In the wake of the recent kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, from her home near Tucson, Arizona, many folks are understandably rattled about home security. This high-profile case underscores how, even in affluent neighborhoods, vulnerabilities can lead to terrifying scenarios.As a retired LAPD Senior Lead Officer with over 25 years working in the field, I’ve investigated countless burglaries—from piecing together crime scenes to literally catching suspects in the act. These experiences have taught me that most crimes are opportunistic, and I’m here to help you fortify your home. More importantly, we’ll cover how to create a family safety plan for various emergencies—because preparation can make all the difference. I’m Justin Bergmann, a retired LAPD Senior Lead Officer with over 25 years of experience patrolling the streets, leading investigations, training officers, supervising a basic car area, and now co-founding in the tech/security space. This edition of Ask the Officer dives into one critical question inspired by current events: How can I ensure my home is secure and my family has a plan for different scenarios? Let’s break it down step by step, focusing on practical, affordable measures drawn from real-world experience.
Secure Your Home Basics
Burglars and intruders target easy opportunities, as seen in the Guthrie case where the suspect tampered with a door camera. In my career, I’ve encountered suspects who exploited simple oversights like unlocked windows, doors, or poor lighting—lessons that shaped these fundamentals to make your home less appealing:
- Lock it: Always secure doors and windows—it’s free and effective. Reinforce doors with longer screws in the strike plates (available at a hardware store) to prevent kick-ins. For sliding doors, use a wooden dowel or security bar in the track. I’ve caught suspects mid-entry because homeowners skipped this step.
- Lighting and Visibility: Install motion-sensor lights around entrances and dark areas. Trim overgrown bushes and trees near windows to eliminate hiding spots. A well-lit, visible home deters would-be intruders and gives the perception that someone is home.
- Tech Matters: Cheap home Wi-Fi systems work for basic applications, but for maximum security, look for a hardwired system with battery backup. Wi-Fi systems can be jammed, rendering them useless. A quality wired system cannot be jammed, and even if the power is cut, the battery backup will keep it running. By recording locally instead of relying solely on the cloud, you ensure your footage remains accessible. After all, most of us don’t have the FBI to help reconstruct lost video images like in the Guthrie case.
- Neighborhood Watch Works: Join or start a neighborhood watch—it’s free and builds community vigilance. Share contact information with trusted neighbors for mutual check-ins, especially for elderly family members living alone. I’ve coordinated with watches that tipped me off to suspicious activity, leading to arrests.
- Extra Layers: Use window film to make glass more shatter-resistant, and keep valuables in a well-hidden safe. Add window and door sensors that chime when opened. Consider leaving a TV or music on at a reasonable volume so would-be intruders assume someone is home. Lastly, have a home alarm system and make sure to arm it every time you leave.
Remember, the goal is deterrence: make your home look occupied and difficult to breach. In the Guthrie incident, the abduction happened at night after she was dropped off, highlighting the need for routines like checking your surroundings before entering your home.
Building a Family Safety Plan for Various Scenarios
Security isn’t just about locks—it’s about readiness. I’ve learned that a solid plan can prevent a lot of harm. Develop one tailored to your household and rehearse it quarterly like a fire drill.
- Home Invasion or Burglary Plan: Designate a “safe room” (e.g., a bedroom with a sturdy door and phone). Teach family members to retreat there, lock themselves in, and call 911. Use code words for alerts (e.g., “Red alert” means danger). For kids, practice “stranger danger” without scaring them—role-play what to do if someone knocks unexpectedly. I’ve seen plans like this buy critical time in emergencies.
- Kidnapping or Abduction Scenarios: Inspired by cases like this, discuss “what if” situations. For solo dwellers like Nancy Guthrie, set up daily check-ins via text or apps like Life360 or Find My. Have panic buttons installed in the house. Keep a trackable wearable, such as an Apple Watch or AirTag, on your person.
- General Emergency Protocols: Create a family binder with contacts (police, family, neighbors), medical information, and escape routes. For natural disasters or power outages—which can mask crimes—stock a go-bag with essentials like water, a flashlight, and a portable charger. Use free resources from FEMA or your local police department for templates.
- Special Considerations for Vulnerable Members: If you have elderly relatives or children, add layers like medical alert buttons (typically with an affordable monthly fee) or GPS trackers. In the Guthrie case, her age may have made her more vulnerable—empower loved ones with simple tools like a whistle or panic button app. Drawing from experiences involving vulnerable victims, quick alerts are game-changers.
From my LAPD days, I’ve learned that the majority of crimes can be avoided with preparation. By combining physical security with a solid plan, you reduce risk dramatically. If you’re in a high-risk area, reach out to your local police department for a free home security assessment—they often provide them.That’s it for this focused edition on home security and family planning amid troubling news like the Guthrie kidnapping. Stay vigilant, but don’t live in fear—empowerment comes from preparation.
Until next time,
Justin Bergmann