NCJ Number
91727
Date Published
1983
Length
231 pages
Annotation
The suggestions presented in this guide to personal crime prevention follow three principles: avoid hostile situations, be able to apply defensive tactics as a last resort if attacked, and continually assess vulnerabilities to crime in one's lifestyle.
Abstract
The book initially studies threats and vulnerabilities unique to the home environment and delineates protective procedures. Specific areas covered include residential security, locks, alarm systems, safes, a security room, obscene phone calls, identifying valuables, what to do when surprised by an intruder, hiring household staff, and rural crime. The author also describes how to establish a Neighborhood Watch program and select a guard dog or average house dog. Separate chapters focus on work, school, and recreational environments, covering occupations continually targeted by criminals, security measures to prevent robbery in stores, student safety from preschool through college, threats to teachers, and vacation security. The discussion of consumer fraud outlines common methods of fraud and consumers' legal rights. The guide reviews ways to prevent motor vehicle, boat, aircraft, and construction equipment theft. The section on personal violence offers tips on rape prevention and dealing with child molestation, kidnapping, and runaways. It addresses the most frequently committed personal crimes -mugging, purse snatching, and pocket picking -- with attention to the decision whether to submit or resist. Other chapters are devoted to victim compensation, domestic violence, and the law on self-defense. While the guide does not recommend the use of weapons, it does provide guidelines on what is legal, safe, and effective. The final chapter explains defensive techniques, along with training exercises and photographs. Also supplied are drawings, a glossary, nine references, and an index.