NCJ Number
51930
Date Published
1978
Length
186 pages
Annotation
PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASURES FOR DETERRING NONPROFESSIONAL BURGLARS ARE OUTLINED. THE GUIDELINES ENABLE PROPERTY OWNERS TO ASSESS THEIR SECURITY NEEDS AND EVALUATE IMPROVEMENTS.
Abstract
PHYSICAL SECURITY MEASURES, I.E. QUALITY LOCKS AND CHAINS, CAN EXCLUDE THE NONPROFESSIONAL HOME BURGLAR, MAKE BURGLARY LESS APPEALING, INCREASE THE BURGLAR'S EXPOSURE TIME, AND INTRODUCE FACTORS THAT CAUSE BURGLARS, BOTH PROFESSIONAL AND NONPROFESSIONAL, TO BECOME VISUALLY OR AUDIBLY CONSPICUOUS. MECHANICAL DEVICES FOR ENTRY-WAY SECURITY INCLUDE SAFETY CHAINS, LOCKS WITH PROPER INSTALLATION, WIRE GLASS, AND DOUBLE-CYLINDER LOCKS. VARIOUS TYPES OF GLASS AND NONGLASS DOORS ARE CONSIDERED AS WELL AS PRIMARY ENTRANCE WAYS, SECONDARY ENTRANCES, AND INTERIOR DOORS. THE TEXT DISCUSSES WINDOWS, THEIR LOCATION, LOCKS AND LOCKING METHODS, GLASS AND OTHER WINDOW COVERS, AND WINDOW-FRAME SECURITY. OTHER OPENINGS TO THE HOME ARE EXAMINED SUCH AS VENTILATORS AND FANS, ROOF HATCHES, AND FOUNDATION VENTS. COMMON DEFICIENCIES IN THE STRUCTURE OF HOMES ARE POINTED OUT AND SOLUTIONS ARE PRESENTED. MECHANICAL AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES INSIDE THE HOME ARE EVALUATED FOR SECURITY RISK AND PRACTICALITY INCLUDING SAFES, CHESTS, VAULTS, FILE CABINETS, AND ALARM SYSTEMS. THE TEXT ALSO OUTLINES PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN FOR UNATTENDED HOMES DURING SHORT AND EXTENDED ABSENCES. AUTOMATIC LIGHT SWITCHES AND RUNNING APPLIANCES CAN CONFUSE BURGLARS, AND NEIGHBORS CAN BE ENLISTED TO WATCH A PLACE DURING EXTENDED ABSENCES. DEFICIENCIES THAT PROVIDE COVER FOR BURGLARS ARE CONSIDERED, SUCH AS SHRUBBERY CLOSE TO THE HOUSE AND UNFAVORABLE ROOF POSITION, AND CORRECTIONAL MEASURES ARE OUTLINED. AN INDEX IS PROVIDED. (DAG)