A man pretending to be an exterminator recently attacked an elderly woman inside her home. The the 73-year-old San Jose, California, resident had to be taken to the hospital for her injuries and police are on the lookout for the assailant, according to the Associated Press.
The suspect approached the residence around 9 p.m. under the pretense of taking soil samples from her home. However, the news source reports that the man forced his way into her house instead and seriously assaulted her, took several piece[s] of jewelry and then fled.
Experts say there are a number of steps one can take to boost their home safety. Perhaps most importantly, individuals should be sure to check through the peep hole before opening the door, as well as install heavy duty locks.
For those homeowners looking for an extra level of home security, purchasing pepper spray is a good idea. When used correctly, the device will temporarily disable an intruder by causing temporary blindness and difficulty breathing, allowing a victim to get to safety and alert authorities.