NCJ Number
150514
Journal
Locksmith Ledger Dated: (February 1994) Pages: 92-94
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A study of burglary in three Philadelphia suburbs shows where and when businesses were burgled and the characteristics of burgled businesses.
Abstract
The study concludes that burglars make rational choices about where and when to commit a break-in. The burglar chooses targets that provide high-value goods with low chances of being noticed or apprehended. Burglars choose targets within areas or traffic corridors that are relatively wealthy and with which he is familiar. Within the neighborhood, he chooses a safe street and a target that offers concealment and a high-value take. Businesses located within three blocks of a major thoroughfare are three times less likely to be burgled than similar businesses in more remote locations. Less protected and secluded properties such as office parks are most likely targets, followed by retail establishments and single office buildings. Most commercial burglaries occur at night when the establishment and immediate surroundings are vacant. Alarm and security system installers should use this data to decide where to focus sales efforts and to target potential commercial clients. 4 figures