NCJ Number
145447
Journal
Security Distributing and Marketing Dated: (October 1992) Pages: 68-70
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The authors discuss factors that may increase the risk of burglary on commercial premises.
Abstract
A survey was conducted in three Philadelphia suburbs from 1989 to 1991. For commercial establishments, unlike for residences, the risk of burglarization increased with distance from major roads. New businesses and ones that deal with cash or high-value items were found to be particularly vulnerable. Establishments without an alarm system were much more commonly burglarized at night than during daytime hours, while the reverse was true for alarmed establishments. Obviously, this reflects the fact that alarm systems are only armed at night. Among alarmed businesses, those that displayed alarm signs had a lower share of burglaries than those that did not. Modern, high-tech equipment presented an attraction to burglars. Security systems dealers should focus on new businesses, and address the deficiency of daytime protection by emphasizing identification of burglars through equipment such as closed- circuit television. Photograph and 3 tables.