Crime Prevention Questionnaire

KGW News is requesting your help with a special crime prevention project. We are sending this
questionnaire to 86 inmates in the Oregon Department of Corrections. The answers you provide will help
inform the community about steps they can take to help prevent burglaries. The answers submitted will
be anonymous.
Thank you for your time and cooperation.

1. How did you typically break into a home or apartment?

I found an unlocked or open door
I kicked the door open
I found an unlocked or open window
I smashed open a glass window
I found a key
2. Once inside, what was the first thing you looked to steal?
Jewelry
Cash
Electronics
Credit Cards
Passports
Other: ____________________________________
3. Where did you look for hidden valuables?
Kitchen cabinets Refrigerator/Freezer
Bedside drawers Desk
Desk drawers
Other: ____________________________________
4. What time of the day did you prefer to break in?
Early morning
Afternoon
Evening

Overnight

5. Did home protection or security signs posted outside the home deter you?
Yes
No
6. Did pets in the home- like a dog make you think twice? (Please explain)
Yes
No
Explain:
______________________________________________________________________
7. Did you typically knock on the front door before breaking into a home or apartment?
Yes
No

8. If someone answered the front door, what would you do or say? (Please explain...)
Explain:
______________________________________________________________________
9. If a home alarm system went off, what would you do?
Leave immediately
Id leave before police arrived
Id try and turn it off
Other:____________________________________
10. If there was a security camera visible, would it keep you from breaking in?
Yes
No
11. Did lights on in the home make you think twice?
Yes
No
12. If you heard a radio or TV on inside the home, would you still break in?
Yes
No
13. Would it make a difference if there was a vehicle in the driveway?
Yes, Id think twice
No, it didnt matter
14. What was your ideal target for a burglary? (Please explain)
Explain:
______________________________________________________________________
15. Did you ever do surveillance on your target?
Yes
No
16. If you did surveillance, what were you trying to figure out? (Please explain)
Explain:
______________________________________________________________________
17. What is the one thing homeowners can do to avoid being burglarized?
Explain:
______________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your time and participation. The answers submitted will be anonymous.