NCJ Number
138699
Date Published
1988
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This discussion of crime prevention measures focuses on situational crime prevention as the most effective approach for individual citizens to protect themselves from victimization and fear of crime and as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes better policing and programs to alleviate the social conditions that encourage crime.
Abstract
Situational crime prevention is also called opportunity reduction. It rests on rational choice theory. Both individuals and organizations can use situational crime prevention to prevent theft offenses, vandalism, arson, and violence. Eight steps are required to develop an effective crime prevention program. Specific strategies that have been effective include reducing the proximity of targets and offenders, strengthening social controls, restricting access to methods of committing crimes or places to commit them, target hardening, reducing the value of the target, reducing visibility, increasing surveillance, training employees, and increasing the capability to intervene. Crime prevention programs in France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have used these strategies. 27 references