Home invasions become more common in Chesterfield County
Thirteen reported so far this year
By Susan Nienow CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In 2005, home invasions in Chesterfield County increased by 108 percent. Thirteen such incidents have occurred in the county so far this year.

When criminals burglarize your home, the line is crossed. But when they enter your residence while you're still home, it's a complete violation.

"It catches you totally by surprise and gives them the advantage," said Captain Karl Leonard of the Chesterfield Police Department. "It is very intimidating."

Unfortunately, home invasions are becoming more common in Chesterfield. So far this year, 13 home invasions have occurred in the county. Most were committed using a firearm while one involved a knife and another was strong-arm.

On July 10, 38-year-old Harold Jones was gunned down when a man with a revolver forced his way into a Goolsby Court apartment and demanded money. No one has been arrested for Jones' murder.

On July 6, a family living in the 3100 block of Dundas Road was victimized when five armed men entered their home through an unlocked door. The suspects struck two male family members in the head with a gun before fleeing the residence with jewelry and cash.

Later that same month, three people in a home in the 8600 block of Windingrun Lane were accosted on July 27 around 12:20 a.m. by three men dressed in black wearing black bandanas. The suspects ran through an unlocked front door and were armed with a gun, a bat and a knife. They took jewelry and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The number of home invasions spiked last year. In 2005, there were 25 home invasion offenses, up 108 percent from 2004 when there were only 12. Again, most of the home invasions last year were committed using firearms with one involving a knife, one a strong-arm and one with another weapon. In both 2002 and 2003 there were 13 home invasion offenses.

Leonard stopped short of calling the recent increase a trend, but did say it is a "burgeoning problem."

"We are not seeing these in the higher economic areas. The majority are in the low to middle-income neighborhoods," Leonard observed. Home invasions tend to occur in the eastern half of the county in and around Jefferson Davis Highway. No single neighborhood is targeted.

The motivation is personal gain for most, said Leonard. Drugs are not a predominant factor. Some cases have been solved, but recollection of faces is not good under these circumstances. Occasionally the perpetrator is someone the victim knows.

Home security

Using common sense can reduce the opportunity for home invasions. Don't open the door unless you know the person on the other side. Otherwise, keep your doors locked, Leonard advised. "Once it happens, you have to cooperate.

Don't take any risks," advised Leonard. "We are not seeing a lot of people hurt [despite the July 10 incident]."

When you are caught by surprise, there isn't much you can do. "It is theft by intimidation," said Leonard.

A few additional measures can make any home safer, said Crime Prevention Officer Mike Catron. Lock all doors at night and whenever you leave the house. Doors should be solid hardwood or metal-clad with a keyed entry lock and a sturdy deadbolt lock installed into the frame of the door.

Don't keep a key under your mat or over the top of the door. Instead, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor.

Windows should have a working key lock or be securely pinned. Keep the outside of your house well-lit with the shrubs and bushes trimmed back. Display your house number clearly.

When you are away from home, use at least two light timers set to turn on and off in a logical sequence. Stop mail and newspaper deliveries or make arrangements for a neighbor to pick them up. If you are going to be away for any length of time, ask a neighbor to tend your yard and watch the house.

Call the Crime Prevention Unit at 674-7006 for more information.