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I. Study the vocabulary:
to burgle - красти зi зламом
approximately - приблизно
to be recovered - повертати власнику
violent crimes ~ насильницькі злочини
a victim - жертва
a physical assault - фізичне насилля
a mugging - вуличне пограбування
a rape - згвалтування
precautions - предостороги
to check - перевіряти
to strengthen security - посилювати безпеку
a prowler - хто нишпорить
to investigate - розслідувати
a telephone directory - телефонний довідник
a short-cut - коротка дорога
dimply lit - погано освітлений
to face the traffic - іти назустріч транспорту
the infirm - немічні
shift workers - робітники, що працюють позмінно
a deterrent - що стримує
vicious dogs - злі собаки
to trap - ловити у пастку
sentimental value - приблизна вартість (вартість, яка виходить з індивідуальних міркувань
invaluable - безцінний
to be on the lookout - бути насторожі
genuine - істинний, справжній
on the spur of the moment - необачно
a doorstep canvasser - випадковий агент по розміщенню замовлень
to forge - підробляти
II. Read and learn the text of the topic:
Within the next two minutes, whilst you read this, three homes somewhere in this country will be burgled. In an average year there are 900,000 burglaries - one for every 25 homes.
Within the next two minutes, a car will be broken into or stolen in the UK. Approximately one in four of the 370,000 cars reported missing each year is never recovered.
Basic crime prevention can cost very little; sometimes all thatis required is your time, but whatever is required it is surely better to be safe than sorry (especially when your family and loved ones arc involved). How many times have you heard someone say, "It won't happen to me?" Perhaps you have said it yourself?
Unfortunately, many people still forget to do the simplest things, such as locking the door of the house whenever they leave home. In three out of ten burglaries, the thief did not have to use force to gain entry. Forgetting the simple things can be devastating, not only for an individual victim, but for the family as a whole.
Violent crimes are still comparatively rare:/ they account for only a very small part of all recorded crimes. Statistically, the chance that you or your family will be victims is very low. Nevertheless, many people are still frightened that they, or someone close to them, will be the victim of a physical assault.
mugging or rape. It is worth remembering that not all the victims are women; men, teenagers and children have also been victims.
The best way to minimise the risk of an attack is by taking these precautions:
At home check, and if necessary, strengthen the security of your house or flat. Draw the curtains after dark to discourage any 'peeping toms*. If you think that there is a prowler outside, don't go out to investigate -dial 999.
If you live in a flat, be sure to have only your surname and initials in the telephone director)7 and on the front door bell plate, which way a stranger cannot tell if a man or a woman lives there. Remember not to give your number when answering the telephone, and if it is a stranger, never say you are alone.
Hang up if you get a threatening phone call, and if the calls persist, tell the Police and the Operator.
If you arrive home and notice signs of a break-in - a broken window or the door ajar -do not go in or call out, the intruder could still be inside. Instead go to a neighbour's house and call the Police.
When selling your home, a woman should not show people around on her own, especially if they knock after seeing the 'For Sale' sign.
When out walking, avoid short-cuts through dimly lit alleys or across waste ground. In the streets, walk facing the traffic so that a car cannot pull up behind you unnoticed. Similarly walk near to the kerb so that an attacker lurking in an alley has to come further out to reach you, giving you more time to hear him. Don't hitch-hike or accept lifts from strangers, and cover up expensive looking jewellery. If you are going to be out late, try to arrange a lift home or book a taxi. Then when you get home, ask the driver to wait until you are indoors. If you travel on an empty bus sit near the driver or conductor, similarly on a train, sit with other people.
If you have to walk home regularly after dark, then consider buying a personal security alarm. A personal security alarm is the only deterrent allowed by law, and police officers advise all women to carry a sonic alarm for their own protection. This type of alarm is recommended for anyone alone outdoors, the old and infirm, teenagers, shift workers, taxi-drivers, paper boys and girls. It will serve to draw immediate attention to both you and the attacker, and deter the criminal whilst summoning help. Such an alarm is very useful for attracting attention after an accident or as a deterrent against vicious dogs. But remember, an alarm is of little use in the depths of a handbag as it will be difficult to find in an emergency, so carry the alarm in your hand when the conditions are appropriate.
If you feel you are at risk while in your car, or travelling in a 'suspicious' area where you may have to stop for traffic lights, junctions etc., you should make sure that all your windows are shut and all doors locked to prevent anyone getting in easily.
If you have elderly relatives, or neighbours who are old and frail, you can help them to make their home safer, by offering to fit additional door and window jocks, door viewers and chains. Remember, sparing time for them can be enormously reassuring, especially if they live alone. Many of your possessions probably have a sentimental value which can far outweigh their replacement cost, so protect them by securing your home, and letting thieves know that your property is marked. A good way to encourage neighbours to keep a look out for your welfare is by looking after them.
If you spend a lot of time at home you are in a good position to notice strangers in your area, and your watchfulness can be invaluable for the community. Report any suspicious behaviour at once to the Police.
Be on the lookout for builders who arrive unexpectedly with a story such as, for instance, that they have noticed that your roof needs repairing. They are most likely simply looking for business and they may be able to frighten you in to believing that there is something genuinely wrong when there is not. If there is any work that needs doing ask two or three firms for written quotes as these are binding, and estimates are not. Some builders (and other services come to that) are genuinely so good that they get all their work by recommendation and they may never need to advertise, and such people are best sought if possible.
If anyone on your doorstep claims to be from one of the service companies - gas, water, electricity etc. - always ask to see their identification, never let anyone into your home unless you are convinced the are genuine representatives. If necessary, ring the company in question and check. It will help to keep
the telephone numbers of the service companies by the telephone for convenience - you may need them in a genuine emergency such as a gas leak.
If you decide to sell something that may be valuable - furniture or ornaments for example - don't do so on the spur of the moment to a doorstep canvasser, but get it valued by at least two reputable local dealers. Also, never keep large sums of money in the house. Cash is safer in a bank, building society or the post office, and can be earning interest while it's in there. Don't keep a cheque-book and cheque-card together, as a thief stealing both will be able to use the card to forge your signature on the cheques.
III. Answer the questions:
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