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Q: If someone obtained my social security number and used it to get credit cards and destroy my credit, can I get a new social security number? The SSA has not been helpful and I have been struggling with this for two years.
S.L.
3/1/96
A: Your question is a little beyond my area of expertise. If you have been struggling with this problem for two years and the SSA is unable or unwilling to resolve it, I recommend you do two, or possibly, three things. First, contact your Congressperson and Senator in Washington. They have staff members who are quite adept at solving these types of problems for constituents.
Second, if you receive no assistance from Washington, contact a lawyer who specializes in Social Security law.
Finally, if those two measures don't help, go to the press. This is an election year; politicians and bureaucrats hate bad PR.
CrimeWise
Q: I am considering buying a 1995 Chevy Blazer. Can you suggest some effective theft deterrent devices. How effective are steering wheel locks (like "The Club") in preventing auto theft?
T.F.
2/29/96
A: There is almost nothing that will stop a professional auto thief if he wants you car. Alarms and steering wheel locks can be effective against amateurs but they are only a brief inconvenience for a pro. I'm not going to cite the ways that steering wheel locks can be defeated, but I assure you they can.
I once asked a professional car thief what he recommended to prevent theft. He went through the list of devices that are available and described how each could be easily compromised. The only device he recommends is a "hidden kill switch."
Car thieves are generally in a hurry and will seldom spend time trying to start a car that refuses to start the normal way. The secret to success is creatively hiding the switch. Thieves will look in the obvious places before giving up.
CrimeWise
Q: We operate manufacturing facilities worldwide and are interested in companies that specialize in investigative services for detecting employee theft. Specifically, high cost electronics components, DRAM's, IC's, etc.
J.G.
2/29/96
A:There are many highly qualified investigative services available. You can start looking in the cities in which you operate. Beyond that try looking in the "Security Industry Buyers Guide." There are several pages of listings for investigators throughout the world in the Guide. The Guide describes itself as a "collaboration between Phillips Business Information, Inc. and the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)." Contact Phillips Business Information to get a copy. They list their Customer Services phone number as (800) 777-5006 and a FAX number of (301) 309-3847.
Some states also have investigator associations that can be of help. In California for instance, the California Association of Licensed Investigators (916-456-9908) maintains a membership directory that includes affiliate members from around the world.
CrimeWise
Q: How is computers helping in crime prevention within the FBI.
S. R. S.
2/27/96
A:I have no personal knowledge about the details of how the FBI uses their computers. I do know however that they maintain a vast database that can be used by their own personnel and to varying degrees, other law enforcement officers.
You can learn more about the FBI by visiting their Website at:
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http://www.fbi.com
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CrimeWise
Q: I am with the University of Maryland Police at College Park, and a partner and I have just incorporated to do some consulting and training. We call ourselves Enforcement Concepts & Designs, Inc. (ECDI). What is involved in supporting CrimeWise? Let me know.
Also...one of the questions you received from Maryland asked about sales clerks asking for credit cards. In Maryland, sales clerks may ask to see credit cards if you are writing a personal check, but it is illegal for them to write it on the check. This law was passed a few years ago as a state-wide crime prevention measure to deter fraud. Once that check is given over to the sales clerk, it's seen by numerous people before it is returned to the original owner as a canceled check. To prevent fraud, the number can no longer be written on the check.
Sgt. Bob Mueck
University Of Maryland Police
College Park, MD 20742-6011
2/27/96
A: Thanks for the information on checks and credit cards in Maryland.
As to supporting CrimeWise, we are growing and looking for a few sponsors to help support the page. Sponsors will be featured in a special section at the end of each page. Multi-line text based listings and listings containing a graphic are available.
CrimeWise
This is a copy of the questionnaire that I would be grateful for your comments on. I look forward to your comments, and thank you for your time.
Q: Do you consider that security through environmental design has been a success in private sector housing in the U.S.?(In the U.K. the scheme has only been adopted by few private sector housing schemes, and is pushed only by Government funded construction)
A: Where it has been implemented, it has been successful. Unfortunately, it has not been universally adopted. Where it has been adopted, it is usually because local government requires it through a building ordinance.
Q: Are the practitioners of the scheme interested in promoting environmental design in the private sector, if Government funded building is keeping them busy?
A: I don't believe the presence or lack of government funding is a factor. Most private sector housing is not directly government funded in the United States.
Q: Have any case studies been carried out in the U.S. comparing estates with security through environmental design and those without? If so what conclusions were drawn?
A: I'm not aware of any such studies.
Q: Are only the more affluent members of the community likely to afford houses that are secure by environmental design? Is this not likely to push the crime into less affluent areas?
A: There are many factors that push crime into less affluent areas. One is the cost of housing. More expensive houses may be more secure but my experience shows that in general, this is not a guarantee. Of course, the very rich will have a higher level of security, but there are not enough people in this category to have any meaningful effect on the general crime rate. I have seen many less affluent areas where crime prevention techniques have reduced crime rates.
Q: Is the scheme in the U.S. run by Police Officers who have little building or sales experience? If so would it not be more appropriate to employ someone with these qualities?
A: In many places, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design programs are run by police departments. Some crime prevention officers are superbly trained in CPTED others are not. I believe that the ideal CPTED practitioner should have training in both law enforcement and architectural design and construction.
Q: Is the scheme in the U.S. fragmented from force to force? with each offering different advice? If so how do propose this could be resolved?
A: From what I've seen, if advice is given it tends to be fairly consistent from agency to agency. This could be because there is a good deal of centralized crime prevention training based on studies and information originating at the federal level. Many instructors got their training at the National Crime Prevention Institute or at the state level. My early training was through the California Crime Prevention Institute. In California, the State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training funds much of the crime prevention training at a central location. Consequently police crime prevention practitioners, both sworn and civilian, throughout the State receive the same training.
Q: Is there demand from the public for their houses to be secured by environmental design?
A: No. The public demands that the police protect them. Most haven't any idea that environmental design exists or that it could make a difference.
Q: Could being security conscious become fashionable? In a similar manner to which car security has done so, If so how would you propose to encourage this?
A: Fashion is a very strange thing. If people begin to view good security as a status symbol, it will become fashionable. The "my alarm system is better than your alarm system" mentality could very well take hold in some areas. Unfortunately if it does, it will have less to do with real security than with ego. Security dealers could foster this "security image" by designing their marketing to parallel the marketing of other "sexy products".
Q: What do you consider to be the most encouraging points that the scheme has highlighted since it's inception, and what points would you praise most about the practitioners?
A: Probably the single most encouraging point is the fact that it works so well. Crime rates in areas where CPTED was introduced are visibly affected. I've been involved with CPTED in one California city for nearly twenty years. During that time, residential burglary rates dropped about 75% while the population almost doubled. As to the practitioners... most of the crime prevention professionals I've met over the years have been very capable and highly dedicated. Those that aren't, rarely last very long. This is particularly true of sworn police officers. Successful crime prevention programs keep bad things from happening. To the man or woman who got into police work for the action, this can seem boring. Personal preferences aside, it is always better to prevent a crime than try to solve it afterwards.
S.N.
3/2/96
CrimeWise
Q: I've found alot of conflicting evidence as to whether or not there is direct link between lighting and reduction of crime. Some studies proved yes others did not find any reduction. What do you think of that? Every study I can find there is a correlation, but I can also find another was unable to prove. We need your further help to locate three studies or any other information regarding to this topic.
T.N.
3/3/96
A: The following are a list of possible sources for lighting studies:
1. The City of St. Louis had some studies done as part of their overall crime prevention program.
2. The Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington DC has done studies.
3. The National Criminal Justice Reference Service may have some studies.
4. There was a study entitled "Street Lighting Projects" by the National Evaluation Program, Phase 1 Report, Series A, No. 21, Washington DC: National Institute of Law Enforcement And Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, US Department of Justice.
5. "Design for Safe Neighborhoods", by Richard A. Gardiner: National Institute of Law Enforcement And Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, US Department of Justice, Washington DC
6. "Defensible Space" by Oscar Newman, The Macmillan Co. New York
7. "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" by C. Ray Jeffery, Sage Publications, Beverly Hills
8. "Crime Prevention Through Physical Security" by Walter M. Strobl, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York
These publications may get you going in the right direction.
CrimeWise
Q: I understand that there is a quote attributed to the ACLU that was originally quoted by Adolf Hitler to the German people regarding how the state must protect it's citizens relative to search and seizure, etc....
NOT that I am a fan of Hitler, but I understand that this quote could be very useful in criminal defense.
Do you know where this could be found?
A.A.
3/7/96
A: I'm neither a fan of Hitler nor the ACLU. I come from a law & order, prosecution oriented background and feel that any good the ACLU has done (there is some) is far overshadowed by the havoc they have wreaked on the criminal justice system.
That said, perhaps a call to the ACLU office in your area could provide your answer. Even if they can't, they may be able to point you in the right direction.
Another possibility would be to find a book of quotes that includes Hitler and do a little research.
Good hunting
CrimeWise
Q: I don't know if you are able to do this or not but I was wondering if you had any training ideas for the associates where I work. I work in a retail store and we've been having a lot of high ticket items stolen. I don't agree with the management's idea of training. Can you recommend anything?
A Retailer
3/5/96
A: Without knowing what the management's idea of training is, it's difficult to know exactly what is needed. There are many excellent books that deal with the subject of retail security. There are also merchants associations and professional security associations which provide training materials.
Check your local libraries and bookstores. Both should be able to direct you to useful publications.
CrimeWise
Q: I am looking for summary statistics relative to auto theft; for the nation, for individual states, for cities.
Any help will be appreciated!
G.W.D.
3/1/96
A: The FBI's Uniform Crime Report contains the information you seek.
Check out the FBI's Website at:
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http://www.fbi.gov
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You can also find copies of the report at some libraries, most police departments and if all else fails, through the government printing office.
CrimeWise
Q: Any statistics on the prevalence of shoplifting in North America? What are the most effective systems for the prevention of shoplifting.
S.0.
A: Read on. The next two questions deal with the same topics.
CrimeWise
Q: I am a P.I. and am looking into stats on crime deterrence on use of CCTV in retail enviro.'s, specifically gas/convenience environments.
I need to find out where I can get a better source for my research since I know what the uses and effects are but I need to support them with stats.
Any ideas.
D.
Pvt. Investigator
A: I frequently receive requests for statistics but as I've said in the past, even if I wanted to, which I don't, there is no way I could keep track of all the crime and security related statistical data that is generated each year.
One of the best sources for statistics is industry. Check with the merchant's associations representing your areas of interest. Also check with CCTV manufacturers and the organizations that represent manufacturers. The "Security Industry Buyers Guide" is an excellent source for the names and contact information for virtually all the major manufacturers. If what your are looking for is available, you will probably find a source listed in the Guide.
The Guide describes itself as a "collaboration between Phillips Business Information, Inc. and the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)." Contact Phillips Business Information to get a copy. They list their Customer Services phone number as (800) 777-5006 and a FAX number of (301) 309-3847.
Another source is the Security Industry Association, they represent manufacturers and distributors of security equipment and services. Their phone number is (703) 683-2075.
Finally, the Security Research Project at the University of Florida has just published the results of its 1995 National Retail Security Survey. It's packed with statistics. To obtain a copy contact Professor Richard Hollinger at:
Security Research Project
3360 Turlington Hall, Box 117330
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-7330
CrimeWise
Q: I am writing to you in need of suggestions. I would like to know good techniques for stopping night-time shoplifting.
Not only am I a night-time cashier at a local super-market, I am also a student at the University of New Orleans in Louisiana. I am writing a proposal as an English project and I chose a topic relating to my job.
There is a problem of shop-lifting during the morning hours between midnight to seven. No security has been scheduled for that time, and because of the problem of large shortages from inventory, managers must do some of the jobs of unhired stockers. As a result of this problem, an unwanted opportunity has been made available for shoplifting. It is too easy to grab an item off the shelf, run out the door, and get away without any consequences.
In order to reduce this opportunity of theft, a three steps have already been taken. All doors except one has been closed and locked. Cashiers have been moved closer to the one open door to keep an eye out for suspicious customers. New security cameras have been installed to watch suspicious customers.
These steps have helped a little in further exposing the problem of shoplifting, and in some cases, it has even stopped a few items from leaving unpaid for. Unfortunately, it is not enough. Although the cashiers have been moved closer to the doors, they must also do work other than cashiering, and often leave their posts. Even if they do see a run-out, it is too late to stop the perpetrator. Although the security cameras are taped, and have a good view of the store, it is not very effective because there is no one there to watch them. As it was mentioned before, the managers are too busy doing a stockers job to fully do a manager's job.
WHAT ANTI-THEFT DEVICES OR TECHNIQUES ARE AVAILABLE?
I have presented the problem. Now I am asking for advice on possible technology or procedures that I can research in order to champion one of them for this proposal.
K.B.
New Orleans
A: Your question hints at your answer. As you pointed out several times, your store is understaffed. As a result, shoplifters feel comfortable that they can successfully steal with little danger of being caught.
The real question is how much does management care about the theft. If they feel that it will cost more in terms of payroll to prevent the thefts than is lost to theft, nothing will be done.
Personalized attention is the key to preventing shoplifting. Stores that make shoplifters feel that they are under constant observation have fewer instances of theft. This attention doesn't doesn't have to be oppressive but it does have to be visible. Efforts like limiting exits are good but if the available exit is unattended, where is the deterrent value?
Since your store already employs CCTV perhaps you could put it to better use. One successful theft deterrent is to let the thieves watch themselves. Put a large monitor at the entrance to the store where it is immediately visible customers entering. Split the screen and show various views of the sales floor using a sequencer. Also show the customer entering so they can watch themselves being watched. This plants a psychological seed that they are being constantly monitored. Also place a monitors around the store as a reminder to customers that they are on TV.
Finally, staff the check out stand continually and have store personnel patrol the aisles as much as possible. This is particularly valuable if you have identified a person as acting suspiciously. Customers who periodically look up to see a store employee nearby will be less inclined to steal.
CrimeWise
Q: I represent a company which markets a computerized key control system. In response to demand from the multi-family owners, we have recently began creating a focused marketing effort to this industry.
The product is called KeyTrak. Basically, KeyTrak controls access to a locked drawer containing keys to apartment units and builds a time and user audit trail of removal and return of any key. Since key control is a major liability issue, apartment complex owners and managers have benefited from this product. There are other several features which reduce risk and assist owners/managers run their properties. However, reducing liability seems to be the "hot button."
I began surfing the Web for organizations which rate and/or certify products for insurance companies. The objective is to ultimately convince insurance companies that KeyTrak reduces property owners/managers liability and hence their insurance premiums. As I'm sure you can see, this would be a significant marketing advantage.
I would certainly appreciate any comments or insights you may have in this area.
On a personal note, I read several of your Q and A's regarding environment crime prevention. This is a new concept to me. Is there some material I can read to get informed?
J.K.
A: I agree that liability is a major danger for property owners/managers. This is true in many settings, not just apartments. Office/commercial properties also face the same risks as does the lodging industry.
Your product does fill a real need. If you want to create a market for it, you must get your message to the users. I recommend you contact the following organizations and find out how you can best reach their members:
Institute of Real Estate Management
Chicago, IL
(312) 329-6058
National Association of Residential Property Managers
Tucson, AZ
(800) 782-3452
Building Owners and Managers Association
Washington, DC
(202) 408-2686
Apartment Owners and Managers Associations in your local area.
As to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, review my article in our Virtual Security Library, then read the following books listed below. They will tell you just about everything there is to know on the subject.
Virtual Security Library: http://www.protect-mgmt.com/expert/library/
1. "Defensible Space" by Oscar Newman, The Macmillan Co. New York
2. "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" by C. Ray Jeffery, Sage Publications, Beverly Hills
3. "Crime Prevention Through Physical Security" by Walter M. Strobl, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York
Good luck with your product.
CrimeWise
Q: Could you please send me some text on kevlar vests. Or would you be able to put me in contact with somebody that can send me some literature regarding. I conduct special training to the Australian Security Industry and this topic is a commonly 'asked about' topic.
Alex
Australia
A: Kevlar ballistic vests are an almost indispensable personal safety tool for police and security personnel. I did an INTERNET search on the keywords "body armor" and came up with a number of sources for information, including the names, addresses and phone numbers of most, if not all, of the ballistic vest manufacturers. I recommend that you do the following:
Use C/Net's "Search.Com" search engine - http://www.search.com
When presented with the choices, do a keyword search on "body armor" with the ALTA VISTA search engine. It will give you a variety of sites to explore.
To go directly to a source of names and addresses, try - http://www.dalewin.com/armor1.htm
Happy hunting.
CrimeWise
Q: Once you have discovered and documented employee theft, what is the best way to deal with or confront that employee?
Dr.S.
A: In these litigious times, you should consult with an attorney knowledgable in personnel law before doing anything. They should be able to recommend the proper course of action to avoid future legal problems.
I do recommend that you resist the all too common urge to give the thief a second chance. It could work out, but there are some potential pitfalls. If you have other employees, the word will inevitably get out and other employees may feel that they too deserve one free chance to steal. If you they do and you fire them when you didn't fire the first employee, there will undoubtedly be a discrimination claim. Whether you have other employees or not, the employee who got the second chance may very well use the incident as a learning experience and simply find a new and better way to steal from you.
Whether or not to prosecute is your call, but I suggest you give it a try. However, the reality is that unless the theft was very substantial, or you are personal friends with the District Attorney, the case probably won't get filed. Even if it does, the court system generally doesn't take employee theft too seriously. It is unlikely that there will be any meaningful punishment. You could however, get court ordered restitution.
You could also sue the thief civilly. Your chances of recovering some money might actually be better that way.
Whatever you do, don't delay in doing it.
Good luck.
CrimeWise
Q: We own a new loss prevention and security firm. Upon talking with potential clients, they are very receptive; however, we are having trouble closing the deals. Can you relay to me the more effective and successful ways to market my business?
John
A: Unfortunately sales and marketing are not my strong point. But, the bottom line is, selling is selling. The product doesn't really matter that much.
Most colleges and many professional organizations offer sales courses. Find some in your area and attend.
CrimeWise
Q: I am a private practising lawyer in Ontario. 17 years experience as a police officer with the First Nation Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police. As opposed to continuing in general practise would like to develop seminars which include personal safety instruction to the general population, in view of what appears to be a growth in violence in the from of robberies etc.. Do you have any advise as to how to do this or can you direct me to info sources.
R.G.
Ontario
A: If I were you, with your background, I'd forget about personal security and focus on the business world. Security liability is a growing issue and most businesses haven't a clue about the legal risks they face if they don't adequately secure their businesses.
Find and join some professional security organizations in your area. They can lead you to the training and information you need to succeed.
CrimeWise
Q: I have a couple of teen age daughters who will be headed to college soon. Is there a way to evaluate the relative crime rates of different college campuses. I have not been able to find any published statistics on this subject.
J.P.
St. Louis, MO
A: On November 8, 1990, President George Bush signed the "Student Right to Know & Campus Security Act of 1990." This Act applies to every institution of higher education that receives federal financial aid. Title II of the ACT is called the "Campus Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990." It requires institutions of higher education to distribute to all current students and employees, and applicants for enrollment or employment two types of information: (1) descriptions of policies related to campus security; and (2) statistics concerning specific types of crimes. Prior to this Act, approximately 350 institutions of higher education voluntarily reported crime statistics to the Uniform Crime Report (UCR).
Many colleges have their own police or security departments. Start with them. City police departments where the colleges are located may also be able to provide useful statistical data.
You may also be able to get general crime rate data for cities of interest from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report. You can access the report through the INTERNET at:
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http://www.fbi.gov
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CrimeWise
Q: We recently had a break in. If undisturbed, how long will finger prints be "readable" for? Also, we had a similar break in two years ago. The police said they do not have the prints from that incident on file anymore. Isn't it customary for the PDs to keep things like this on file? Or are fingerprints from a crime scene unable to be preserved?
J.W.
Toledo
A: If left undisturbed, fingerprints could theoretically be "readable" for many years. There are however a number of variables with regard to the value of very old prints.
As too how long fingerprints from a particular crime are kept on file... That would depend on the relative seriousness of the crime, the likelihood that other evidence would surface that would make the prints useful, the statute of limitations for the crime, the policies of the individual police agency and the amount of storage space available for fingerprint evidence.
Police can't keep every piece of evidence forever. In general, if a burglary isn't solved in a reasonably short period of time, the odds are it will never be solved.
As far as physically keeping lifted fingerprints... Once photographed, the fingerprints last as long as the picture.
CrimeWise