NO Stranger Gets in Your House. EVER.
(updated 3/2024)
You’re home alone and a stranger knocks on your door. If you don’t answer, they’ll go away. Right? Not necessarily. It could be a burglar checking to see if anyone is home. If no one answers, he’ll assume no one’s there and break in.
If a stranger knocks on your door (or rings the bell), ask who it is. But don’t open the door until you’re sure it’s safe. If you are alone, do not give them any indication that you are.
“…why open the door for someone unexpected? Simply speak through the door or install an intercom system to speak with.
Not opening the door makes it that much easier to excuse yourself from the conversation. A simple “sorry, I can’t talk right now, I have guests” works well.
This allows you to end the conversation quickly, [and will give] the idea that there are more people than expected in the house.
This alone may be all that is needed to dissuade a possible home invasion.” ~Home Defense Considerations: Answering the Door by Salvatore
Find Out Who They Are
If they say they are law enforcement, a utility worker, delivery person, or whatever, ask for their name. Then call the appropriate business or organization to confirm they are legitimate. (If they are legitimate, they shouldn’t mind waiting for you to check their credentials.)
If they say they need help, offer to call 911 for them. But don’t open the door. They could be lying to try to get into your home.
Never open your door for strangers unless and until you can verify that they are legit. Check for ID and check with their workplace.
Don’t Rely on your Peephole or Viewer
Predators have learned how to outsmart door peepholes and viewers. They know you have a limited view and they can position themselves so you can’t see them. How? They work in pairs.
While one of them stands in front of the peephole dressed like a delivery guy or utility worker (or whatever), the other one is kneeling down so you can’t see him. The minute you open your door, both thugs rush in.
Of course, a predator could just ring the bell (or knock on the door) and hide. Some curious people will, after not seeing anyone in the viewer, open the door. And that could be a fatal mistake.
Related Post: Do NOT Open Your Door
There are viewers/peepholes on the market now that give you a larger viewing area. But even if you buy one, please continue to be very, very careful about opening your door.
Keep Doors and Windows Locked
Keep your doors and windows locked at all times, whether you are home or not.
If you open windows during a nice day, use a built-in latch device (or some other similar device) which makes it difficult to open the window any further. And always close and lock them at night.
Related Post: Decrease the Risk of Your Home being Burgled
Do you live in an apartment or dorm?
Don’t let strangers follow you into your building. Just because they are holding a key, it doesn’t mean that it fits the door to your building.
Thugs gain access into dorms, apartment buildings, businesses, etc., this way. If it turns out you’re wrong and they do live in the building, you can always apologize. Better to feel embarrassed than be assaulted!
For extra protection in apartments, dorm rooms, hotel rooms, etc., place a wedge-shaped door stop/alarm under your door. If someone tries to get in, it not only keeps the door from opening, it also sets off an alarm to alert you (and might even scare off the thug as well).
Remember: No Stranger gets in your house. EVER! Even if someone is screaming to use your phone. Call 911 for them. Do NOT open your door. You do NOT want to be the unwilling participant of a horrific home invasion!
~Shereen
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