How Good Samaritans Maintain Good Home Security Too

It can be hard to know what to look out for these days when it comes to deceit. There are stories of people being bashed over the head by the pizza boy, tricked into opening the door by a supposed plumber, and more than a few stories about opening up for the poor victim or a car accident or empty gas tank that just needs to use the phone. While many people believe it's still best to maintain a positive attitude about humanity and do what a Good Samaritan would, there also has to be a measure of self protection. In order to best protect oneself against falling prey to a "distraction" crime, the average homeowner just has to make a few adjustments. It may just be possible to do the right thing while staying safe after all.

Check the Back Door: If you are not expecting a visitor, always check that the back door is locked before heading to the front to verify the visitor's legitimacy. Thieves or other intruders may work in groups or pairs with one entering through the back entrance while you are occupied at the front. Stay one step ahead by double checking the lock, and setting a home alarm system on the back door, should you have one.

Visually Inspect Visitors by Safeguarding the Front Door: Begin by making your front door visitor ready with a few simple adjustments. If you have no peep hole or viewing window on the door, make sure to have one installed or change the door. Being able to see who is there gives you a better sense of whether the person is known, or a stranger, and whether or not they are who they say they are. For those who prefer to go the technological route, a 2-way intercom with a video camera simply can't be beat for full visual home security. Also, it may benefit those with frequent visitors to install a small mail slot where identification can be passed through to fully verify legitimacy of the visitor before permitting entry.

Voice Verify and Get Identification: If you believe the person is legitimate, ask who he or she is, what he or she has come for, and ask to see some identification. If the person has a flimsy story or excuse for entering your property, for example a man needs to use the phone due to an emergency situation like a flat tire, know how to instruct him to the nearest public service station, store or other location to use the phone. Should there not be another location within reasonable walking distance, ask for the color, model, make, and license plate of the vehicle and the location of the accident, and offer to ring emergency services for him. Should the person not take you up on this more than adequate offer, immediately notify the authorities anyway. Even if this person moves on a leaves you alone, he may be a threat to the home security of one of your friends or neighbors.

Open with Caution. Should everything else check out, cautiously open the door for the visitor. When expecting a service professional or other guest who is not a close friend or relative, always advise someone close to you of the meeting, giving details of who, the company, and at what time. If you have a home security system with a remote panic button, keep it on you during the person's visit in order to quickly notify authorities of a transpiring emergency no matter how quickly the situation develops.