There are few things more important in life than the safety and security of ourselves and our loved ones. Most of us do everything we can to avoid danger, especially in our own homes.

For as long as humans have been civilized, our homes, be they small or large, ancient or brand new, have provided us with an added sense of security.

Which is why it’s so terrifying when we fall victim to burglaries and similar threats. The very idea of a stranger gaining access to our home, touching or taking what they please, gives me the creeps.

I’m sure I’m not alone in that feeling, so I thought it was a good idea to share an important warning about a tactic employed by some criminals to gain access to homes by preying on unsuspecting homeowners. Want to know more? Read on…

Most people take their home security seriously. Some have dogs to act as both a warning and a defense system. Others have security cameras outside their homes hoping to ward off would-be criminals or film them if they’re undeterred.

Throughout history, however, criminals have always tried to stay one step ahead of the preventative methods in place to stop them. This particular tactic is an example of that.

A Texas woman named Kim Fleming Cernigliaro experienced this first-hand a few years ago when she found herself at the center of an alleged break-in attempt at her home.

Following her frightening ordeal in 2016, Kim took to Facebook to explain what had happened and to give a rather sinister warning that people would be wise to remember.

“Two weeks ago,” her post began, “during the day, a hard knock was at my front door, not a regular knock but almost pounding. I honestly thought something may have happened to someone and they needed help, but something didn’t feel right…and I DO NOT answer the door when I am here by myself. So don’t bother!

“After several knocks, they finally left. I glanced and could see it was a man through the stained glass of my door. After about 30 minutes, I walked outside to look for what I thought would be a brochure, but instead found a rubber band around my knob to hold the door open when I unlocked the latch. I called Ron and he told me to get the gun out and leave it out.”

Shockingly, as per reports, Kim had come very close to being the victim of a technique used by criminals to gain entry to people’s homes.

Kim’s post went on to reveal that she had contacted the local sheriff, who had informed her that it was quickly becoming a trend in the area.

She continued: “As soon as you unlatch the door, they do not wait for you to turn the knob—they can bust in on you. Anyway, just be careful. I used to be such a trusting person, but not at all anymore.”

See more about the rubber band trick in the video below: