Helping business communities develop a crime prevention program is similar to helping neighborhood residents with this task. Some organizing techniques are to approach businesses through their perceptions of crime problems, their sense that crime is costing them money, and their overall business needs. Business people should take responsibility for program leadership, planning, resource development, communication, and operation, with crime-prevention practitioners providing support and technical assistance. Planning for small business crime prevention involves needs assessment, planning, resource acquisition, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. One strategy is to form a Business Watch similar to Neighborhood Watch, whereby businesses look out for one another as well as themselves. Possible partners in an organized approach to crime prevention are Chambers of Commerce, business associations, service clubs, special interest associations/groups, government agencies, private security, and community associations. Some issues in business crime prevention are reduction in the fear of crime, commercial burglary prevention, and robbery prevention. Crime prevention for businesses can be enhanced through businesses' cooperation with and contributions to the community. Examples of effective business crime prevention programs are provided. 31 resource listings.
Organizing for Small Business Crime Prevention
NCJ Number
114043
Date Published
1988
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article outlines strategies and basic steps in crime prevention work with small businesses.
Abstract