If your home or apartment appears to have been broken into, do not go inside. Call the police.
If you hear a burglar during the night, stay in bed and pretend to be asleep. Most often, a burglar will want to take valuables and leave unnoticed. If you encounter a prowler, do not fight with him or her unless you are physically threatened. If attacked, use everything at your disposal, including objects, to inflict blows to the windpipe, groin, feet, eyes, etc. Scream throughout. Do whatever is necessary to escape and get help.