Make the Crime Seem Unrewarding

Most people will only commit a crime if it seems worth their while. If you can make it seem like there will be few benefits for someone trying to rob you or steal from you, they will probably leave you alone.

1) Remove Whatever is Attractive to Criminals - A neat example comes from the days of the California Gold Rush. After a number of stagecoach robberies, one mine began casting the silver in large 400-pound blocks. These were too heavy for robbers to carry away.

2) Mark Your Property - "Operation Identification," where people engrave their unique number on valuables, is one such example.

3) Reduce Whatever is Tempting to Criminals - Examples are expensive items that can be easily grabbed or smooth walls that invite graffiti.

4) Deny Criminals the Pleasure of Using Whatever They Take from You - An example is attaching ink tags to garments.

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