Home Invasion Statistics
Updated Home Invasion Statistics A home invasion is “The illegal and often forceful entry into an occupied, private dwelling with the intent to commit a violent crime against the occupants.” You might think it’s rare, but the latest home invasion statistics are frightening. What Is a Home Invasion? ‘Home invasion’ is often used as an umbrella term to refer to a broad range of crimes. The term encompasses those instances where a person enters a residence unlawfully while one or more residents are at home. This includes situations where the offender intends to rob or violently harm whoever is at home. Only a few states have incorporated the term “home invasion” into their state statutes to include intent on the part of the intruder as part of the definition. Part of the statutes read as: The intent is not always included in media reports or in the public’s perception of a home invasion. However, the person has the intent to commit a crime whether they do or not. From a legal perspective, there are differences between robbery, burglary, and home invasion. Burglars tend to break into homes during the daytime while the residents are away. They avoid confrontation and enter your home for the sole purpose of stealing valuables. Robbers use violence or the threat of violence to take what they want from you. If you are mugged at gunpoint in an alley, the perpetrator is charged with robbery. If the mugger sticks a pipe into your back pretending it’s a gun, they are still charged with robbery. If someone breaks into your home with the perception that no one is home, they are charged with burglary. If they forcefully enter your home with the intent of committing a crime, they may be charged with burglary. Part of the reason for the confusion is that every state doesn’t consider home invasion a crime. Instead, they charge the people who commit them according to the crimes they commit at the time. Even so, home invasions are often considered a felony and the sentences vary from five to twenty years. It depends on the crime committed and whether a weapon is used. Often, with people who break into your home, the prosecutor charges them with both home invasion and burglary. When people discuss burglaries, robberies, and home invasions, they often use the terms to mean the same thing. When a burglar enters your home with the idea no one is there and ends up using violence, it goes from being a property crime to a personal one. Updated Home Invasion Statistics Related to Violence You might think the person who breaks into your home is there to steal from you. It’s probably a man who is armed with a gun. That image is probably more familiar in movies and TV shows than in real life. The fact is that a burglar’s intent is not always to rob. The legal definition says they have the intent to commit a crime, not specifically to commit burglary. Sometimes, a home invasion is committed for the purpose of committing other types of violent crimes. These include assault, rape, kidnapping, or murder. There are more than 4,500 burglaries each day in this country. The US Department of Justice reports that 38% of assaults and 60% of rapes take place during home invasions. Survivors often suffer greatly and the impact of the experience can last for a lifetime. Even though you want to protect your valuables, nothing is more important than protecting your life and those of your family members. Protecting Yourself Against Home Invasion There’s no guaranteed method to prevent a home invasion. Sometimes it is the people who are closest to you that present the biggest threat. Still, there are some steps you can take to help deter burglars and others who mean you harm. – Always Lock Your Doors & Windows – How many times have you heard someone say “It’s always been such a safe and peaceful town. No one worries about keeping their doors locked here?” You never know when a neighbor, a disgruntled co-worker or employee, or a stranger passing through will change the statistics in your neighborhood. Most home invasion statistics state that well over half of all home invasions are by someone the homeowner knew. Keep your doors and windows locked at all times even if your hometown reminds you of Mayberry! – Keep Your Home Looking Lived-In If a burglar plans to enter your home for the purpose of stealing something, they’ll usually watch your home to see when you are away. Modern Smart Lighting presents more natural lighting options than simple timers. Not only can you set the lights to come on at different times, but you can also control them from any location using your smartphone. If you’re going away for a while, have the post office hold your mail. Put a hold on any newspaper deliveries, too. Don’t forget to arrange for lawn care. A lawn that isn’t mowed is a sure sign that the residents are away. – Don’t Show Off Your Valuables You might feel at ease talking to a close friend about your new piece of jewelry or your gun collection. The problem often occurs when your friend mentions it to someone else. When the wrong person hears about your valuables, a plan begins to take place. The same is true of sharing pics on social media or running ads for valuable items. You might as well be waving a sign that says, “I have expensive items at my house if you want to come and steal them.” It’s important to think about who’s watching and listening that isn’t in your immediate circle. – Don’t Open Your Door Unless You Know Who Is On the Other Side Burglars are often skilled at getting in through locked doors and windows if necessary. It’s easier for them if you just let them in through the front door. Don’t ignore the knocking and give them the idea no one is home. Instead, if you don’t
