Home security tips for Billings Heights couple shares terrifying home invasion story

In the early hours of a recent morning, Joyce and Kenneth Wanner of Billings Heights faced a harrowing home invasion that has since prompted them to reevaluate their home security measures.

 

Despite their habitual diligence in locking doors each night, on this particular evening, both neglected their routine checks. Around 1:30 a.m., their dog, Ollie, began alarm-barking—a behavior Joyce had never witnessed before. Investigating the commotion, she was startled to find a stranger standing in their bedroom doorway.

 

"I was just screaming at the top of my lungs," Joyce recounted. Wet footprints indicated the intruder had entered through the garage's side door and approached their bed. Kenneth confronted the man, who appeared scared and remained compliant throughout the encounter. After approximately 30 minutes, Kenneth escorted him outside and contacted 911. Authorities apprehended the individual down the street shortly thereafter.

 

This unsettling experience has led the Wanners to enhance their home's security. They've installed dusk-to-dawn lights around the property, added motion-activated security lights, and upgraded locks on all doors.

 

While this incident concluded without physical harm, it underscores the importance of vigilance. Billings Heights, generally considered safer than many areas, still experiences its share of crime. Recent data indicates that the neighborhood's crime rate is 17.61 per 1,000 residents annually, with the southeast part being perceived as the safest.

 

To bolster home security, residents are advised to:

 

1. **Consistently lock all doors and windows**, even when at home.

 

2. **Install motion-activated lighting** around the property.

 

3. **Utilize security systems** or surveillance cameras.

 

4. **Maintain clear visibility** by trimming overgrown shrubs near entry points.

 

5. **Establish a neighborhood watch** to stay informed about local activities.

 

By adopting these measures, residents can enhance their safety and contribute to a more secure community.