The Nation: Security in Numbers

Americans feeling dehumanized by having their names replaced by numbers can take heart. They too can play the numbers game—and all in the name of law and order. Police in Scarsdale, N.Y., have just instituted an antiburglary campaign called Project Theft Guard in which residents may borrow an electric engraving pen and etch their Social Security numbers on such stealable items as TV sets, record players, typewriters, jewelry and bicycles. The home owners are also given stickers declaring THIS HOUSE HAS JOINED PROJECT THEFT GUARD to paste on their front and back doors. The safety measures, say police, will not only...