NCJ Number
60754
Journal
CRIME PREVENTION REVIEW Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: (JULY 1979) Pages: 31-38
Date Published
1979
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A BURGLARY PREVENTION PROGRAM IN THREE CALIFORNIA CITIES (SAN CLEMENTE, IRVINE, AND LAGUNA BEACH) IS EXAMINED AS A COST-EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO TRADITIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES.
Abstract
REALITIES OF CRIME NATIONALLY AND LOCALLY ARE THAT BURGLARIES CONTINUE TO INCREASE ANNUALLY AS THE POPULATION CONTINUES TO GROW, LAW ENFORCEMENT CAN CLEAR APPROXIMATELY 20 PERCENT OF ALL PROPERTY CRIMES, POLICE RESOURCES PER CAPITA ARE BEING REDUCED BY DIMINISHING REVENUE SOURCES, AND ONLY A FRACTION OF BURGLARY OFFENDERS ARE EVER ADJUDICATED TO THE POINT OF INCARCERATION. THE CONCEPT OF ENCOURAGING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THE DELIVERY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES HAS BEEN TAILORED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF MANY CALIFORNIA CITIES. SINCE THE THREE CALIFORNIA CITIES SHARE SIMILAR PROBLEMS, THEY APPLIED FOR AN LEAA GRANT TO IMPLEMENT THE TRI-CITIES BURGLARY PREVENTION PROGRAM. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM ARE TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF BURGLARY IN AREAS SPECIFICALLY IMPACTED BY THE PROGRAM AND TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF BURGLARY CONSCIOUSNESS OF PERSONS LIVING IN TARGET AREAS. SECURITY INSPECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED TO DETECT WEAKNESSES IN HOMES AND BUSINESSES AND TO DEMONSTRATE BETTER WAYS OF PROTECTING PERIMETER SECURITY, I.E., PROPER PLACEMENT OF LOCKS AND ALARMS ON DOORS, WINDOWS, AND INTERIOR-EXTERIOR AREAS. PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION IS RECOMMENDED. IN ADDITON TO PHYSICALLY SECURING PREMISES WITH BETTER SECURITY HARDWARE, THE PSYCHOLOGY OF INCREASING THE LEVEL OF BURGLARY CONSCIOUSNESS IS ACCOMPLISHED BY MEDIA EXPOSURE, NEWS RELEASES, SEMINARS, PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS, AND DISTRIBUTION OF CRIME PREVENTION BROCHURES AND PAMPHLETS. ACCOMPLSHMENTS OF THE PROGRAM CONCERN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECURITY INSPECTIONS, SPOT CHECKS FOR COMPLIANCE, NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH OR HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION SECURITY SEMINARS, PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL DISPLAYS, CONTACTS WITH BURGLARY VICTIMS, MEDIA STIMULATION TO GAIN EXPOSURE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF CITY ORDINANCES FOR BUILDING SECURITY, ARSON INVESTIGATION, SEMINARS FOR YOUTH CLUBS, SENIOR CITIZEN SECURITY DEVICE INSTALLATION, CHILD ABUSE TRAINING, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS, LIAISON WITH LOCAL REALTORS, AND ADVERTISING THROUGH INSURANCE BROKERS. (DEP)