By getting to know their airport neighbors, pilots can more readily recognize persons who don't belong. Just knowing that airport management and users are alert and willing to get involved is enough to deter most criminals. Target hardening can protect aircraft just as it protects buildings. Aircraft should always be locked and other security devices and alarm systems should be considered. Self-contained alarm systems can be effective deterrents, but only if someone hears them.
Alarms used in conjunction with active security patrol can be highly effective.
Sun shields installed on aircraft windows block prying eyes as well as solar rays. A thief is more likely to break into an aircraft when valuable components are clearly visible from outside. When a loss occurs, the ability to positively identify property is crucial to its recovery and to prosecution of thieves and dealers in stolen goods. Serial numbers of all individually identifiable parts and equipment are recorded. When a loss is reported to police, serial numbers are entered into the National Crime Information Center's computerized stolen property file.