31 SFS releases robbery prevention guide

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. R.J. Biermann
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Imagine you're trying to relax and unwind in your living room, after a long day at work, when suddenly you hear a loud crash at your front door - someone's just broken into your home. What do you do?

The majority of break-ins here occur between October and December; and Italian home invasion laws are different than U.S. laws. For these reasons, it's important to know how to take action.

"We created a tri-fold to help develop a defense mindset geared toward deterring crimes against persons and property," said Danielle Heiser, 31st Security Forces Squadron investigator. "The tri-fold addresses common questions about protecting yourself, your loved ones and your belongings from burglars."

Q: What should I do if I think someone is trying to break in while I'm home?
A: Immediately dial 112 (Carabinieri) or 0434-30-7200 (31st SFS law enforcement desk). Ensure you and your family are in a safe place, preferably behind a locked door, and wait for the police to arrive.

Q: What should I do if I come home and think there's someone in my residence?
A: Do not enter your residence. Return to your vehicle or visit a neighbor's home and call 112 or 0434-30-7200. Stay there until authorities arrive.

Q: Someone I don't recognize is at my gate or front door, should I let them in?
A: No. If the individual is from a legitimate business, they'll present their credentials to you to verify their position. Never provide billing statements to personnel claiming to be from a utility company. Most of these bills include your bank account information and you could become a victim of identity theft. 

Q: Can I defend myself if someone breaks into my residence and I'm home?
A: Yes. You may use the least amount of force necessary to make the perpetrator leave, but may not pursue them. Immediately dial 112 or 0434-30-7200 whenever possible.

"The use of force should really be a last resort and caution must be applied," said Maj. Anthony Ghiotto, 31st Fighter Wing deputy staff judge advocate. "Force can only be used if absolutely necessary. If you alert the individual to leave and that doesn't work, and there's no time to contact law enforcement, use the least amount of force necessary to get the intruder to leave. If you use too much force, or even if the intruder could claim that you used too much force, you could be subject to a lengthy Italian investigation and maybe even legal punishment. Once the intruder leaves, you cannot pursue them. You need to call law enforcement as soon as possible."

Q: Can my dog attack an intruder?
A: Yes. But be prepared to retrieve the dog and use the least amount of force necessary to make the perpetrator leave. If your dog continues to maul an intruder after they have attempted to leave the residence, you may be held liable for medical bills.   

Q: How can I better protect my home?
A: Close and lock doors, windows, shutters and garages. Leave a light, television or music on to make it appear as if someone is in the residence. Try to have someone check on your residence periodically if you plan on being gone for a long period of time.

"Another good practice is to take high value item boxes to the industrial area to be properly disposed of," Heiser said. "By placing television, computer, game console or other boxes outside your residence, you're advertising what new, expensive items are currently in your home. By taking some extra and simple precautions you can make yourself less of a target."

To view the complete tri-fold, click here.