Help Prevent Home Robberies

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Robert Siciliano Identity Theft Expert

Robbery as defined in Wikipedia is the crime of seizing property through violence or intimidation. At common law, robbery is defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear. Precise definitions of the offence may vary between jurisdictions. Robbery differs from simple theft in its use of violence and intimidation.

In Lewisville, Texas the Star Local News Courier Gazzette reports a woman was just arriving home when she was confronted by a subject with a knife. He attacked her and stole her wallet. This victim also fought back and was able to take the suspect’s knife away from him, causing him to flee the location.

That’s a pretty awful situation, but one that the victim successfully survived and even made the attacker run. Many of us are told that when you are attacked to let it happen so it doesn’t get any worse. In some cases that may be your only option. Studies have also shown that fighting back is a better option. Showing resistance and making it difficult for your attacker to do their job often helps you get to safety.

The fact that she was attacked right at her home is disturbing. There are some things that can be done to reduce the chances that your home is targeted for robbery:
1. Make sure you have an acute awareness of your environment when you are getting out of your car and walking to your destination. If anything feels wrong seek safety immediately.
2. Install outdoor lighting that may keep the bad guy away.
3. Use your cell phone when in a less than secure situation so anyone paying unwanted attention sees help is close by.
4. Make sure your home has a lived in look so from outside your home may look like a tougher target, again, help is close by.
5. Install security cameras.
6. Have a panic button for your home alarm that calls for help and sends a screaming alarm.
7. Use your car alarms to draw attention.
8. Always run to safety when attacked. The worse thing you can do is nothing.

Robert Siciliano is a personal security and identity theft expert for Home Security Source. (Disclosures)

See Robert discussing personal and home security on Fox Boston

*Content expressed in Home Security Source does not represent the thoughts and opinions of ADT Security Services, Inc. unless explicitly indicated.