NCJ Number
167463
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (October 1996) Pages: 197-203
Date Published
1996
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study by the Dutch Ministry of Justice focused on motives, background, and working methods (modus operandi) of commercial burglars; recommendations for burglary prevention measures are also included.
Abstract
The study is based on official reports of notification, questionnaires completed by victimized businesses, interviews with commercial burglars, and police registrations of the interviewed burglars. The findings on the offender's perspective pertain to preparing for commercial burglary, the actual performance of commercial burglary, offender attitudes on security measures, and a crime profile of the interviewed offenders. The research shows that in many cases burglars collect information on a firm and the goods stored; consequently, information on the storage and transport of valuable goods, machinery, and other produces should be as restricted as possible. From the offender interviews, it is apparent that burglars take advantage of irregularities in security. This means that security measures should be checked periodically to ensure that they are functioning as intended. Prevention suggestions are also offered on alarm systems (loud and silent), burglar-proof windows and doors, security guards and watchdogs, security policy and procedures in businesses, patrol, isolated locations, business parks, fences, known offenders, and cooperation agreements between appropriate municipal authorities and businesses. 2 tables and 17 references