Installing a good security system is also very important. This can include cameras, motion sensors, and alarms. If a home invader sees cameras, they are more likely to be deterred. And if they do break in, the alarm can alert the neighbors and the police. Also, having a big dog can be a great deterrent. Even a small dog that barks a lot can make burglars think twice.
In many fictional home invasion stories, there are often neighbors who play a role. They might be the ones who hear the commotion and call the police, or in some cases, they could be involved in the invasion in a more indirect way. There are also the police officers who come to the rescue, representing the law and order side of the story.
The sense of powerlessness. When invaders are in your home, you are in their territory in a way. You may be outnumbered, and they might be armed. For example, if a family is faced with multiple armed intruders, they can't really fight back easily. You are just trying to survive and protect your loved ones.
Common themes often include the element of fear and surprise. The invaders might be after valuables, which creates a sense of danger for the homeowners. There could also be a struggle for power between the invaders and the invaded, as the homeowners try to defend their territory.
One home invasion horror story is about a family asleep at night. Suddenly, they heard strange noises downstairs. When the father went to check, a masked intruder jumped out and chased him back upstairs. The family barricaded themselves in a bedroom until the police came. It was a terrifying experience of feeling so vulnerable in their own home.
Another great one is 'Home Invasion' by various authors in the horror genre anthology. It contains multiple short stories that all deal with the terrifying concept of home invasions from different angles, some focusing on the psychological aspect and others on the physical horror.
Once there was a family, the Smiths. One night, burglars tried to break into their home. The family dog started barking furiously, alerting Mr. Smith. He quickly woke up his wife and kids and they locked themselves in the master bedroom. Mr. Smith grabbed a baseball bat. The burglars managed to get in through a window but were scared off by the dog and Mr. Smith's shouts.
One common theme is the sense of vulnerability. The homeowners are usually caught off - guard in their own safe space. Another theme is the battle of wits between the invaders and the invaded. For example, in many stories, the homeowners try to outsmart the invaders using their knowledge of the house layout.
In one strange home invasion story, the burglars broke into a house only to find that the owner had set up a fake haunted house inside for Halloween. The burglars were so spooked by all the spooky decorations and animatronics that they ran out immediately. It's quite an unusual situation where the home's decor became a form of defense.