that you make them wait while you verify their name and badge number.

Also consider the following precautions:

1. Install a peephole. For about $20 and the time it takes to drill a hole in your door, you will be able to identify visitors. A peephole will also allow you to see business cards and identity badges.
2. Mount motion sensor lights around the entryways to your home. When a person steps up to the door, you will have a good view of them day or night. Be sure to place the lights high enough to be out of reach of a criminal who could potentially disable the lights.
3. Put a large dog dish by the main entryway and keep it filled with water. Whether you have a pit bull, a miniature poodle or no dog at all, this is an effective ploy. Criminals prefer to avoid a noisy and potentially dangerous confrontation with a dog. Install an intercom that will allow you to converse clearly with the person outside. Video intercoms are another option. Both types may need to be installed by a professional depending on your knowledge of electrical wiring. If you have bushes or other vegetation outside your entryway, be sure to keep them trimmed so that they will not provide cover for a potential intruder. Listen to your instincts. If you sense someone is dangerous or dishonest, you may be picking up on clues in the person's body language or tone of voice.

Other Forms of Home Invasion

Not all criminals will attempt the charade of impersonating a delivery person or even a police officer. They may instead wait for you to return home and force their way inside when you unlock the door. The best way to prevent this situation is to be aware of your surroundings before you get to the door.

If you see someone lurking around your property as you return home, keep going. Drive around the neighbourhood for a few minutes. If the person is still there when you return, drive to the nearest payphone or use a cell phone from a safe distance to call the police.

If you are walking back to your home and see someone lurking around your property, keep walking. Don't go to your immediate neighbour's house and ring the doorbell because you may be putting your neighbour in danger. Walk a block away and find a residence or business where you can make a call.

If you live in an apartment building, you likely have often encountered a situation in which someone is standing at the main lobby door when you leave. Opening the door to a stranger or even a familiar face puts your neighbours and your property at risk. The familiar face may even belong to a former tenant who no longer has a right to be in the building due to a divorce or domestic dispute. Politely hold and close the door behind you. If you are concerned that the person may push their way past you, try another exit or phone the police.

Preventing a home invasion requires awareness of your surroundings, assertiveness to verify the identities of visitors, and planning to make your entryway as uninviting to criminals as possible. Unfortunately, home invasions are a reality, but by taking precautionary steps such as these, you can minimize the danger to yourself and your family.