Home invasion: Every home owner’s biggest nightmare

SIX families were held ransom by masked gunmen at their home in Linden several weeks ago.

The CCTV footage shows three men, wearing balaclavas and gloves and wielding pistols, jumping out of a car, stopping the house gate from closing after one of the guests had just entered the residence, forcing the gate open and pulling guests out of the car.

Once inside, these gunmen ordered all the children to lie on the ground while they demanded from the guests any small personal items of value, like cellphones, jewellery and watches.

What should you do during a home invasion?

Theunis Kotze, general manager ADT Inland Regions, says it is so important for families to stay calm in order to survive a home invasion like this.

Home invasions can take any form. “A home invasion has to be one of the most frightening situations anyone can experience. It can be even worse if you have other family members with you to worry about,” says Kotze.

Do you think you would know what to do in a situation like this? What actions are likely to give you your best chance of surviving unharmed? Answer the following five questions and see how you compare.

1. I should resist my captors. True ___ False ___

False. Kotze says unless you feel you are facing an imminent life-and-death situation, don’t fight back. As hard as it may be, accept your situation and give your captors time to take any material possessions they want.

2. If I am left alone for a few minutes, I should try to escape. True ___ False ___

False. If you fail in your attempt, you risk severe injury or death. Even if you feel certain you can succeed in your attempt, think twice.

3. I should engage my captors in conversation. True ___ False ___

False. Speak only if spoken to and then try to keep your answers short and to the point. Certainly, don’t argue with your captors.

4. I should try to make my mind blank until the event is over. True ___ False ___

False. Try to get a good look at your captors and memorise their physical details and clothing. Listen for any names or other details that might help identify them later.

5. The longer my captors are in my home, the more likely I am to survive. True ___ False ___

True. Generally speaking, the first few minutes of a home invasion are the most dangerous. Try to remain calm and quiet. If you are not threatening, your captors can concentrate on their goals and leave. Also, the longer the situation continues, the more likely outside help will arrive.

“Remember, these are generalisations. No two incidents are ever identical, so consider these tips to be basic guidelines. As hard as it may be at the time, try to stay calm so that any decisions you make are not just reactions resulting from panic.”

Kotze says it is advisable for all members of the family to have discussed these scenarios and be aware of what to do should they ever find themselves confronted with a home invasion.

“Also remember that a monitored home alarm system acts as a deterrent to most criminals and can help prevent a home invasion altogether. Casual guarding is also another option if you are having an event. Although no one wants to have to think about security when they are having fun, the reality exists that criminals are aware that functions and parties generally mean easy pickings and easy targets.

Adding a casual guard with a panic button, linked to an armed response company when you’re planning your next event is definitely a good option. Sometimes the mere presence of a security officer is enough to deter would-be criminals,” he concludes.