Crime Prevention Methodologies 6
Crime Prevention Methodologies 6
FOR
ON
ENQUIRIES ?
DR AKINWUMI GIDEON
4. Intending criminal.(perpetrator)
In the United States a vehicle is stolen an average of every 21 minutes. Not only
does auto theft costs the victim time and money, but it cost society, because it drives
insurance premiums up and many times stolen vehicles are used to commit other
crimes.
Car thefts seem to occur with greater frequency where large groups of cars are
parked for extended periods of time in places such as shopping centers, colleges,
sporting events, movie complexes, and large apartment complexes, according to the
Los Angeles Police Department. Car thefts can occur anytime -- at random on
different days of the week and times of the day, depending on the locations.
These are some tips you can use to avoid being the victim of a car thief:
1. Never leave your car running unattended, even to dash into a business, store,
etc.;
2. Never leave any keys in the car or ignition, inside a locked garage, or in hide-
a-key boxes;
3. Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked in front of
your home;
4. Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in
the trunk out of sight;
6. Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column, or brakes.
These devices will deter some criminals;
9. If you must leave your key with a valet, attendant, or mechanic leave only the
ignition key. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable firm.
10. Never allow your car attendants or mechanic untrusted with your key, to
prevent key duplication.
11. If he must go and replace a part using your car, make sure you follow him.
12. In high theft areas the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should be etched
on windows, doors, fenders and trunk lid. This makes it difficult for a thief to market
your stolen car parts.
13. Copy your license plate and vehicle information (VIN) numbers on a card and
keep them with you. If your vehicle is stolen, the police will need this information
to take a report; and,
14. Many vehicles today come with some type of security system from the
factory. Normally there are upgraded systems available if you ask. The best choices
are systems that shut off the fuel supply so that a car can't be started or driven.
15. If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police or law enforcement agents
immediately.
Home burglary also known as home invasion is the residential version of automobile
carjacking. Most home invasions occur at nights and on weekends when homes are
more likely to be occupied. The people committing this type of crime rarely work
alone and rely on an overwhelming physical confrontation to gain control and instill
fear in their victims.
The same tactics used to prevent burglaries will go a long way toward preventing
incidents of forced entry home invasion. If home invaders can be delayed at the point
of entry, then there's a chance of deterring them and being able to call police.
Here are some prevention tips to consider:
7. Use highly visible alarm decals and beware of dog decals or neighborhood
watch decals.
9. Make sure someone cannot reach through an open window to unlock a door
or remove a blocking device.
10. Use anti-lift devices to prevent the window from being lifted out.
11. Secure windows at night and, if need be, leave only a slight opening for
ventilation purposes.
14. Use motion sensor lights near or around key entry points.
15. Use good lighting along pathways to and from main entry points.
16. Make sure any exterior lighting allows for 10-foot visibility.
17. Make sure your alarm system has an audible horn or bell to be effective.
18. Instruct your neighbors how to respond to your alarm should it become
activated.
19. Be sure to activate your alarm system before leaving home or before retiring
for the evening.
20. Identify your valuables by engraving objects with a set of numbers that only
you would know, make a list of the items and their numbers and keep the list in a
safe deposit box or somewhere in your home.
22. Photocopy the contents of your wallet and other important documents.
23. Do not keep the PIN for your credit cards or debit cards in the same place.
The best defense against home invasion type crimes is education and planning. Have
a security plan devised so that there are escape routes out of your residence or a safe
location within your home. This location should have a telephone so that you are
able to alert the police. If an escape route is part of your plan, make sure that
everyone in the household knows where to run and what to say.
If your home is invaded, be sure to keep a cool head. Do not scream, yell out, cry or
attempt any violent confrontation. Do not attempt to run or escape unless you can do
so without getting hurt or caught. Do exactly as you are told — nothing more or
nothing less. Do not volunteer information unless asked to do so. Without being
obvious, take some time to remember the best possible description of the suspects.
Remember, safety for yourself and family is paramount in this situation.
Business Burglary Prevention Tips
A few extra precautions can keep your business from being victimized by burglary.
1. Make sure all outside entrances and inside security doors have deadbolt locks.
If you use padlocks, they should be made of steel and kept locked at all times.
Remember to remove serial numbers from your locks, to prevent unauthorized keys
from being made.
2. All outside or security doors should be metal-lined and secured with metal
security crossbars. Pin all exposed hinges to prevent removal.
4. Remove all expensive items from window displays at night and make sure
you can see easily into your business after closing.
5. Light the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors,
windows, skylights, or other entry points. Consider installing covers over exterior
lights and power sources to deter tampering.
6. Check the parking lot for good lighting and unobstructed views.
7. Be sure your safe is fireproof and securely anchored. It should be kept in plain
view. Leave it open when it is empty, use it to lock up valuables when you close.
Remember to change the combination when an employee who has had access to it
leaves your business.
8. Before you invest in an alarm system, check with several companies and
decide what level of security fits your needs. Contact your local law enforcement
agency to recommend established companies. Learn how to use your system
properly. Check the system daily, and run a test when closing.
Robbery Prevention Tips for Businesses
Every business owner, manager and employee plays a part in making businesses
safe. Here are some things you can do to help prevent robbery:
5. Place a surveillance camera behind the cash register facing the front counter.
Replace videotapes regularly.
7. Don't use marked "moneybags" that make it obvious to would-be robbers you
are carrying money for deposit.
10. Cooperate with the robber for your own safety and the safety of others.
Comply with a robber's demands. Remain calm and think clearly. Make mental notes
of the robber's physical description and other observations important to law
enforcement officers.
11. If you have a silent alarm and can reach it without being noticed, use it.
Otherwise, wait until the robber leaves.
14. Stay alert! Know who is in your business and where they are. Watch for
people who hang around without buying anything. Also, be aware of suspicious
activity outside your place of business. Write down license numbers of suspicious
vehicles if visible from the inside of your business.
15. Make sure the sales counter can be seen clearly. Don't put up advertisements,
flyers, displays, signs, posters or other items on windows or doors that might obstruct
the view of the register from inside or outside your business. The police cruising by
your store need to see in.
16. Try to greet customers as they enter your business. Look them in the eye, and
ask them if they need help. Your attention can discourage a robber.
17. Keep your business well-lit, inside and outside. Employees should report any
burned-out lights to the business owner or manager. Keep trees and bushes trimmed,
so they don't block any outdoor lights.
19. Learn the names of the officers who patrol your business.
20. Use care after dark. Be cautious when cleaning the parking lot or taking out
the trash at night. Make sure another employee inside the business keeps you within
eye contact while you are involved in work details outside of your building.
21. If you see something suspicious, call the police or law enforcement agents.
Never try to handle it yourself. It could cost you your life.
22. Handle cash carefully. Avoid making your business a tempting target for
robbers. Keep the amount of cash in registers low. Drop all large bills right away. If
a customer tries to pay with a large bill, politely ask if he or she has a smaller one.
Explain that you keep very little cash on hand.
23. Use only one register at night. Leave other registers empty and open. Tilt the
register drawer to show there is no money in it.
24. Leave blinds and drapes partially open during closing hours.
25. Make sure important signs stay posted. For example, the front door should
bear signs that say, "Clerk Cannot Open the Time Lock Safe."
26. If your business is robbed put your safety first. Your personal safety is more
important than money or merchandise.
31. Tell the robber if someone is coming out of the back room or vault or working
in another area of your business.
32. Don't chase or follow the robber out of your place of business.