Describe the Kirkholt Burglary Prevention Program. Was it effective?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

First, homes in this area at the time had prepayment meters that were prime targets for burglary. Part of the program entailed having the utility company replace these meters with token-fed meters upon request. Second, “cocoon” watches were instituted between burglary victims and nearby neighbors. Victims and the six or seven houses or flats near them were encouraged to watch out for suspicious activity. Neighbors who joined the cocoon were given the same security upgrades given to burgled residents. Third, persons who had their homes burgled were given security upgrades. The program also had a second phase that targeted not just victims but also offenders and the community to reduce the motivation to offend. To do so, a credit union, work program, school-based crime prevention program, group meetings for offenders, and better information for probation officers and courts were implemented. Research on the effectiveness of the program revealed that burglary fell to 40% of its pre-implementation rate after the first phase in the treatment area.