The recent murder of 78-year-old Ann Widdecombe in her home has highlighted the vulnerability of women living alone, prompting a private security expert to share essential safety measures.
Christian Hill, managing director of Intelligent Protection International, who has nearly 30 years of security experience, advises women to take proactive steps to protect themselves from potential break-ins and assaults, though he notes such violent encounters are rare.
Personal Security Practices
Hill recommends not advertising one's living situation. This includes refraining from informing taxi or ride-share drivers and avoiding social media posts that reveal you live alone. When at home in the evening, closing curtains can help deter potential intruders. If possible, having company at unpredictable times is also advised.
Displaying wealth can attract unwanted attention. Hill cautions against flashing large sums of cash in public or showcasing expensive jewelry, handbags, or car keys. When using public transport, it is advisable to hide such items. Similarly, visible signs of wealth like expensive art viewed through windows can pose a risk.
Home Security Enhancements
Simple yet effective measures can significantly improve home safety. A wooden doorstop can prevent a door from opening fully, even when pushed, offering a crucial barrier. Planning an exit route is paramount; Hill advises against running upstairs in the event of an intrusion, emphasizing the need to exit the house as quickly as possible, suggesting that ensuring a back door is unlocked could facilitate a swift escape.
Keeping an object like a tennis racquet or a bright flashlight near the front door can help disorient or deter an intruder. These items should be easily accessible and capable of slowing down an assailant without being construed as intent to harm.
In terms of home improvements, installing extra door and window locks is recommended. Using lights on timers to simulate occupancy can also be effective. Hill also suggests re-hanging interior doors to swing outwards, which can aid rescuers in accessing an individual who may be incapacitated and slumped against a door.
Awareness and Technology
Hill stresses the importance of being alert to suspicious details around one's home, as burglaries and attacks are often planned. Noticing moved bins, broken branches, or paint flakes around windows could indicate an attempted entry. Making one's routine unpredictable by having visitors at varied times can also be beneficial.
Regarding technology, Ring doorbells are highlighted as an affordable option for monitoring home activity remotely. While unmonitored CCTV is useful for reviewing past events, monitored CCTV with motion sensors can alert security personnel to anomalies and prompt action. Hill also advises keeping a phone fully charged to ensure immediate contact with emergency services if needed. He suggests that in situations of worry, a call handler can remain on the line while one opens the door.
Self-Defense and Intuition
Taking basic self-defense classes can provide valuable seconds to escape an attacker. Making noise or 'acting crazy' can also startle an assailant, the primary goal being escape rather than confrontation. Hill also encourages trusting one's intuition; if a situation feels wrong, such as noticing a suspicious vehicle or individual, it is best to leave the premises and go to a public, well-lit place to contact the authorities.