NCJ Number
82099
Date Published
1981
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This report evaluates the effectiveness of low-cost, audible burglar alarm systems designed for residential use in Portland, Oreg.
Abstract
Alarm systems were installed and operable for a 12-month period in nine residential homes. All homeowners participating in the project completed a followup survey to determine the positive and negative features of the system, as well as their burglary victimization history, false alarm history, and crime prevention activities. Each dry contract burglar alarm system installed consisted of one keyless alarm control to activate/deactivate the system, three electro-mechanical contacts, one outdoor sounder, and one outdoor strobe light. The costs for the alarm systems installed (including equipment, installation, and permit costs) amounted to $3,762. During the 16 months following installation, one burglary occurred. The alarm system here had worked properly and a suspect was arrested. During this same time period, only six known false alarms were reported to the police. Participating households also increased their role in other formal and informal crime prevention programs, with emphasis on an informal neighbor watch program. A list of crime prevention programs described in the report, the questionnaires used, and a project map are appended. Three references are included.