Adverts Targeting the victims not the criminals??

Question

Have you seen the advert where someone shows theives that their window is left open, the gate in unlocked, theres jewellry left on the kitchen worktop, and also the ad where the man shows thieves that hes left his jacket on the back seat of his car along with some coins in the tray and his cd player (i think) in his glove box, and also the ad where they say don't advertise your mobile, ie, don't walk around talking on it etc. Why on earth are they making US be in the wrong for doing this. Surely they should be targeting the criminals. It makes my blood boil when they suggest that you shouldn't leave a window open, that you shouldn't leave a jacket in your car etc. They've got it all wrong. It should be aimed at criminals and saying 'don't rob other peoples possessions' surely????

But WHY should WE have to hide things out of view. Why are we to blame when we have things stolen??

Answer 1

I think many people, me included, will concur with your views. That said, with criminality at its present rate and with no apparent resolution in sight, its probably not unreasonable to give some sort of crime prevention advice. It's getting the balance right that seems to be the issue. I agree that the balance is way too much in the favour of the criminal element.

Best wishes, J

Answer 2

I understand ur concern but what its showing viewers is that if u do these things like leaving window open or having a bag visible is like having a big sign above saying there is a way in or there is a bag that looks interesting. Its meant to tell views that these things can really catch a criminals eye should be aware of it. a criminal seeing this might think that people will close everything up or not make anything visible will be the end of there ways, possibly.

Answer 3

A good point, but the reality is THERE WILL ALWAYS BE THIEVES AROUND WHO WILL BE PREPARED TO STEAL. And most of these crimes are opportunist.

I think you should look at it in the context of making people think about personal security & safety in order to reduce the risk. Like wearing a life jacket when going on a boat is a sensible reduction of risk in a boat.

Answer 4

It's just making people aware of the reality of life and encouraging them to take remedial action. That said, this approach has short term benefits but leads to long term problems (the degradation of society by way of a suspicious, scheming, grabbing, etc. general mentality).
To really sort things out will take a long time with slow, gradual results (we wouldn't see anything of worth in our lifetime, but future generations would be better for it), and the education system would have to be totally re-structured with emphasis on building originality, strength of character, appreciation of our differences, duty to help those less well off (without unduly upsetting your own life) and a sense of honour, all the while maintaining a sense of humour and curiosity. Sadly, it's just not going to happen, so we settle for convincing people to report benefits cheats because they are taking money out of your pocket, rather than encouraging you to make your own judgement on the morality of each case and acting accordingly.

Answer 5

you are a genius.
lets just tell the world not to steal love eachother and never go to war again and hey presto utopia.
the point of the advert is to empower US against criminals.take away the possibility of a crime and it cant be commited can it????????
its very simple

Answer 6

Criminal will hardly pay attention to advertisements but potential victims may be persuaded to be more cautious.

Answer 7

Of course they've got it all wrong, just leave your wallet outside your front door with a sign saying 'please do not take'. Btw, what's your address?