Last week Bangor’s west side was struck by a rash of home invasions, with a number occurring on Silver Road. Items were stolen and an elderly lady was sprayed with a Mace-like substance, it is alleged. This author lives a stone’s throw from these crime scenes, and everyone has been on edge. It appears that the responsible party has been apprehended, which, if true, is excellent news.

Perhaps this week we should take a look at cost-effective ways homeowners can reduce their risk of being invaded. Times have changed, sadly, and the notion of keeping homes and vehicles locked is upon us. The days of leaving the keys in the ignition until the car is sold and the door of our home eternally unlocked is fast fading into history. With a changing society and illegal drugs as a catalyst, we must be ever vigilant to prevent property loss and, worse, personal assault and injury. Here are a few simple steps to a safer home:

. Always be aware of your surroundings. Look around. Do you see cars parked on the street as if they were “casing” the neighborhood? If you see something or someone that looks out of place, say something. Communicate with your neighbors, call them and ask their help, and in return help them in their security plans. If you go on vacation and have your friends housesitting, maintaining pets or checking on the security of your home, inform the neighbors of your plans and ask them to keep an eye on your property. Introduce them to your housesitting friends so they are positive who is coming and going.

. If your lifestyle includes pets, dogs in particular, they can be helpful in deterring an invasion. Fido may be as gentle as they come, but his bark might scare away the bad guys as well as alert you there is a problem brewing in your home.

. Motion sensor lights outside that come on when there is motion in the yard are another excellent means of deterring criminals, at least during the night hours. Crime is usually much less likely to happen in the bright lights.

. Examine the locks and deadbolts and assess the strength of the doors and windows should someone try to get in. If they don’t measure up, make some changes. Windows that could be broken for access could be replaced with Lexan, Plexiglas or another plastic-based window pane that is virtually impenetrable.

Make sure you have trigged your sliding glass doors with a length of wood to brace the door shut.

. If your home is invaded, have a designated safe room in which to retreat. Yes, homeowners do confront and disable burglars, but the risk of being injured or killed is very high. Yes, you might overpower and detain the bad guy in front of you, but his accomplice that you don’t see could be very detrimental to your health. If you live in the country, far from law enforcement, beating a safe retreat may be problematic. If you are a city dweller, a call to law enforcement should trigger an officer to your property in five minute or so. These are the professionals. They have trained consistently and are properly armed. They have done this sort of thing before and they have backup. Use them by calling if you have a problem. Make sure there is always a working phone in your safe room.

. Make sure your shrubs outside are neatly trimmed so bad guys have no place to hide on your property.

. Look into a security alarm system, but remember that they can be expensive and the promises made might not match their performance. Local code enforcement or the police department might be of assistance in your decision-making process.

A few simple steps might prevent your family from becoming victims of home invaders. Proper planning and resulting safety actions just might keep you and your family safer from intrusions into your kingdom.

Next week we will explore home fire detection and alarm systems and companies that hype their systems and charge an arm and a leg to fearful homeowners who succumb to their sales pitches.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. Individual membership costs $25; business rates start at $125 (0-10 employees). For help and information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.