NCJ Number
85246
Date Published
1982
Length
60 pages
Annotation
This manual suggests procedures, locks, lighting, and alarm systems to improve residential security, and other burglary prevention measures and advice are offered.
Abstract
The opening chapter advises that most burglars are young amateurs who tend to burglarize houses that are easy to enter, such that efforts that will increase the difficulty of entering a house undetected become effective deterrents to crime. Advice is provided on the material to use for outside doors as well as the locks that are effective and ineffective in preventing forced entry. Guidelines for securing various types of windows are presented, including suggestions for window locks. Patterns of exterior and interior lighting likely to deter a burglar are described, followed by a discussion of the various types of alarm systems available under the categories of interior and perimeter systems as well as portable alarms. When cost is a consideration, a perimeter alarm is recommended to deter entry into the house. The chapter on community protection through community involvement considers how neighbors can work together and how to form a watch group. Other advice deals with how to handle a burglary in progress both while observing it from inside and outside the house. Protective procedures that will avoid confrontation with the burglar are suggested. Other topics include the use of protective dogs, insurance, making children security conscious, how to prevent house keys from being duplicated by burglars, and protecting your house while you are on vacation. Operation Identification is also briefly described. A home security checklist is provided.