Bend police offer home invasion safety tips

Scary times for Bend homeowners, with two home invasions and one deadly burglary this week. Wednesday, police said they want people to be prepared and know what to do if they find someone in their home.

“Dial 911,” said Lt. Chris Carney. “That’s an emergency when someone is trying to get into your house. That gives us sometime to get in there.”

Oregon law says homeowners can use deadly force if they are in fear of death or serious injury. People can also flee your home and run somewhere safer.

Bend police said if there is a someone inside a house, and people want to hide and wait until police arrive, the best option is to go inside a bathroom or closet. The victim can then call police and try to stay as quiet as possible.

“Stay on the phone with 911 and they will direct you as far as your tone and whether you’re being quiet enough or too loud, while we’re trying to get there,” Carney said. “So we’re trying to buy as much time as we can and intervene before somebody gets injured or hurt.”

If someone is trying to get into a house to steal something like a television or stereo equipment, police suggest not to intervene.

“The way we look at it, is that it’s property,” Carney said. “Really those are things that can be replaced. We can’t replace people.”

The obvious precautions that police say people don’t do enough is take the time to lock doors and windows. Even though Bend is typically a safe place, homeowners never know when an uninvited guest could show up.

Carney also said one of the most important things police can have is a good witness. He said if victims can take mental notes about the intruder, it will greatly help the investigation.