Than Steal Burglars can commit rape, robbery, and assault if they are surprised by someone coming home or they pick a home that is occupied. Call the police from a neighbor's house or a public phone. At night, if you think you hear someone breaking in, leave safely if you can, then call the police. If you can't leave, lock yourself in a room with a phone and call the police. If an intruder is in your room, pretend you are asleep.
Guns are responsible for many accidental deaths in the home every year.
Think very carefully before buying a gun or keeping weapons in the home. If you do own one, learn how to store it and use it safely. If one doesn't exist, you can start one with help from local law enforcement. Neighborhood's with Neighborhood Watch programs have fewer burglaries. If you see something suspicious don't assume that someone else has already called the police.