NCJ Number
179164
Editor(s)
Martin Gill
Date Published
1998
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Because research indicates businesses suffer from higher crime victimization rates than households and this produces high financial losses, a commercial victimization survey was commissioned by the Camden Council in North London to investigate experiences of small businesses with and involvement in such community safety issues as harassment and criminal acts.
Abstract
The survey investigated commercial crime on three streets in Camden, and the three streets were geographically separate from each other. Rates of business victimization and the impact of crime on businesses were assessed. Efforts of businesses to increase the risk of crime for offenders by implementing specific crime prevention measures were considered, and business involvement in community safety were explored. The survey identified clear crime problems in the three streets, and over two-thirds of businesses viewed crime as a serious or a fairly serious problem. Significant variations occurred in crime problems in the three streets. For example, businesses on one street experienced more burglary than businesses on the other two streets, while businesses on another street experienced more customer abuse, theft, and violence than businesses on the other two streets. Burglary incidents resulted in the highest business crime losses, and 30 percent of businesses claimed they had considered relocating due to the effect of crime. About 51 percent of businesses had intruder alarms and security shutters at the front of the premises. In addition to installing physical security, businesses were involved in trader associations to discuss shared problems. Future prospects for business involvement in community safety partnerships are discussed. 13 notes and 7 tables