If You’re Not Safe in Your Own Home . . . : Invasion-style robberies renew focus on basic precautions

There was a time when the “home invasion” form of robbery/terrorism here was largely confined to immigrant and refugee Asian populations. Most of the victims suffered from an ingrained suspicion of both police and banking institutions in their native countries. That made them more likely to hoard their valuables at home and far less likely to turn to the police for help.

Well, the crime is no longer so narrowly focused. These terrifying incidents have migrated into northern Los Angeles County. Variations on this theme have also occurred in the form of equally chilling “follow-home” robberies. These days, as well, you can’t even put out an advertisement of an item for sale without wondering about who is going to show up at your door. And now these types of crimes have crossed ethnic boundaries in terms of both perpetrators and targets.

Want proof? Consider the families in Glendale, Northridge, Van Nuys and Granada Hills who have been surprised in their homes this year alone. They were tied up as gang members ransacked their residences and escaped with thousands of dollars in valuables. In some cases, the thieves raped their victims.

During the holiday season, at least 15 follow-home robberies were committed in the San Fernando Valley. Last November, police arrested four Bakersfield suspects in connection with a string of violent home-invasion robberies in Lancaster. Also in 1994, a spate of home robberies occurred when thieves answered computer bulletin board and Recycler classified ads, masquerading as potential buyers.

The good news is that there are effective and cost-efficient ways to be prepared. Much of the following advice comes from Jean O’Neil, director of research and policy analysis for the Washington, D.C.-based National Crime Prevention Council.

First, some of the same procedures that help protect your home from burglaries can accomplish the same when a thug wants to break in while you are there. We’re talking about a heavy, hardened-steel deadbolt with at least a 1 1/2-inch throw on the entrances. But the front and rear doors aren’t the only problems. If you have an attached garage with access to your home, the garage door should be made of solid wood or metal. Hollow plywood won’t slow down anyone. Three-point locks or plexiglass are great for patio doors, but these options can be expensive. To keep such costs under control, try to have the police come out and conduct a home-security survey.

The whole point of those steps is to slow the attackers down and give you more time to react. And how should you react? Treat the situation like a carjacking, not a burglary. The safest thing to do is not to confront or defend. If you hear the sounds of doors splintering or windows breaking and people barging in, get out. Envision escape routes the same way you would practice a fire drill, and just get out and seek help. Better to be embarrassed later if you find out it’s just the neighbor’s kid practicing for nighttime baseball.

Having a gun at home? It’s a bad idea that falls into the “garlic syndrome” category--as in asking the vampire to hold on for a second while you go and get your garlic. Where do you think many crooks get their guns, anyway? The answer, quite often, is from homes like yours.

If you have any reason to suspect that someone has watched your shopping spree at a department store and followed you home, the worst thing you can do is to go home. Drive to any crowded, well-lighted space instead, or to a police station.

And, of course, you run a great risk any time you allow someone you do not know into your home, whether they claim to have been in an accident, need to use a telephone or proffer some other plea or excuse. Trust your instincts. If there is any doubt, don’t open the door.