NCJ Number
86872
Date Published
1976
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Burglars, their victims, police officers, and community representatives emphasize that citizens contribute to crimes of opportunity, such as burglary, by neglecting to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
Abstract
Professional thieves suggest that property owners are not equipped to intervene when a burglar has entered the home; the best procedure is to obtain a description of the burglar and report the crime to the police. Law enforcement officers need cooperation from victims in order to properly investigate cases. One officer notes that over half of the crimes committed are unreported. Participants also suggest that people spend more money on burglar alarms and other residential security devices and become knowledgeable about the best security equipment for the home. Neighborhood residents should coordinate their crime prevention activities, each resident watching out for the other.