NCJ Number
118198
Date Published
1989
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Professors Andrew Buck and Simon Kakim from the Department of Economics at Temple University in Philadelphia have studied the effectiveness of burglar alarms in deterring burglars.
Abstract
This study provides Crime Prevention officers information to be shared with residences and businesses which inquire about alarm installation. Three localities in Philadelphia's metropolitan area were studied to compile data concerning the effectiveness of burglar alarms in deterring intruders, susceptibility of property to potential burglary, effectiveness of statutory user charges in reducing false alarms, the benefit of alarms to the entire community, and the reduction in the use of alarm systems due to user charges. Additionally, this study raises policy questions regarding the effect alarms have on patrol deployment, the State's role in licensing alarm installers, the best level of police user charges, the potential elimination of direct system dialing to police departments, and the police department's public view on the installation of alarm systems. 1 table. (Author abstract modified)