NCJ Number
76805
Date Published
1980
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This evaluation of the Portland Home Security Program (Oregon), which provides free locks and security hardware installation to low-income homeowners, found that the program was successful in delivering services to its target population (the elderly) and that the program has had a positive effect on burglary rates.
Abstract
The Home Security Program is a site-hardening project serving primarily elderly Portland residents, providing them with the means to secure their homes when they might otherwise be financially unable to do so. Program objectives are delivery of services to low-income elderly homeowners, provision of services at a reasonable cost, reduction of the fear of crime among program participants, improved police-community relations, and reduction of the burglary rate. Four measures were used to determine the extent to which the program is meeting each of its objectives: service delivery by population characteristics, program costs, participant attitudes, and reported burglary statistics. Of those reached by the program, 82 percent were low-income elderly residents, 21 percent were minorities, and 12 percent were handicapped. Costs were less than if obtained privately, but most of those served would not be able to afford purchasing these services. Analysis of the burglary rates indicates a 70 percent reduction in the burglary rate between pre and post site-hardening 12-month periods. Of 100 randomly selected households participating in the program in 1980, no forcible entry burglaries were found. Satisfaction with the program is high; most people felt more secure in their homes after locks were installed, and 94 percent were satisfied with the quality of the work. Tables and 10 footnotes are included. The Home Security Program questionnaire and results are appended.