PROTECTION
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Many studies show that individuals who have been burglarized have a heightened likelihood of being burglarized again within several weeks after the original incident. Statistically, this level of risk decreases dramatically after three to six months. Therefore, this can be a time of heightened vulnerability and individuals should be aware of this possibility and take added precautions. Many individuals change locks and/or install home security systems or motion detectors. Placing lights on timers can also give an empty home the appearance of being occupied. Neighbors can also be a valuable resource---have them report any suspicious activity in the neighborhood, especially around your home. In fact, many neighborhoods will often decide to form a Neighborhood Watch program after a home burglary. Any and all of these can help prevent an additional tragedy. To get additional crime prevention tips, victims can call their local law enforcement agency.

Victims of property crimes sometimes also express concerns about retaliation by the defendants against who they must testify. They often find comfort in knowing that this very rarely happens. In fact, the owner of the stolen or damaged property is rarely the person who can identify the defendant as the perpetrator; usually, it is the law enforcement agent who points out the defendant and links him or her to the crime. If the crime occurred anywhere other than the victims’ residence, however, it is possible to have the victims’ address and phone number be kept confidential and not be announced in court.