Home invasions target the have-nots

[GreenStormCloud]

Long article, but worth the time to read it.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20091226/NEWS02/912260303/Home-invasions-target-the-have-nots

Home invasions target the have-nots
Star analysis shows residents of lower-income areas in city are more likely to become victims.

SNIP

Although most major crimes in Indianapolis and across the country have declined in recent years, home invasions here have either increased or held steady. From January 2007 to Dec. 1, 2009, more than 1,650 residents have been robbed at home -- about two a day.
But it isn't the big houses on North Meridian Street with lots of jewelry, antiques and electronics that are getting hit. Just the opposite. An Indianapolis Star analysis of crime data over the past 21/2 years found that the poorer the neighborhood, the more likely a home is to be the target of an armed break-in. And if a neighborhood is heavily Hispanic, home invasions are even more frequent.

"They aren't going into affluent neighborhoods and picking houses at random; we don't see that," said Robert Holt, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's North District commander. "Most of the time they know something about the person living there or what's inside."


SNIP

But police say criminals don't target victims with the most to steal; they go for people who are the easiest to rob. In home invasions, that means immigrants, the elderly and those who themselves are involved with criminal activities.

SNIP

Home invasions usually involve a group of men with guns robbing people, with no other witnesses. That's why they are likely to end violently, as in two of the city's worst mass killings.

SNIP

"Burglars want to avoid contact and use deception and stealth to enter a home," he said. "Home robbers are looking for a confrontation. They use force and control and could get a rush from the physical power they exert."

However, certain regular posters here have repeatedly assured us that they only want stuff and that if we will give up our stuff, the will leave peacefully.

[proteus_lives]

1. Certain regular posters are idiots.

If a criminal enters your home, he's willing to hurt or kill you for your possessions.

Why accept that or risk your well-being by betting on the "goodwill" of scum?

[sharesunited]

2. "Home invasions usually involve a group of men with guns robbing people..."

That's because there is a proliferation of guns and ammo in the good ol' USA.

[GreenStormCloud]

3. They use knives too.

A home a few houses away from mine was hit by home invaders. A young couple were killed by knives.

[rd_kent]

5. You sound like depakid, repeating the same old debunked and worthless talking points.

But why should we expect anything more from you?

[rrneck]

8. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

It's the shoes. The shoes make them run into homes to rob people. And pants too. It's the evil pants - I saw it on Wallace and Grommit.

[AtheistCrusader]

9. I don't think you'll find anyone here advocating proliferation of firearms to criminals.

Though you'll find a spectrum of ideas on how to combat that proliferation.

[safeinOhio]

4. Don't be the easiest to rob

"But police say criminals don't target victims with the most to steal; they go for people who are the easiest to rob" Security starts on the edge of your property and your doors and windows. Security and motion lights($25.00), stickers on windows and door proclaiming alarms(even if you don't have them) a few bucks. Dead bolts and stops in the window sash. 3 inch screws in hinges and strikers. They will target the homes that look like they are easy to rob.

[GreenStormCloud]

6. Definately. Hardenintg the castle is the first choice.

Guns are for situations when everything else has failed.

[east texas lib]

7. A disturbing trend, indeed...

Another one is the targeting of the undocumented for home invasions that will never be reported due
the fear of deportation. This seems to be occuring with increasing frequency around the DFW area.
I firmly believe home invaders should be allowed to meet their maker as soon as possible.