Most people buy home security systems with the intent of protecting their home from being robbed when they are not there.
Few people consider the possibility of their home being robbed while occupied, but this is an increasing trend in the criminal world.
The security technology in places like liquor stores and fast food restaurants has become much more advanced, making it harder for robbers to simply run in, grab cash, and run out.
Home invasions are increasing in popularity because if people are home there is less likelihood of the system being activated and usually the intruder can simply enter the home by pushing in the front door once they have rung the doorbell and someone answers.
Many of the same precautions that people take to prevent burglaries when they are not there can help stop home invasions as well.
Home security is important in order to keep both things, and most importantly, people, safe.
Making sure all of the doors and windows are locked when people are both in and out of the house is one of the most important details to remember.
Just because the house is occupied does not mean that these points of entry should be left open and vulnerable.
The locks, doors, and door frames should all be made of strong, solid material that cannot be easily kicked in or picked.
A peephole should be installed in the front door so that everyone who lives in the house can see who is at the door before opening it.
Home security relies on people not opening the door to strangers and being careful when selecting who they open the door for.
A porch light should be installed by the front door so that a resident of the home can easily make out the face of anyone on the front porch, even at night.
A chain latch should not be the only thing between a person outside and individuals inside.
A chain latch can easily be broken if the door is opened and the person trying to gain access kicks the door.
If outdoor sensors or alarms are part of the home security system then they should be activated at night, when people are inside the home.
Having things like lights and cameras on the exterior of the home are huge deterrents to burglars looking for the easiest hit possible.
Making it known through stickers and lawn signs that the home has a security system is another good way to prevent both home invasions and burglaries when no one is home.
A dog is another great way to prevent home invasion because while the criminal might think they can overpower people, the thought of having the wrestle with an animal with sharp teeth is not worth the hassle.
As long as a dog has a decent bark it should be reason enough for an intruder to skip over to another house.
Home security also entails knowing how to react when something does go wrong so the residents of a home should have a plan of action in case of a home invasion.
Whether it is an escape plan or a special safe room for hiding, anticipating an event is a much better idea than trying to figure something out while it is happening.