Improving physical protection systems to prevent residential burglaries

Security risk control measures may take the form of physical protection systems, strategies and/or actionable crime information products. This article explores the role played by physical protection systems (PPSs) in preventing residential burglaries. It is important that such systems be properly designed and timeously evaluated. The study on which this article is based seeks to assist communities in the prevention of residential burglaries. The primary aim of this article is to improve PPSs to prevent residential burglaries. A community-based participatory research approach was used to collect data via informal and in-depth individual interviews and observation. Data analysis involved the descriptive analysis of responses and observation field notes. The results suggest that perpetrators gain unlawful entry during the night or the day, mainly in the absence of the occupants, by penetrating, bypassing or damaging perimeter fencing, windows and/or burglar bars without being detected. Based on these findings, it is recommended that PPSs be effectively designed with an objective in mind and regularly evaluated for vulnerabilities.