NCJ Number
128829
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (1990) Pages: 175-181
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Shopping centers and malls provide ample opportunity for the occurrence of crime. Crime patterns at malls are predictable and affected by mall type, location, design, security and administration practices, and by individual tenants' security practices. Situational crime analysis and prevention strategies must work at all these levels to be effective.
Abstract
Malls originally were always located in affluent, low-crime suburban areas. The newer postmodern urban malls, those located near public transit stops, and those which include movie theaters and bars typically make more sales -- and have more crime problems. Courtyard malls are most conducive to burglary and may serve as a home to derelicts, whereas postmodern designs, in their complexity, tend to disperse crowds to make it feel less full and reduce the number of spots where people might congregate. Railings and benches designed for shopper safety and convenience can also be designed to be uncomfortable to lean or sit on for too long. As some parts of malls can now be considered public area, while others clearly remain private space, security and administration can be confusing. 35 references (Author abstract modified)