NCJ Number
52600
Date Published
1974
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM SHOWS POLICE OFFICERS HOW BURGLARS EVALUATE TARGETS AND ILLUSTRATES MEASURES THAT HOME AND BUSINESS OWNERS CAN TAKE TO MAKE THEIR PROPERTY LESS VULNERABLE TO THEFT.
Abstract
MOST BURGLARS ARE UNSKILLED JUVENILES WHO WILL STEAL ONLY IF THE RISK OF BEING CAUGHT IS LOW. THIS FILM DISCUSSES THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SEVERAL TYPES OF GLASS AND REINFORCED DOORS COMMONLY FOUND IN HOME AND BUSINESS STRUCTURES. THE TOOLS THAT BURGLARS USE TO ENTER THROUGH THESE DOORS ARE DEPICTED, ALONG WITH APPLIANCES THAT COULD BE ADDED TO MAKE ENTRY THROUGH THESE DOORS MORE DIFFICULT. SUCH APPLIANCES INCLUDE SAFETY GLASS, SPECIAL BOLT PINS, DOOR HINGES WITH NAILS, AND MESH OR STEEL-BAR COVERINGS. THESE FEATURES INTRODUCE TIME AND NOISE FACTORS THAT CAN DISCOURAGE BURGLARS. THE RELATIVE SECURITY OF VARIOUS TYPES OF LOCKS IS CONSIDERED ALONG WITH THE METHODS FOR OPENING OR BREAKING THROUGH THESE LOCKS. THE PIN CYLINDER TUMBLE LOCK IS THE MOST SECURE, WHILE THE SURFACE MOUNTED SPRING BOLT LOCK IS THE MOST VULNERABLE. OTHER OPENINGS TO A STRUCTURE SUCH AS WINDOWS, ROOFTOP ENTRIES, AND AIR CONDITIONING VENTS SHOULD BE EVALUATED FOR SECURITY ALSO. UNATTENDED STRUCTURES SHOULD BE WELL LIT AND PROTECTED BY A BURGLAR ALARM, SOME OTHER KIND OF ELECTRONIC SAFETY DEVICE, OR BY A WATCHDOG. VALUABLE MERCHANDISE OR PROPERTY SHOULD BE MARKED SO THAT IT CAN BE IDENTIFIED IF IT IS STOLEN AND RECOVERED. (DAG)