In the United States and many other English-speaking countries (though not the United Kingdom), home invasion is an illegal and usually forceful entry into an occupied private dwelling with intent to commit a violent crime against the occupants, such as robbery, assault, rape, murder, or kidnapping.
In some jurisdictions there is a defined crime of home invasion; in others, no such distinct charge exists, and the events that accompany the invasion are prosecuted individually as separate crimes.
Knowing your local laws and taking basic precautions can reduce risk. The Bureau of Justice Statistics tracks burglary and home invasion data that can help homeowners understand their actual exposure. For a broader overview of how home invasion is defined and prosecuted across jurisdictions, see the Wikipedia entry on home invasion.
Security is one piece of a larger picture of home and neighborhood safety. Related reading on our site: learn about fire watch security services in the Bay Area, find out how to choose the right security partner in Fremont, and see why more Union City businesses are hiring security guards in 2025.