What Type of Security Incident Did You Experience? How to Categorize It

When filling out your Fortify Form after purchasing your Fortify Plan, one important step is to accurately identify and categorize any security incidents you've experienced at your home. Knowing how to classify incidents such as package theft, vandalism, break-ins, home invasions, or personal safety threats is crucial for tailoring your security plan. By properly categorizing these incidents, you can ensure your Fortify Plan addresses the specific security risks you’ve encountered. Here's a guide to help you understand different security incident types and how to categorize them.

1. Package Theft

Package theft is an increasingly common problem, particularly with the rise of online shopping. Thieves often steal packages left on doorsteps, porches, or mailboxes, making it difficult to receive deliveries securely.

Characteristics of Package Theft:

  • Stolen Deliveries: Your package goes missing from your doorstep after being delivered, often before you can retrieve it.
  • Targeted Areas: Front doors, porches, or driveways where packages are left unattended are the most vulnerable to package theft.
  • Frequency: Package theft may occur multiple times if the thief is aware of regular deliveries.

Prevention Tips for Package Theft:

  • Install a video doorbell or security cameras to monitor deliveries and discourage potential thieves.
  • Use package lockers, alternative delivery locations, or require a signature for deliveries to avoid leaving packages unattended.
  • Set up notifications with delivery services to retrieve packages promptly.

Categorize as: Package Theft

If you've experienced package theft, include this in your Fortify Form to ensure your security plan includes specific strategies to prevent future incidents, such as enhanced surveillance at your doorstep or the use of package lockers.

2. Vandalism

Vandalism involves intentional damage to your property, ranging from graffiti to broken windows or defaced outdoor features. It can be disruptive and costly to repair, making it important to categorize this type of incident accurately.

Characteristics of Vandalism:

  • Intentional Damage: Damage to your home’s exterior, such as spray-painting graffiti, smashing windows, or damaging landscaping.
  • Unprovoked Incidents: Vandalism is often random and can be hard to predict.
  • Target Areas: Driveways, fences, garage doors, and outdoor features are frequent targets for vandals.

Prevention Tips for Vandalism:

  • Install outdoor security cameras to monitor vulnerable areas such as driveways, fences, or front yards.
  • Use motion-activated lighting to deter vandals from approaching your property in the dark.
  • Secure entry points like gates or garage doors to limit access to your property.

Categorize as: Vandalism

If you've experienced vandalism, note this on your Fortify Form so that your security plan can focus on protecting exterior property and preventing further property vandalism.

3. Break-In

A break-in occurs when an intruder enters your home or attempts to do so, typically with the intent to steal. This type of security incident can be alarming and leave you feeling unsafe in your own home.

Characteristics of a Break-In:

  • Forced Entry: Signs of forced entry such as broken windows, damaged locks, or doors forced open.
  • Missing Items: Valuables or personal items are stolen from your home.
  • Damage to Property: In addition to theft, break-ins often result in damage to the home, such as broken doors or ransacked rooms.

Prevention Tips for Break-Ins:

  • Install smart locks, deadbolts, and reinforce entry doors with sturdy frames.
  • Use surveillance cameras and motion detectors at entry points to deter intruders and monitor activity.
  • Set up an alarm system that can alert you and the authorities of any suspicious activity.

Categorize as: Break-In

If you've experienced a break-in, be sure to categorize it as such in your Fortify Form. Your Fortify Plan will then focus on burglary prevention strategies, such as reinforcing doors and windows and enhancing home monitoring.

4. Home Invasion

A home invasion is a more severe security incident, as it involves intruders entering your home while you are present, posing a significant personal safety threat. Unlike a break-in, a home invasion is typically more confrontational and dangerous.

Characteristics of a Home Invasion:

  • Forced Entry While Occupied: Intruders break into the home knowing or expecting that occupants are inside.
  • Personal Safety at Risk: The invaders may use force, threats, or intimidation to gain control of the situation.
  • Robbery or Harm: The intent of a home invasion is often to rob, harm, or terrorize the occupants.

Prevention Tips for Home Invasion:

  • Install security cameras and a monitored alarm system to alert authorities immediately.
  • Reinforce entry points with heavy-duty locks and security bars on windows.
  • Have an emergency plan in place, including safe rooms or panic buttons, to protect yourself and your family in case of an invasion.

Categorize as: Home Invasion

If you've experienced a home invasion, note this in your Fortify Form. Your Fortify Plan will prioritize advanced security measures to protect you from future home invasion incidents.

5. Personal Safety Threat

A personal safety threat can include any incident where your personal security was compromised. This can range from feeling threatened by a suspicious individual to a direct physical confrontation in or around your home.

Characteristics of a Personal Safety Threat:

  • Feeling Unsafe: A situation arises where you feel your personal safety is at risk, even if no actual crime is committed.
  • Suspicious Activity: Encountering suspicious individuals or activity near your home that makes you feel unsafe.
  • Direct Confrontation: Physical altercations or threats that occur on your property or in close proximity.

Prevention Tips for Personal Safety Threats:

  • Install outdoor lighting and security cameras to monitor your surroundings and make your property less appealing to potential threats.
  • Use smart locks and ensure all entry points are secure.
  • Consider a personal alarm system or panic button for emergency situations.

Categorize as: Personal Safety Threat

If you've experienced a personal safety threat, be sure to include this in your Fortify Form so that your Fortify Plan can incorporate personal security measures such as emergency response systems and enhanced outdoor surveillance.