Have you ever heard a knock at your door and decided to ignore it? You’re not alone. Many people instinctively avoid answering when they’re not expecting visitors, thinking it’s the safest option. However, a warning from Canadian police officer Arsenault, famous on TikTok for sharing safety tips, has revealed why this seemingly harmless habit could put you at risk. Let’s dive into the potential dangers of ignoring a knock and explore practical ways to stay safe.

The Hidden Risks of Ignoring a Knock

At first glance, staying quiet when someone knocks might feel like the safest course of action. But according to Officer Arsenault, this approach can unintentionally send the wrong message to potential intruders. Criminals often knock or ring doorbells to determine if anyone is home. If there’s no response, they may assume the house is empty and proceed with a break-in.

In a viral TikTok video, Officer Arsenault explained the danger: “Two minutes later, they kick in your doors—it’s daytime break and enter.” Many home invasions occur during the day when burglars assume residents are at work or school. Ignoring a knock can inadvertently make your home a target.

Why Home Invasions Often Happen in Broad Daylight

Most of us associate burglaries with nighttime, but statistics reveal that many break-ins occur during daylight hours. Why? Criminals see daylight as a safer opportunity. People are typically away, and intruders can blend in with routine neighborhood activity, appearing as delivery personnel, utility workers, or repair staff.

A knock or ring is often a test. If no one answers, it’s an open invitation for burglars to act. On the other hand, even the smallest sign of life—like a voice or movement—can deter them, as they prefer to avoid confrontation.

Simple Steps to Enhance Your Safety

If someone unexpectedly knocks at your door, what should you do? Here are Officer Arsenault’s top recommendations, along with advice from other safety experts:

1. Make Your Presence Known
Staying silent may seem safe, but it’s better to let the visitor know someone is home. You don’t need to open the door—simply call out, “Who is it?” or make noise to signal activity inside. Even subtle indications that the house isn’t empty can discourage intruders.

2. Use Smart Door Security Features
A peephole, security camera, or smart doorbell is invaluable for monitoring who’s at your door without opening it. Smart doorbells, like Ring or Google Nest, allow you to see, hear, and even speak to visitors from the safety of your smartphone. These tools provide a secure way to verify visitors.

3. Lock All Other Entry Points
Before approaching the door, ensure all other doors and windows are securely locked. Criminals may knock at the front door while scouting for unlocked entry points elsewhere.

4. Pretend You’re Not Alone
If you’re home alone and feel uneasy, create the illusion that others are present. Speak loudly as if addressing someone else in the house or pretend to be on a phone call. This simple trick can make your home appear less vulnerable.

5. Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, don’t hesitate to call the police or a trusted neighbor. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Building Community Vigilance

A connected and vigilant neighborhood can be one of the strongest deterrents to crime. By building relationships with your neighbors, you create a support network that looks out for unusual activity. Neighbors can alert one another to suspicious behavior, unfamiliar vehicles, or individuals loitering around homes.

Many communities have adopted neighborhood watch programs or use apps like Nextdoor to share safety updates and tips. When residents collaborate, they make their neighborhood less appealing to potential criminals.

Social Media’s Reaction to Officer Arsenault’s Warning

Officer Arsenault’s safety tip about acknowledging unexpected knocks has resonated with many people online. TikTok users have shared their gratitude, personal experiences, and clever ways to make their homes appear occupied.

One user commented, “I leave my husband’s boots outside the door—even when he’s not home.” Another admitted, “I used to ignore knocks, but now I’ll always make noise to show someone’s here.” This dialogue highlights the importance of awareness and proactive safety measures.

Debunking Common Myths About Ignoring Knocks

Some people believe that staying silent when someone knocks is the safest strategy, especially for women living alone. However, experts agree that this approach can increase risks. Completely ignoring a knock might give burglars the confidence to proceed, thinking the house is empty.

Another misconception is that daytime is inherently safer than nighttime. The truth is that burglars often prefer daylight for its convenience and lower likelihood of encountering residents.

Practical Safety Tips for Everyday Security

Beyond responding to unexpected knocks, there are additional steps you can take to make your home more secure:

• Install Motion-Activated Lights: These lights can startle intruders and make your property less inviting at night.
• Invest in a Home Security System: Even a basic alarm system can deter criminals and provide peace of mind.
• Avoid Over-Sharing Online: Refrain from posting about your absence on social media, as it can tip off potential intruders.
• Establish a Daily Routine: Regularly check that all doors, windows, and other access points are locked before leaving or going to bed.

Conclusion

Ignoring an unexpected knock at your door may feel like the safest choice, but it can unintentionally invite risks. Acknowledging the knock—without opening the door—can signal to potential intruders that the home isn’t empty, often deterring them from acting.

By following Officer Arsenault’s advice and adopting proactive safety habits, you can better protect your home and loved ones. Remember, safety begins with awareness and small, deliberate actions. The next time you hear a knock, take a moment to respond wisely—you’ll thank yourself later.