NCJ Number
82371
Date Published
Unknown
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This discussion leader's guide is intended to help in presenting a public education program on steps to prevent residential burglary and is intended for use with a parallel information booklet used in Florida's Help Stop Crime program.
Abstract
A statement of the extent and threat of residential burglary is outlined, followed by a listing of 14 general steps that persons should take to reduce the likelihood of having their homes burglarized. Specific security hardware information covers the securing of doors and windows, as well as desirable characteristics of locks, hasps, and alarms. The components of the Operation Identification program are described. This program involves residents' engraving their valuables with their driver's license number so that burglars will be deterred by the difficulty of disposing of the items (a sticker on exterior doors advertises participation in the program) and ownership can be established should the articles be stolen and recovered by the police. Elements of the Crime Watchers program are also discussed. This involves the development of networks of neighbors trained by crime prevention officers in home- and self-protection, suspect identification, and how to serve effectively as additional eyes and ears to aid the police in countering burglary in their neighborhoods. Specific steps are listed for preventing the burglary of apartments, mobile homes, and hotel and motel rooms. Attachments include a home security checklist, alarm purchasing guide lines, and tips on burglary alarm systems.