If someone knocked on your door would you instinctively just open the door?  Some people blindly open the door to see who it is or what they want, this is not a good idea, obviously if you know the person then that’s different.  Once the door is opened even slightly it makes it easy for the person to push their way into your property putting yourself and others in the property at risk. 

Many home owners are overly trusting and just open the front door to anyone that is knocking but it is important to remember that with the economy the way it is incidents of home burglaries and home invasion robberies have increased.  There have been reports in the county of scam artists trying to gain access to victim’s properties by deception saying they are the Police or are doing a survey.  There are a number of reasonably sounding excuses that they can use to gain access to your property.  It is time to educate yourselves so you do not become the victim of a crime like this.

So what should you do?

Look out of a window to check who is knocking, If you do not know the person then ask through the door who they are and what they want, or just ignore them completely.

Ignore the knock on the door.  Carry on about your business inside your property.  Do not pretend that you are not home because if the stranger at your door is a burglar they may break-in if they think no-one is home. 

If you have a door chain you could put that in place and open the door slightly to speak with the stranger through the gap.  If you are going to use this option ensure that the door chain is attached to your door frame with long screws as the standard screws are usually not long enough to get a good secure grip.

If you have a security camera you will be able to see who is knocking on your door without going to the door.  Security cameras are a good deterrent for burglars and so are signs indicating that there is video surveillance.

If you have a dog that barks when someone knocks on the door this is a great tool to deter people with suspicious motives.

If you are a woman home alone, indicate through the door that the male in the house is busy doing something and cannot come to the door at the moment.  This is a good idea as most women are not as physically strong as men and therefore can be seen as being an easy target.

Please remember that people can be dressed in suits and carrying company identification but this does not mean that their motives are legitimate.  It is always better to be safe than sorry as this could save your life or your property.