home invasions are growing in numbers all over the country. Unlike regular burglaries, where property theft is the main objective, home invasions usually occur when the residents are home and can have much more serious consequences.

While most burglaries occur between 9 am and 5 pm when people are at work, home invasions occur between 6 pm and 6 am.

Creating a secure environment for your home is becoming easier with products and information available to the community. Police often hold seminars on protecting your loved ones and belongings. These offer a good insight into the ways to deal with this horrendous crime, should it occur to you.

Here are some tips to help avoid a home invasion:

1. Before you open your door to anyone, use the peephole. Many varieties today have wide-angle vision. If you do not see anyone, DO NOT ANSWER IT.

2. Install an intercom system at the front door so you can speak with the person who is knocking or ringing your doorbell.

3. Use automatic indoor lighting devices that turn on lights at a pre-set time. Some versions will randomly rotate the “on” time within a short period to fool thieves that are watching your home for activity.

4. Upgrade locks on doors and windows. Deadbolts should have a reinforced strike plate, with two- or three-inch bolts.

5. Make sure you have a cordless phone so you can move around the home. Ensure it is fully charged at all times for emergencies. Have a cell phone available in case phone lines are cut.

6. Set up a speed dial on your phone for 911. If available, use speaker phone mode so emergency dispatchers can hear what is going on in the background.

7. Install a reputable home-alarm monitoring system. Have the company’s decals displayed prominently on your doors and windows. This may deter would-be thieves who are looking for an easy target.

8. Practice an escape plan with your family, and know what to do when you get away from your house.

9. Install motion sensor lighting on all four sides of the house.

10. Always keep your window coverings closed, especially at night.

The intention of these tips is to create layers of protection for your home. If a criminal has to spend a lot of time and effort getting inside your house, he may be persuaded to move on to another location.

One unique addition to your home security plan would be the virtual dog, or an Electronic Secure Dog. Once plugged in, this device can be set to create the sound of an angry and protective watchdog or even a warning siren.