Abstract: A deterrent device for inhibiting unauthorized use and sale of a video cassette recorder having a cassette chamber provided with a chamber opening and a hinged door normally closing said chamber opening in which the device includes a front panel to cover the opening, inwardly projecting members carried on the panel and extending through the chamber opening into the interior of the cassette chamber for moving the door into a position for engagement by said inwardly projecting arms to restrict and prohibit outward movement of the device, and an unlock element carried by the front panel and positioned within the chamber for movement against the door to lift the door from its engagement with the inwardly projecting arms for permitting release and removal of the device from said chamber and opening.