NCJ Number
118284
Date Published
1982
Length
52 pages
Annotation
Information from the Kent area of England formed the basis of an analysis of the need for additional residential security measures, with emphasis on the physical security measures, the burglary potential of homes from the burglar's point of view, the degree to which houses were left empty, and site and location characteristics of houses.
Abstract
Data came from an interview survey of householders in 491 randomly selected homes and in 434 homes that had been burgled during 1979 and from site surveys of these homes. Findings showed that only 7 percent of those in the first sample had installed security hardware to the level recommended by crime prevention officers. Two thirds had partial security measures, and 28 percent had poor security. In addition, more than 60 percent of householders said that they did not intend to install any extra security hardware and only 40 percent thought a crime prevention survey appropriate for them. Results also showed that the houses that had been burgled differed from the other houses in several respects. Burglary was more likely to take place in detached houses and usually took place in unoccupied houses. Findings also showed that although levels of security in households are generally low, the burgled houses are distinguished mainly by surveillance and access opportunities, occupancy levels, and potential reward rather than by security measures. Tables, appended methodological information, appended methodological information and additional results, and 42 references.