NCJ Number
91254
Date Published
1983
Length
177 pages
Annotation
A burglar who committed more than 2,000 burglaries worth more than $133 million uses his own experience and a survey of 300 imprisoned burglars to explain how both amateur and professional burglars work and the physical and psychological techniques that are most effective in preventing residential burglary.
Abstract
A discussion of the different types of burglars includes information on the personal backgrounds of burglars, the use of weapons and drugs, and the use of accomplices. Physical deterrents like doors, locks, window security systems, and alarm systems are described in terms of their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Psychological deterrents like large dog dishes and small signs referring to dangerous pets are discussed and illustrated. Advice is also given about where to hide valuables, ways that the police and the telephone company could help prevent burglaries, and what to do in the event of a residential robbery. Also outlined are the three steps that a burglar goes through in planning and carrying out a residential burglary and the three sets of countermeasures the citizen should use. Illustrations.