What is a Home Invasion?

Home invasion is a serious and devastating crime that can have far-reaching consequences for the victims. It involves unlawful forced entry into a person’s property with the intent to commit a robbery, burglary, or other offence when they are home. The trauma and fear experienced by the victims can have lasting effects on their sense of security and well-being. This article explains what this is, how it differs from similar crimes and what security measures you can take to avoid it.

Meaning

Home invasion refers to the illegal and often forceful entry into someone’s home to commit a crime, usually burglary or robbery.

The offender’s main intention might not always be theft, but it could also involve physical harm, taking people hostage, or another form of serious criminal intent, such as sexual assault or torture. Often, a high level of violence and intimidation is used to create fear and surprise.

It’s a deeply alarming violation of privacy and safety, and It can have long-lasting psychological effects on the victims, leaving them feeling unsafe and vulnerable in their own homes.

It is often premeditated, with the intruders planning the time and date of the crime, which allows them to work out their approach carefully, the tools they will need, and any potential obstacles they may encounter.

Home Invasion vs. Burglary

Home invasion and burglary both involve unauthorised entry into a person’s home but are different in several ways.

A burglary happens when thieves enter a property intending to steal, usually when no one is home. On the other hand, home invasion robberies occur when the occupants are at home.

The term “home invasion” distinguishes it from burglary by implying that people are present when the crime occurs, and much like aggravated burglary, varying degrees of force or violence are used.

How Common Is This in Australia?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 151,200 victims of unlawful entry in Australia in 2022.

105,568, or 70%, occurred at a residential address, and 93,197, or 62%, lost items or valuables during the crime.

States that unlawful entry increased:

• Queensland had 8,368 victims (22%)
• New South Wales had 2,734 victims (10%)
• Northern Territory had 1,449 victims (31%)
• Victoria had 1,124 victims (4%)

States that had decreases:

• South Australia’s numbers were down a total of 1,174 victims (11%)
• Western Australia was down 349 victims (2%)
• Australian Capital Territory was down 39 victims (2%)

Despite these statistics, it’s still important to note that Australian police and communities continuously try to reduce these figures. Thus, while home invasions occur, they are not an overwhelming daily threat for most Australians.

How To Prevent This

To prevent a this from occurring, you need to consider your circumstances, what is in your control, and what measures you can take.

Cameras and Alarms

Protecting yourself revolves around enhancing one’s home security system and installing high-quality CCTV cameras, and an alarm. Not only is the loud piercing alarm a major deterrent, but burglars know that motion detectors will also send notifications to the homeowners or security monitoring company so help can arrive quickly.

Secure Doors and Windows

All exterior doors should be reinforced with high-quality locks and a deadbolt. Windows and door screens should have a high-strength mesh-like crimsafe or similar.

Guard Dogs

Where practical, dogs trained to alert their owners of suspicious activity are incredibly valuable. These canines instinctively know their surroundings and can pick up on subtle changes that may indicate a threat. Their keen sense of smell and sharp hearing make them valuable assets against intruders.

FAQs

How do most start?

Home invasions happen at any time, day or night. Most typically start with the perpetrators scoping out of the premises. They watch the property to understand its occupancy patterns, identify security weaknesses, and determine when the dwelling will likely be occupied with their target’s home.

Are they on the rise?

There has been a worrisome increase in home invasions in residential areas in states such as QLD, NSW, Victoria and the N.T.

What is the best Defence against this?

Upgrading household security system. Installing better quality door and window locks and security screens as well as a trained guard dog

How long do they take

Most cantered around burglary typically last between 8 to 12 minutes. Robbers aim to get in and out quickly to avoid detection. If the home invasion involves a hostage or other form of violent crime, it can be substantially longer.

Conclusion

Overall, home invasion is a serious crime on the increase that can have devastating consequences for the victims. Implementing these necessary precautions in 2023 and beyond will go a long way to protecting yourself and your loved ones from this hideous and invasive crime.