In the middle of the night you wake from your sleep when you hear sounds coming from your back door. Someone is trying to break into your home! What do you do?

The thought of someone breaking into your home while you and your family are in it is a frightening one. While still uncommon, this type of crime is on the rise according to local authorities, particularly among upscale developing communities. This article presents 7 vital home security tips to prevent the threat of break-ins, as well as steps to take should someone enter your home.

   1. Make sure doors and windows are strong and secure (doors should have a strong wooden core or be reinforced), and keep them locked at all times. This includes garage doors or any other entry points.
   2. Have a reliable home security system installed, especially one that will summon law enforcement when triggered. If you’re worried about getting an alarm system because you’re afraid that you or your pets will set it off, don’t be: modern home security systems such as those from Apx Alarm are programmable and easy to activate/deactivate. Also, modern alarm systems that include motion detectors will differentiate between a person and a pet.
   3. One of the most valuable components to a home security system in terms of break-ins is a personal panic button. This type of device is a portable button that is hooked into your home security system which will activate an alarm or summon help when you press it. This device is incredibly important.
   4. Make a plan with your family of what to do in case of a break-in. This should be part of a larger fire-plan and emergency plan. Talk with your family and discuss steps (escape routes, barricading doors, ways to summon the police, meet-up points outside the home, etc.) to take in an emergency. Having a plan of action is the best way to act calmly in a situation. Plan it out as best you can.
   5. Don’t advertise your wealth when you’re out. Some burglars and home invaders look for targets by spotting at dining establishments or other locations. Particularly if you live alone or are alone, don’t wear lots of expensive, flashy jewelry.
   6. Likewise, be aware while you’re driving home. Some criminals will pick targets on the basis of cars (the thinking goes, if you can afford a nice car, you can afford other expensive things.  This is not always true, but it is how some criminals think). If you think someone’s following you, circle the block or take a different route. If they keep following you, call the police from a cell phone or drive to a local police station. Do not get out of the car if you can help it, especially not in an unpopulated area.
   7. Make friends with your neighbors. Get to know your neighbors.  Go over and talk to them. Let them know who you are, who’s living at your place, and give them permission to contact the police if something “odd” is going on (loud sounds, alarm, etc.).  Offer to do the same for them if they like. When someone knows you, they will be more likely to take action on your behalf and keep watch for you.