BURGLAR ALARMS AND THE CHOICE BEHAVIOR OF BURGLARS - A SUBURBAN PHENOMENON

Employing observation and deduction, the present study addressed the q uestion of why some homes in a community are more likely targets for b urglary. The period of observation spanned two-and-a-half years, in th ree Philadelphia suburbs. The townships differ in population density, distance from the city, and affluence. The deduced burglary model enta ils four decision points for the burglar: choice of neighborhood, choi ce of street, choice of property, and choice of point of entry. The ne ighborhood is chosen for its proximity to thoroughfares that are famil iar to the burglar. Cul de sacs abutted by a wooded area or an abandon ed railroad right-of-way, which offer opportunities for concealment, w ere targeted more frequently than other streets by burglars. Homes wit h high value and few target hardening attributes were more likely targ ets than other homes. Most burglars entered the targeted home through a first floor doorway. All other things equal, the presence of an alar m reduces the victimization rate. The alarm reduces the victimization rate to a greater degree as home value increases.