NCJ Number
204138
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: 2004 Pages: 31-41
Editor(s)
Rob Mawby
Date Published
2004
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the risks of robbery at petrol service stations in Australia and the impact on those petrol stations that fall victim to crime.
Abstract
In recent years, research into crime suffered by the business community has grown, receiving considerable attention. In addition, there has been a specific focus on the petrol retail industry and crime victimization. This paper continues to build on this research and examines the nature and extent of crimes committed against petrol retail outlets, specifically the risks of robbery at petrol service stations, the costs of crime, and the emotional impacts of the crime. The paper employs both official crime statistics and self report data to try and provide further insight. National data were used from the Australian Bureau of Statistics to determine whether petrol service stations in Australia were at lesser or greater risk of recorded robbery than other types of retail business and data were drawn from a national self-report survey to determine the nature and extent of crimes experienced within a 12-month period. The findings determined that petrol service stations in Australia are at greater risk of robbery than other types of retail business and the risk appears to be increasing. The biggest increase in robberies was seen between 19993 and 2001. In addition, the financial and emotional consequences can be substantial for those falling victim to crime. Risk factors must be identified differentiating victims from non-victims for appropriate crime prevention strategies. Tables, figures, notes, and references