Burglary, defined as unlawful entry with or without force to commit a theft or other felony, accounts for a significant share of the country's serious crime.
Small businesses are popular targets, and much of the loss is in merchandise.
Only about one of every six burglaries is cleared by arrest, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In the last decade, burglaries in the U.S. have about doubled. In the face of these facts, business owners and operators, especially those with small operations, cannot afford to ignore burglary prevention. A sturdy lock often will discourage a timid burglar and at least make a bold one work harder. Experts say the pin-cylinder lock may give the best protection since it is difficult to pick.