I read the Philadelphia Police Department’s notification on social media that stated they are looking for a man who tried to force his way into a South Philadelphia man’s home at 20th and Morris streets at 6:20 a.m. on Sept. 11.
I also watched the police surveillance video in which the suspect prowled the street, looking into windows and alleyways while presumably hunting for an opportunity to rob someone or something.
According to the Philadelphia Police, the suspect attacked the South Philly man as he was reentering his home after placing his trash bags on the sidewalk outside his home. The would-be home invader forced his way through the front door of the home. Thankfully, the homeowner fought off the potential home invader.
Beyond the report and the released video, I don’t know more about this incident. I wonder if the homeowner used the old school South Philly security system – the ubiquitous baseball bat laid next to the front door in the vestibule – to beat off the intruder. Or did he just use his fists on the thief? Whichever way he used to defend his home, I say good for him.
This would-be home invader was lucky that the homeowner did not shoot him, like another homeowner did last year.
In February of last year, a would-be home invader was shot and killed on the porch of a home in Southwest Philadelphia. The man was killed trying to break into a home by the homeowner who was armed.
The shooting occurred at 11 p.m. A couple in their 60s saw a man via their Ring camera trying to break into the front door of the home, according to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.
“When the husband, the man of the house, went and confronted this individual, the male forced and broke in through the front doors of the property,” Small told reporters.
Small added that the homeowner fired his gun after the man broke in through the front door. The intruder fell inside the enclosed front porch. The responding police officers found the would-be home invader with a gunshot wound and took him to a nearby hospital where he died.
Both stories should be cautionary tales to those thinking of criminally invading residential homes in South Philly and beyond.
These days many homeowners own guns and they are ready and able to defend their home and families.
As my late good friend Mark Tartaglia, a retired detective, once told me, crooks fear homeowners more than police officers, as crooks believe a homeowner is more likely to shoot them than a cop.
According to police and security experts, home invasions are preventable. Below are some crime prevention tips:
- Lighting: Bright exterior lighting and motion-sensing lights make homes more visible and reduce hiding spots for intruders.
- Clear sight lines: Trim landscaping to eliminate areas where burglars can hide, ensuring neighbors and passersby can see the property.
- Visible deterrents: Display alarm system signs and security cameras signals that the home is monitored, discouraging potential intruders.
- Reinforced doors and frames: Install solid-core doors with quality deadbolts and reinforce door frames to resist forced entry .
- Window security: Use impact-resistant window film, bars or locks, especially on first-floor windows .
- Key management: Avoid hiding keys outside; consider electronic locks or smart locks to control access remotely.
- Monitored alarm systems: Homes with professional monitoring are significantly less likely to be targeted
- Video doorbells and cameras: Provide real-time alerts and evidence in case of attempted entry.
- Perimeter detection devices: Motion sensors and smart lighting can alert both residents and police to suspicious activity.
- Keep curtains or blinds closed to prevent burglars from scouting valuables.
- Avoid broadcasting travel plans on social media to reduce the risk of targeting.
- Use timers for lights, TVs or radios to create the illusion of occupancy when away.
- Secure mail and deliveries to prevent signs of absence.
Remember, your home is your castle. And one should take precautions and adopt recommended security measures to protect one’s castle from would-be home invaders. ••
Paul Davis’s Crime Beat column appears here each week. He can be reached via pauldavisoncrime.com.
