In today’s world, it’s hard to ignore crime stories—yet many people still believe, “It won’t happen to me.” A more practical mindset is “be safe, not sorry,” especially when it comes to burglary and forced entry. Criminals change tactics over time, and staying informed can help you react calmly and make smarter choices.
One Texas woman says she came dangerously close to learning that lesson the hard way—and she shared a warning that could help others stay safer.
What Happened: A Strange Knock and a Concerning Discovery
Kim Cernigliaro described an incident that started with aggressive pounding on her front door during the daytime. She said she did not answer because she was home alone. After the knocking stopped and things became quiet, she went outside to check.
That’s when she noticed something unusual: a rubber band on the doorknob.
Why a Rubber Band on a Doorknob Can Be a Red Flag
According to what Kim was told by local law enforcement, the rubber band can be used as a quick, simple tool to help an intruder:
- Keep the latch mechanism from fully catching, so the door can be pushed open more easily
- Create an advantage for someone attempting a rapid “push-in” entry the moment the door is unlatched
- Support a situation where the homeowner unlatches the door and the intruder forces entry immediately
The key takeaway: even an everyday object can be used as part of a break-in tactic, and anything suspicious around your entryway deserves attention.
6 Practical Home Safety Tips Mentioned in the Story
Below are the prevention ideas highlighted, written in clear, actionable form.
- Safety Tip #1: Clean Up Litter Immediately
- Don’t leave flyers, cups, wrappers, or random debris outside.
- Litter can suggest you’re not home often or not paying attention.
- In some cases, items left outside may be used as signals to others.
- Safety Tip #2: Consider Not Making Your Bed (When It Matters)
This tip is based on the idea that burglars sometimes look for signs that nobody is home.
- A made bed can suggest the resident has already left for the day.
- An unmade bed can suggest someone may still be inside.
If you’re leaving for a short time and want your home to appear “lived-in,” this is one small detail to consider.
- Safety Tip #3: Use Visible “Security System” Deterrents
If installing a full system isn’t possible:
- Use security stickers or yard signs as a deterrent.
- Even if some criminals can guess it’s a bluff, many will choose an easier target.
- Safety Tip #4: Install Motion-Sensor Lighting
- Bright motion lights can startle intruders and increase the feeling of exposure.
- Criminals generally prefer darkness and low visibility.
- Lighting is a relatively low-cost layer of protection.
- Safety Tip #5: Don’t Hide Valuables in “Obvious” Places
Common hiding spots are often the first places searched.
- Avoid relying on sock drawers, under mattresses, and easy-to-grab lockboxes.
- Consider less predictable locations (while still keeping items safe and remembered).
- Safety Tip #6: Reinforce Your Door Against Forced Entry
Forced entry often targets the door structure, not just the lock.
- Strengthen the door and frame where possible.
- Consider heavier-duty materials or upgrades that make kicking the door in much harder.
Bottom Line
Small details—like a rubber band on a doorknob—can be a warning sign that something isn’t right. The most important habits are staying alert, improving basic home deterrents, and strengthening your entry points so your home is a much harder target.
Question for Readers
What would you do if you found something unusual—like a rubber band—on your doorknob?
