NCJ Number
46981
Date Published
Unknown
Length
23 pages
Annotation
INFORMATION AND ADVICE FOR PROTECTING ONE'S HOME, CHILDREN, CAR, AND SELF FROM CRIME ARE PRESENTED. TO ENCOURAGE CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME PREVENTION AND DETERRENCE.
Abstract
TO PROTECT THE HOME FROM BURGLARY, A NUMBER OF MEASURES MAY BE TAKEN TO INCREASE THE PERCEIVED RISK TO THE BURGLAR AND MAKE ENTRY INTO THE HOME MORE DIFFICULT. THESE INCLUDE KEEPING DOORS AND ENTRYWAYS WELL-LIGHTED AND UNOBSCURED, KEEPING GARAGE DOORS AND CURTAINS CLOSED, PROVIDING QUALITY LOCKS AND/OR METAL GRILLS ON POSSIBLE ENTRANCES, KEEPING MONEY AND VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHT OR LOCKED UP, HAVING VALUABLES AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS INVENTORIED AND MARKED FOR IDENTIFICATION, AND INSTALLING A GOOD ALARM SYSTEM. PRECAUTIONS WHEN IN THE HOME INCLUDE KEEPING DOORS LOCKED AND CURTAINS DRAWN AND ASCERTAINING THE IDENTITY OF CALLERS BEFORE ANSWERING THE DOOR. PEEPHOLES AND SECURITY CHAINS ARE RECOMMENDED; WHEN DEALING WITH STRANGERS, THE CREDENTIALS OF SERVICE OR TRADESPEOPLE SHOULD BE CHECKED. SECURITY PRECAUTIONS ARE MUCH THE SAME FOR APARTMENT DWELLERS. IN ADDITION, APARTMENTS SHOULD BE KEPT LOCKED AT ALL TIMES, AND THE IDENTITY OF CALLERS SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED BEFORE ALLOWING ENTRANCE INTO A LOCKED LOBBY. WHEN LEAVING FOR A VACATION, ARRANGE FOR A NEIGHBOR TO PICK UP MAIL AND NEWSPAPERS AND TURN ON OUTSIDE LIGHTS AT NIGHT. A TIMER-CONTROLLED LIGHT IN ONE OR TWO ROOMS MAY ALSO DETER BURGLARY. INFORM NEIGHBORS OF UPCOMING ABSENCES AND HAVE THEM WATCH FOR SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES. ALSO INFORM POLICE OF INTENDED ABSENCES AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR LAWN CARE/SNOW CLEARANCE. REQUIRE AND CHECK REFERENCES OF BABYSITTERS AND INFORM THEM OF ALL SAFETY RULES: NO COMPANY, NO OPENING OF DOORS, AND NO EXTENDED PHONE CONVERSATIONS. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PERTAINING TO MOTOR VEHICLES INCLUDE KEEPING THE VEHICLE LOCKED, KEEPING VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHT, AND CHECKING THE BACK SEAT FOR A POSSIBLE INTRUDER EVEN WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN LOCKED. VEHICLES SHOULD BE KEPT IN GOOD RUNNING CONDITION. IN THE EVENT OF A BREAKDOWN, IT IS BEST NOT TO REMAIN IN THE VEHICLE; AN ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO PHONE THE NEAREST GAS STATION OR TO CONTACT THE HIGHWAY PATROL. DOORS SHOULD BE KEPT LOCKED AND WINDOWS SHOULD BE KEPT CLOSED OR ALMOST CLOSED WHEN DRIVING DURING THE DAY AS WELL AS AT NIGHT. INFORMATION SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN TO STRANGERS OVER THE PHONE, AND OBSCENE CALLS SHOULD BE TERMINATED IMMEDIATELY. SHOULDER-STRAP TYPE HANDBAGS OR WALLETS KEPT IN FRONT TROUSER POCKETS WILL OFTEN DETER STREET THEFT. WALKING AT NIGHT SHOULD BE AVOIDED, AND CALM JUDGMENT SHOULD BE USED IN DEALING WITH A RAPIST OR MUGGER. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN PREVENTING AND REPORTING CRIME AND SUPPORTING POLICE EFFORTS IS URGED. (JAP)