NCJ Number
58436
Date Published
1978
Length
32 pages
Annotation
FOCUSING ON CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES, THIS PUBLIC AFFAIRS PAMPHLET OFFERS PRACTICAL GUIDANCE ON HOW INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES CAN REDUCE THEIR RISKS OF BECOMING CRIME VICTIMS.
Abstract
THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AVAILABLE TO INDIVIDUALS FOR PREVENTING CRIME ARE SUGGESTED; ASK THE LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT TO MAKE A FREE SECURITY CHECK OF A RESIDENCE OR BUSINESS; USE A DEAD-BOLT TYPE OF LOCK, PREFERABLY WITH A CYLINDER GUARD; PARTICIPATE IN OPERATION INDENTIFICATION BY ENGRAVING ALL VALUABLES WITH DRIVER'S LICENSE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER TO HELP IN RECOVERING STOLEN GOODS; (FOR WOMEN) CARRY POCKETBOOKS OVER THE SHOULDER, WITH THE BULK OF THE BAG UNDER THE ARMPIT; (FOR MEN) PLACE A COMB IN THE FOLD OF WALLET WITH COMB TEETH UP TO DISSUADE PICKPOCKETS; GIVE UP PROPERTY IN A ROBBERY RATHER THAN RISK A VIOLENT CONFRONTATION; USE GUIDELINES IN THIS PAMPHLET TO LEARN HOW TO IDENTIFY SUSPECTS TO ENSURE ACCURATE DESCRIPTIONS TO THE POLICE; ALWAYS LOCK CAR DOORS AND NEVER LEAVE PACKAGES IN SIGHT; OBTAIN THEFT INSURANCE, EITHER THROUGH A COMMERCIAL INSURER OR FROM A FEDERAL CRIME INSURANCE PROGRAM; AND BE WARY OF CON GAMES WHICH OFFER 'FREE' SERVICES OR CHANCES TO MAKE EASY MONEY. COMMUNITY GROUPS CAN TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT CRIME BY PROVIDING A NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER FOR TEENAGERS, KEEPING STREETS WELL LIT, ORGANIZING A VOLUNTEER CRIME WATCH PROGRAM WITH LOCAL POLICE, MONITORING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM THROUGH COURT WATCHING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES, AND CONDUCTING NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME PREVENTION SEMINARS. NUMEROUS RESOURCES FOR OBTAINING MORE INFORMATION ON SETTING UP A LOCAL CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAM ARE PROVIDED. THE QUESTION OF GUN CONTROL AND VIOLENCE IN THE MEDIA ARE BRIEFLY DISCUSSED. SOME ILLUSTRATIONS ARE USED IN THE PAMPHLET. (WJR)