NCJ Number
95528
Date Published
1985
Length
179 pages
Annotation
The practical and inexpensive personal crime prevention measures described in this book are based on an analysis of the factors in lifestyle, living and working environments, and daily habits that make an individual vulnerable to victimization.
Abstract
A survey of basic residential security principles focuses on deciding where to live, landscaping, access, locks, lighting, and other ways to deter and delay a would-be burglar. The author cites the effectiveness of neighborhood watch programs and suggests ways to organize such groups. Also discussed are alarm systems and fire safety. Suggestions on workplace security focus on countering robberies, office building thefts, and bomb threats. Measures that reduce vulnerability to crime while driving are detailed, as are methods to prevent auto theft. The book considers securing the home while the owner is on vacation, personal security while traveling, dealing with wrong-number and obscene telephone calls, and extortion. In considering the pros and cons of owning a gun, it is advised that alertness and common sense are better means than a gun to avoid victimization. Data on typical victims of crime are analyzed, and persons are advised to follow their hunches when they feel uneasy about a situation. The final chapters cover responding to victimization, personal safety for children, common frauds, sources of crime prevention information, stolen checks and credit cards, and recreational safety. Security checklists, a glossary, and an index are supplied.