THE TEXT EXAMINES THE MOTIVES, METHODS OF OPERATION, AND TOOLS OF THE AMATEUR BURGLAR AND THIEF (USUALLY A DRUG ADDICT OR JUVENILE), AS WELL AS THOSE OF THE PROFESSIONAL BURGLARS WHO DIRECT THEIR EFFORTS AT MORE EXPENSIVE TARGETS AND OPERATE IN WEALTHY AREAS AND BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS. BY TAKING INADEQUATE MEASURES TO DETER THEFTS AND BURGLARS, MOST OF WHOM ARE EASILY DISCOURAGED BY HIGH RISKS, PEOPLE MAKE THEMSELVES EASY TARGETS FOR CRIME. THE TEXT IDENTIFIES VULNERABLE AREAS OF PRIVATE HOMES, APARTMENTS, AND BUSINESS STRUCTURES AND DISCUSSES LOCKS, WINDOWS, DOORS, USE OF WATCHDOGS AND SECURITY DEVICES SUCH AS ALARMS AND SAFES. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR TRAVELERS ALSO ARE COVERED. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERSONS TO FOLLOW IN CASE THEY ENCOUNTER OR SURPRISE A BURGLAR ARE OUTLINED TO ENSURE THAT THE LEAST AMOUNT OF DAMAGE, BOTH TO PROPERTY AND PERSON, IS SUFFERED. THE LEGAL ASPECTS AND SAFETY OF USING GUNS FOR SELF-PROTECTION AGAINST BURGLARS ARE CONSIDERED. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST WIRETAPPING AND BUGGING ARE SUGGESTED. APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO TAKE AFTER A BURGLARY, WITH REGARD TO NOTIFYING THE POLICE, PRESERVING EVIDENCE, AND FILING INSURANCE CLAIMS, ARE DETAILED. THE FINAL CHAPTER EXAMINES THE VALUE AND APPLICATION OF SEVERAL MECHANICAL SAFETY DEVICES. THE TEXT DESCRIBES SPECIFIC ROBBERY INCIDENTS TO SHOW HOW THE VICTIMS COULD HAVE PREVENTED HARM TO THEMSELVES AND LOSS OF THEIR POSSESSIONS. AN INDEX IS PROVIDED. (DAG)