If there is snow on the ground, you might be able to see strange footprints leading to or from the back or side of your home. [2] X Research source Consider this evidence that someone is in your home. You could also look for a strange vehicle parked in your driveway or at the edge of your yard. A vehicle parked in close proximity to your home might be a getaway vehicle.
In some cases, a home invader gets a little too comfortable in your home and ends up passed out or asleep. Check the couch and beds to discover if someone is in your house. [3] X Research source When you walk inside your house, look at the floor. If you see muddy footprints across your floor with a tread that does not belong to you or anyone living in your house, a stranger is in your house. [4] X Research source Similarly, a burglar who walked in from the rain might leave wet footprints in their wake. [5] X Research source If you see any evidence that someone is in your house, exit immediately and call the police.
Some sounds which indicate someone is in your house are more dramatic and obvious than others. For instance, the crash of a window being broken is an easy way to identify if someone might be in your house. If someone is trying to enter your house, you might hear a doorknob being turned, or a door rattling as a criminal tries to force it open. If you hear these or similarly suspicious sounds, call the police immediately and follow their directions. Listen carefully if you hear a strange sound. It might just be the wind, or another housemate moving about.
If possible, spring for a wireless alarm system. [7] X Expert Source Saul Jaeger, MSPolice Captain, Mountain View Police Department Expert Interview. 21 February 2020. About one quarter of all burglars reported cutting telephone or alarm system wires before entering their target home. Wireless technology will make this impossible. [8] X Research source Many alarm systems will automatically contact the authorities for you. Some contact you instead. If your alarm system goes off, or you come home and find it has been triggered, exit the house and contact the police immediately.
If you’re inside the house and cannot easily leave, close and lock the door of the room you’re in and quietly call the police. Ensure you know how to speed-dial the police before you need to do so. In the heat of the moment, it can be hard to dial even a simple number like 911. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report after they’ve finished conducting their walk-through; you will need this later to file an insurance claim if anything has been damaged or stolen.
Another way to panic the intruder and get them to flee is to hit the alarm on your car. If you have your keys handy, set the car alarm off with the panic button on your key fob. This will also alert your neighbors to the fact that you’re in trouble.
Defending yourself is not the same as preemptively attacking the individual who should not be in your house. Do not engage in combat with the home invader unless absolutely necessary. Do not use guns, knives, or other weapons unless you are properly trained. [12] X Research source You might accidentally hurt yourself or someone you care about.
Check local pawn shops after the break-in if anything was missing. Thieves may try to peddle the goods they stole on local market websites like Craigslist, so check the web, too.
Your plan should include a specific escape route out of each room. Will you exit via a door, window, or fire escape? Put these details in the plan.
If you’re worried about home security or live in a high-crime area, consider getting a security door installed with double-cylinder deadbolts. A security door is an extra layer of protection in the form of a barred steel gate that only opens with a key on both sides.
Keep your cell phone charged at all times. At night, place your phone and your other essentials on a nightstand or on the floor beside the bed.
Conjure calming imagery. [18] X Research source For instance, imagine yourself sitting serenely beside a beautiful lake or river. Practice observing your thoughts. Stay conscious of the process by which you become fearful at the possibility of someone entering your house. When you experience these thoughts, push them away and don’t blindly give yourself over to the fear which they entail. [19] X Research source Imagine these fearful thoughts are red balloons. In your mind’s eye, picture them floating away, one by one, into the air. Picture yourself holding only blue balloons which represent your peaceful, relaxed mind. Listen to some relaxing music. Slow jazz or classical are great for putting the mind at ease.
Your therapist might also prescribe medication to tackle underlying conditions such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
