Deadly Burglary in San Francisco’s Ingleside Neighborhood: What Happened and Reminders on Home Protection

PTP Team
Nov 24
4 min read

A tragic incident in San Francisco’s Ingleside neighborhood serves as a stark reminder that crime can strike quickly and without warning.

According to police, 45-year-old Cassidy Wyatt Allen was arrested in connection with a deadly burglary that occurred on the 200 block of Granada Avenue. Officers encountered Allen during a well-being check near 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard after noticing he matched the description of a homicide person-of-interest. Following the development of probable cause, he was taken into custody on suspicion of murder and burglary.

The breaking-and-entering incident took place around 3 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon.

Responding officers discovered an adult victim suffering from significant injuries; despite receiving CPR, the victim was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Events like these are heartbreaking and deeply unsettling; they also highlight the importance of proactive home-security measures.

While no system guarantees total safety, there are many steps you can take to deter criminals, prevent forced entry, and defend yourself effectively in a home-invasion scenario.

1. Strengthen Deterrence: Make Your Home a Hard Target

Your first line of defense is to make your home an unappealing target. Criminals look for easy opportunities. If your home looks dangerous, difficult, or unpredictable, the majority of would-be offenders will move on.

Practical Deterrence Measures

Exterior Lighting: Install motion-activated lighting, floodlights, or dusk-to-dawn options. Bright, consistent lighting eliminates hiding spots and draws attention to suspicious behavior.
Visible Security Cameras: Even basic cameras create a psychological barrier. Place them near doors, garages, and other obvious entry points so they are clearly noticeable.
Well-Managed Landscaping: Trim shrubs, bushes, and tree branches that conceal windows or doors. Open sightlines increase visibility and decrease opportunity for stealth.
Security System Signage: Visible “protected by…” signage acts as an immediate deterrent. Even the perception of a monitored system can be enough to discourage a break-in.
Signs of Occupancy: Leave lights on timers, keep cars in driveways when possible, and ensure your home appears lived-in, especially when traveling.
Dogs: A dog roaming the yard during the day can go a long way to deter individuals from entering your property. Just ask any FedEx or UPS driver how quick they are to exit their vehicle when a dog is out enjoying the sun.

For an introduction to home safety planning, check out our free guide in the Education section on our website.

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2. Improve Prevention: Reduce the Chances of Forced Entry

Once a criminal decides to target a home, their next focus is gaining access. Strong physical security dramatically reduces the odds of a successful break-in.

Critical Prevention Steps

Reinforced Doors and Locks: Install high-quality deadbolts, heavy-duty strike plates, and use long screws secured into the studs. Consider door reinforcement kits that strengthen the frame and hinges.
Secured Windows: Add additional locking mechanisms, security film, or shatter-resistant treatments. Sliding windows and doors benefit from security bars or dowel rods placed in the track.
Layered Security Systems: Combine alarms, cameras, smart sensors, lighting, and reinforced entry points to create multiple obstacles. Layers slow intruders and increase their chance of being caught.
Nightly Security Routine: Create a consistent routine: lock all doors, secure windows, close garage doors, turn on exterior lights, and arm your alarm system if you have one.
Avoid Predictable Patterns: If criminals scout your home, predictable habits such as leaving at the exact same time daily can be exploited. Vary routines when possible.

3. Prepare to Defend: Have a Clear, Practiced Home-Invasion Plan

If someone breaks into your home while you are inside, your preparation and clarity of action become critical. Even basic planning significantly increases safety.

Key Elements of a Home-Invasion Preparedness Plan

Designated Safe Room: Choose a room with a solid-core door, a strong lock, and the ability to barricade. Keep a charged phone, flashlight, and legally-possessed defensive tools based on your training and comfort level.
Family Emergency Procedures: Ensure every member of the household knows exactly where to go and what to do during a break-in. Practice quietly moving to the safe room and calling emergency services.
Access to Defensive Tools: Whether these are improvised tools or legally-owned self-defense tools, what matters most is training and familiarity. Your mindset and preparation are key.
Use of Barriers: If someone breaches your home, use distance, cover, and locked or barricaded positions to your advantage.
Decisive Action: If all preventative measures fail and you are forced to defend yourself or your family, do so decisively, within legal parameters, and without hesitation. This requires training, mental clarity on what you will do if the incident ever arises, and planning far before you are surprised with an unforeseen incident.

4. Situational Awareness: Recognize Threats Before They Become Emergencies

Awareness is one of the most powerful elements of personal protection. Criminals depend on surprise and inattentiveness.

Situational Awareness Tips

Watch for unfamiliar individuals lingering around your home, vehicles circling repeatedly, or anyone tampering with doors, mailboxes, or windows. Trust your instincts; gut feelings often pick up on subtle details. Regularly inspect your property for signs of attempted entry or tampering. Be mindful of what you post online; announcing travel plans or showing valuables can unintentionally attract criminals.

5. Community Security: A Connected Neighborhood is a Safer Neighborhood

Safety is a shared responsibility. When communities work together, criminals lose their greatest advantage: anonymity.

Community-Based Prevention Steps

Communicate with neighbors about suspicious activity. Join or organize a neighborhood watch group. Share camera footage when incidents occur. Encourage collective vigilance, especially during travel seasons or holidays.

Final Thoughts

The tragic event in the Ingleside neighborhood is a reminder that none of us are immune to violence or unexpected danger. While we cannot eliminate risk, we can meaningfully reduce it through preparation, awareness, and strong home-security habits.

A reliable safety strategy rests on three pillars:

Deter unwanted attention.
Prevent unauthorized access through strong physical security.
Defend decisively through preparation, planning, and practice.
Preparedness is not about fear; it’s about responsibility, empowerment, and protecting the people you care about.

With the right mindset and proactive measures, you can dramatically enhance your home’s safety and your family’s peace of mind.