Should I let the intruder know that I am aware of his presence?

Should I let the intruder know that I am aware of his presence?

Chris McGoey (President, McGoey Security Consulting) gives expert video advice on: Should I let the intruder know that I am aware of his presence? and more...

In this situation, it's important to let the intruder know that you're aware of his presence. Some people will advise you to keep quiet and hope the intruder will leave, but I don't believe that and I think you need to be more proactive. Often, in these situations, the intruder is a burglar who thinks the property is unoccupied. Letting the intruder know that you are there, and that you're calling the police helps to send out a very clear message. I think it's important that you don't go out in the dark to investigate; I think that's the worst step that you could take. Another bad decision would be to take a firearm with you while you investigate, there is too much unpredictability involved with regard to how many intruders there are and the kind of weapons they may, or may not, be equipped with.