NCJ Number
169888
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Stockholm Project surveyed crime and crime prevention measures in the urban environment, including variations in crime experienced by stores.
Abstract
The survey of 285 stores was carried out in 1990 using a questionnaire containing items on store design and size, store location, perceived crime and social problems in neighborhoods, perceived level of crime and social problems in stores, and crime prevention measures. About 85 percent of stores reported thefts and shoplifting as the most frequent problems. Stores in urban areas were victimized more than stores in residential areas. Stores in urban areas were large and located close to "hot spots" of crime, drug selling, and potential offenders. Crime problems in general were lower in small stores and in shopping malls than in large stores, but feelings of insecurity were higher in small shops with single attendants. Stores in single-family housing areas of suburbs reported marginal problems. Crime was highest in suburbs with large proportions of socially and economically disadvantaged residents. Victimization was higher for stores in shopping areas compared to stores in residential areas. Several factors increased the risk of exposure to crime and disturbances in Stockholm stores: store location, goods sold in stores, and store characteristics such as size and number of customers per day.